Published:  00:00 Wednesday - July 15, 2009

The 20th International Biology Olympiad opened in Tsukuba City in Ibaraji province in Japan on July 13 with more than 200 students from 60 countries and territories taking part.

Vietnam has sent four students to the Olympiad, including Le Thuy Duong, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang and Duong Thu Huong.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Japanese Prince Akishino, who is the honorary president of the Olympiad, stated that biology is an important subject, which help to deal with global issues, such as diseases and famine.

This is the first time Japan has held the event. An awards ceremony will be held at the International Convention Centre on July 18.