Introduction
The Cambridge Biology Challenge (CBC) is an international biology challenge programme officially organised by Homerton College, University of Cambridge. It aims to cultivate students’ deep thinking and scientific inquiry skills in the life sciences. The questions are designed to integrate open-ended analysis with question-and-answer reasoning, with a style aligned with the biology assessments at the University of Cambridge, emphasising critical thinking, scientific reasoning, academic expression, and interdisciplinary analytical skills. Students are required not only to master biological knowledge, but also to learn to think about problems like scientists.
To help students enhance their academic thinking and interview skills during CBC preparation, the CBC Academic Committee not only provides challenge questions, but also offers monthly academic tutorials, along with live online sessions for question analysis and academic discussion, thus systematically strengthening students’ abilities in biological analysis, scientific reasoning, academic argumentation, and oral defence. Meanwhile, students and teachers will also have the opportunity to interact with and pose questions to Cambridge tutors. In addition, the Cambridge Biology Challenge offers a global biology coach plan to support school teachers to gain a deeper understanding of Cambridge-style biological problem analysis and academic defence thinking, and to assist students in systematic preparation.
Outstanding award-winning students will have the opportunity to be invited to Cambridge Biology Camp at Homerton College, where they will participate in academic exchanges and challenges alongside outstanding global students, while further developing the relevant core skills.
Organiser: Homerton College, University of Cambridge
Homerton College, University of Cambridge, with a history of over 250 years, is one of the largest colleges at the University of Cambridge, renowned for its excellence in education, academic innovation, and global talent development. The college has long been committed to promoting academic outreach and international educational exchange.
CBC Academic Committee
Dr. Paul Elliott
Dr. Paul Elliott currently serves as the Director of Studies in Biology and Admission Tutor for Sciences at Homerton College, University of Cambridge. He has long been involved in the student selection and academic interviewing process for Cambridge Natural Sciences programme, and possesses extensive experience in Cambridge-style scientific thinking development and academic ability assessment. His research interests primarily include aquatic ecology and invasive species control, and he is responsible for teaching the Cambridge undergraduate course “Evolution and Behaviour”. In the Cambridge Biology Challenge, Dr. Paul Elliott is primarily responsible for academic design and student development, committed to helping students build critical thinking and Cambridge-style scientific reasoning abilities.
Dr. Andrew Martin Catherall-Ostler
Dr. Andrew Martin Catherall-Ostler currently serves as a College Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, and has long been involved in Cambridge’s undergraduate teaching in Natural Sciences and academic outreach programmes. His research interests primarily include evolutionary biology, ecology, and the origin of life, with a particular focus on the exploration and analysis of “why” type scientific questions. Dr. Andrew is dedicated to advancing Cambridge-style scientific reasoning education centred on critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and interdisciplinary exploration, aiming to help students develop the ability to think about problems like scientists.
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 15 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.
— Dr Paul Elliott and Dr Andrew Catherall-Ostler【Directors of the Cambridge Biology Challenge】
