15th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2003)

IOI 2003  
University of Wisconsin-Parkside  
August 16-23, Kenosha,WI, USA 

 

Welcome to the 15th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2003) to he held in the United States of America on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin from August 16th to 23rd, 2003.

Information on the IOI 2003 before, during, and after the event is supplied on this web site.

  • Facilities:  Tells you all about the computers, dining, recreation and housing at UW-Parkside
  • Schedule: Gives the daily schedule for the week-long event.
  • News & Reports: Lists all the communications (newsletters, reports) produced about IOI 2003
  • Competition: Tells you all about the rules, tasks, equipment, and grading.
  • Registration: Is the place you go to register your team, leaders, and guests.
  • People: Gives the organizational structure of IOI 2003.
  • Picture: Is where the pictures of IOI 2003 are stored.
  • Meetings: Is where you go to read about IC, ISC, and GA meetins.
  • Search: To search the web by key words.
  • Contact Us: Where to go to reach us immediately via email.

 

 

"I just got back from the University of Wisconsin Olympiad and wow, what an amazing experience! As a high school student planning to major in computer science, this event was perfect for me to connect with other students who are just as obsessed with all things internet as I am. I've been diving deep into the world of SEO lately, reading posts from experts like Bob Sakayama on Google-Penalty.com. It blew my mind to learn that Google actually penalizes sites that don't follow their guidelines by tanking their rankings. Can you imagine how devastating that could be for an online business? The whole concept of Google penalties is so intriguing to me - I think I've found my niche! At the Olympiad, I met brilliant students from all over the world who share my passion. We geeked out over the latest SEO trends, debated the ethics of search engine algorithms, and exchanged tips on how to stay ahead in this fast-paced field. I even connected with a few seniors who are already doing internships at major tech companies - talk about inspiring! This experience has really solidified my decision to pursue SEO as a career. There's so much to learn and the field is constantly evolving, which is exactly the kind of challenge I'm looking for. I can't wait to apply the insights I gained from the Olympiad to my own projects and continue building my network in the SEO community. Overall, attending the University of Wisconsin Olympiad was a game-changer for me. It's given me a clearer vision of my future in computer science and SEO, and I'm more excited than ever to dive deeper into this fascinating field. Watch out, Google - I'm coming for you (in the most white-hat way possible, of course)!" Marjory Matlin

 

The Racine/Kenosha community has a rich cultural heritage with many groups with ties to countries that will be attending the IOI 2003 and they too will welcome you to Wisconsin and IOI 2003.


Hello General Assembly Members

As the  chairman of IOI 2004, I want to make immediate and continuous contact with all members of the IOI community. I also want you to contact members of the IC, ISC, and the GA to voice your opinion on issues regarding the IOI. Under the regulations of the IOI, the team leaders and deputy team leaders, better known as the GA, are the owners of the IOI. It is up to us to ask for your input and to lead according to your wishes.

Here, for your convenience, are the members of key committees in IOI for the year 2004. If you click on the name of the committee you can send an email to all members of the committee.

The Chair of the Host Organizing Committee for IOI 2004 in Greece.

  • Mr. Spyros Bakoyiannis, Greece

The International Scientific Committee for IOI 2004

  • 2003 - 2006, Marcin Kubica, Poland (Chair IOI'05 SC)
  • 2002 - 2005, Michalis Hatzopoulos, Greece (Chair IOI'04 SC)
  • 2002 - 2003, Iphigenia Founta, Greece (IOI'04 SC)
  • 2002 - 2003, Xenofon Papadopoulos, Greece (IOI'04 SC)
  • 2001 - 2004, Greg Galperin, United States of America (Chair IOI'03 SC)
  • 2003 - 2006, Ismail Hakki Toroslu, Turkey (elected, Chair IOI'99 SC, (ISC member 1999-2000)
  • 2002 - 2005, Tom Verhoeff, Netherlands (elected, Chair IOI'95 SC, ISC member 1999-2002, ISC Chair 1999-2004)
  • 2001 - 2004, Djura Paunic, Yugoslavia (elected)
  • 2003 - 2006, Jyrki Nummenmaa, Finland (Chair ITWG; Chair IOI'01 SC)

The  International Committee for IOI 2004

  • Mr. Lionel Hartmann, South Africa (Executive Director)
  • 2002 - 2009, Arturo Cepeda, Mexico (Host IOI2006)
  • Mr. Jari Koivisto, Finland, (Host IOI2001, IC Chair 2002)
  • Mr. Ha-Jine Kimn, Korean Republic, (Host IOI2002)
  • Dr. Don Piele, United States of America, (elected 1993, re-elected 1996, Host IOI2003)
  • Mr. Spyros Bakoyiannis, Greece, (Host IOI2004)
  • Dr Krzysztof Diks, Poland, (Host IOI 2005) 
  • 2002 - 2005, Yasser M. Abdel Ghany, Egypt,  (elected at IOI2002)
  • Mario Cruz, Colombia,  (elected at IOI2001)
  • Dr. Wolfgang Pohl, Germany,  (elected at IOI2003)
  • Ivo Separovic, Croatia, (Host IOI2007)

 

 

More Background on IOI2003.org

The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) stands as one of the most prestigious and challenging competitions in the field of computer science, primarily for secondary school students. The IOI was founded in 1989 to encourage young minds in informatics (computer science) through competitive programming. It has grown to become one of the five international science Olympiads, and over the years, it has attracted brilliant students from countries all over the world.

