Dear students,
Are you fascinated by life — from the hidden logic of cells to the complexity of ecosystems, evolution, disease, genetics, and the future secrets that the biologists of the future will discover?

Biology is not just about gaining factual knowledge of living organisms: to succeed in biology in the 21st century requires mathematics, statistics, data analysis, modelling, and problem-solving. To help you develop these skills, we are delighted to invite you to take part in the Cambridge Biology Challenge, an exciting new programme designed for ambitious GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and equivalent students across Asia who are ready to stretch themselves beyond the standard school curriculum.

The Cambridge Biology Challenge builds on a successful biology competition programme in the UK, now being developed in a bespoke format for students in Asia. Run by two academic biologists from Homerton College (University of Cambridge), the programme will not only reveal what a dynamic, fast-moving subject modern biology is, but also help you develop the skills needed to succeed at interview for highly selective universities.

All participants will also be supported by three themed tutorial sessions, which follow the format of the famous ‘Cambridge supervisions’ and ‘Oxford tutorials’. Each will look at an intriguing question, such as : why don’t animals have wheels?; why do we dream?; why doesn’t the heart get cancer? . In these sessions, you will get a chance to interact with Cambridge academics and practice the sort of puzzle-solving that occurs at university interviews; practice questions will be provided to help you and your peers see how these questions will be assessed in the CBC examination.

Students may take part in one or both of the following pathways:
The Challenge Track
A ‘CBC Challenge examination’ testing biological understanding, problem-solving, and quantitative biology skills. Questions are multiple-choice, calculation-based, or short answer.
The Essay Track
This additional track allows students to submit a research essay of up to 1,000 words, giving you the opportunity to investigate a biological question in depth, develop your scientific argument, and practice communicating your ideas clearly in written English.

Outstanding participants will be recognised through awards and certificates. Top awardees will be invited to attend the CBC Summer Camp at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, where they can enjoy Homerton’s unique science escape room and other exciting activities.

The formal competition will take place on 14 January 2027.

Whether you are already considering biology, medicine, natural sciences, biotechnology, psychology, environmental science, or just love science altogether, the Cambridge Biology Challenge Asia will help you build confidence, sharpen your thinking, and demonstrate your academic potential.

Most importantly, it is a chance to ask bigger questions:
How do living systems work?
How can biology help solve global problems?
What does it mean to think like a scientist?

We warmly encourage you to take part, challenge yourself, and join a community of young people across Asia who are excited by the future of biology.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Cambridge Biology Challenge Asia.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Paul Elliot
Dr Andrew Catherall-Ostler
Directors of the Cambridge Biology Challenge