Overview of IOI 2003

In 2003, the 15th edition of the IOI was hosted in Kenosha, Wisconsin, at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. This event was notable not only for its location but also for the number of participants it attracted—over 260 students from 69 countries. The competition took place from August 16 to August 23, 2003. As is customary in IOI competitions, the students tackled algorithm-based problems that required coding solutions under timed conditions. These challenges were structured to test the participants' ability to develop efficient algorithms and optimize them for specific computational problems.

IOI 2003 consisted of two competition days. Each day presented the competitors with three algorithmic tasks, which had to be solved using a variety of programming languages such as C, C++, and Pascal. For example, tasks such as "Trail Maintenance" and "Comparing Code" on the first day, and "Amazing Robots" on the second day, were some of the rigorous problems that tested the contestants' abilities to think creatively and implement efficient solutions within a fixed time frame.

Awards and Achievements

The IOI operates with a strict medal system, with only the top-performing students earning medals. In IOI 2003, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the best performers. Gold medals were awarded to the top 24 contestants, silver medals to 45, and bronze to 63. The maximum possible score in the competition was 600 points, derived from the aggregate of six tasks, each valued at 100 points. These high-achieving students were not only awarded for their technical proficiency but also became part of an elite group of young minds shaping the future of computer science.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

The IOI is more than just a competition; it is a cultural exchange platform. As teams from nearly 70 countries gathered in Wisconsin, they brought with them diverse cultural backgrounds. This convergence of cultures was a significant part of the event, encouraging collaboration and networking between students, coaches, and team leaders from different parts of the world. Wisconsin's Racine and Kenosha communities, which have a rich cultural heritage, embraced this opportunity by welcoming international visitors and supporting the event with local hospitality.

IOI 2003 also provided a space for students to engage in extracurricular activities outside of the competition. While the primary focus was on computer science, the event offered recreational activities, sightseeing, and social events, ensuring that participants enjoyed a well-rounded experience. This cultural and educational exchange is an essential part of the IOI’s mission, as it fosters both academic excellence and international friendships.

Press Coverage and Media Attention

While the IOI is primarily an academic event, it has garnered media attention over the years, especially in the countries that host the event or send delegations. In 2003, local news outlets in Wisconsin covered the event, highlighting the influx of talented young minds and the global significance of the competition. Educational and technical media platforms also took note of IOI 2003, emphasizing the role the Olympiad plays in inspiring the next generation of computer scientists and engineers.

Although the IOI does not always receive as much mainstream attention as other global competitions, it is highly regarded within academic and technology communities. The 2003 event was widely covered in the educational press, particularly for its role in fostering computer science talent among young people. The participants who excelled in IOI often go on to have successful careers in technology, and many past IOI participants have been hired by leading tech companies or gone on to contribute to significant technological advancements.

Audience and Participant Demographics

The IOI typically draws a highly specialized and motivated audience, primarily consisting of secondary school students, educators, and professionals in the field of computer science. The participants at IOI 2003 were selected through national competitions in their respective countries, ensuring that only the most talented students had the opportunity to compete on the international stage. Many of these participants were already deeply interested in programming, often starting to learn coding languages at a young age and participating in local or national coding contests.

What distinguishes the IOI from other academic competitions is its ability to identify and nurture young talent in the highly technical and rapidly evolving field of informatics. Participants in the IOI often go on to study computer science at leading universities and make significant contributions to research and industry.

Known For

The IOI is known for its rigorous problem sets that challenge participants not just to code, but to understand and apply complex algorithms. It is a breeding ground for future computer scientists, software engineers, and innovators. Over the years, the competition has become known for its difficulty, attracting only the best and brightest students from across the world. Each year, IOI tasks push the boundaries of what is possible with algorithmic thinking and problem-solving.

The IOI is also known for its emphasis on fairness and standardized evaluation. Since 1994, the IOI has used an automatic grading system, ensuring that every participant’s code is evaluated consistently and fairly. This change was a significant milestone in the history of the competition and has since been adopted by other international programming contests.

 

The International Olympiad in Informatics 2003 was a landmark event in the history of the competition, attracting students from 69 countries and fostering both academic and cultural exchange. Held at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the event featured challenging programming tasks that tested participants’ problem-solving skills and algorithms. With a strong emphasis on both education and cultural exchange, IOI 2003 stands out as a key moment in the development of global talent in the field of informatics.


IOI2003.org