THE HARVARD CRIMSON
GLOBAL QUIZ BOWL

BIOLOGY

For Middle and High School Students

Register Now!
Priority Registration Deadline
May 15, 2025
Option to compete in one or multiple quiz categories
Full-length practice test available (in June)

This competition is for you if you’re passionate about or studying or planning to study:

  • Biology

Summary

Preliminary Round
Online test with multiple choice and short answer questions
Semi-Final Round
Live rapid-fire questions via Zoom
Final Round
Live rapid-fire questions via Zoom
Team Size
2-5 students from the same school
Age Categories
Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12)
Ten Quiz Categories
Choose to participate in one or more categories.

About The Harvard Crimson

Founded in 1873, The Harvard Crimson is the official student newspaper of Harvard University, and the oldest continuously published daily college newspaper in the United States. The Crimson has a rich tradition of journalistic integrity and counts among its ranks of editorship some of America's greatest journalists. More than 40 Crimson alumni have won the Pulitzer Prize; many of their portraits line the walls of The Crimson.

Countless Crimson alumni have gone on to make history in journalism, business, public service, and politics; distinguishable figures include Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Steve Ballmer, Linda Greenhouse, Jim Cramer, Susan Wojcicki and more.

Learn More

Why Join the Harvard Crimson Global Quiz Bowl - Biology?

Boost Your Academic Profile

Stand out in school and college applications by demonstrating your mastery of STEM knowledge

Excel in Your Studies

Reinforce key STEM knowledge covered or will be covered in your school curriculum

Gain Global Recognition & Networking Opportunities

Earn awards and meet like-minded peers who share your passion for STEM

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How does the competition work?

Team size

2-5 students per team
(all team members must be from the same school)

Categories

Middle School Category

Grade 6 - 8 (Year 7 - 9)

High School Category

Grade 9 - 12 (Year 10 - 13)

What do teams need to do?

Preliminary: Test
Semi-final round: Live rapid fire questions
Final round: Live rapid fire questions
Register Now!

Competition Format

Preliminary round

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Description: The preliminary round is open to all registered teams worldwide

Format:

  • A 60-minute Test (multiple choice and short question)
  • Each team member will individually attempt a set of test questions
  • Only the top two scores will be used to calculate the team’s total score

No proctoring is not required. The test will be conducted online with anti-cheating algorithms in place. Participants must use a laptop or computer with a camera and keep it on throughout the test.

Test Scope:

Middle School

The scientific method and its role in biological research, the characteristics of living organisms, cell structure and function (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, organelles, and cell processes), photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics and heredity (DNA, Punnett squares, traits, and inheritance), the classification of living things (kingdoms, species, and taxonomy), ecosystems and food webs, the human body systems (circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and skeletal systems), plant structure and function, animal adaptations and evolution, microorganisms and their role in health and disease, and the impact of humans on the environment (pollution, conservation, and biodiversity). 

Students should be able to identify these terms from biology, including biological processes and cells.

Ex: What organelle produces energy for the cell and is commonly known as “the powerhouse of the cell?”

A: Mitochondria  

High School

The scientific method and experimental design in biological research, the structure and function of cells (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, organelles, and cellular processes such as mitosis and meiosis), biochemical processes including photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics and heredity (Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, DNA replication, transcription, and translation), evolution and natural selection, classification of life (domains and kingdoms, taxonomy, and phylogenetic trees), ecosystems and ecological interactions (food chains, trophic levels, population dynamics, and biogeochemical cycles), human anatomy and physiology (circulatory, nervous, digestive, immune, and endocrine systems), microbiology (bacteria, viruses, and their roles in health and disease), and the impact of biotechnology (CRISPR, genetic engineering, cloning, and bioethics). 

Students should be able to identify the structure and function of cells and organelles, major body systems, key biological processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and principles of genetics and evolution. They should also be able to interpret experimental data, recognize ecological relationships, and apply biological knowledge to health, environment, and biotechnology topics. 

Ex: The gland that controls metabolism and secretes thyroxine and triiodothyronine is known as what?

A: Thyroid gland 

Preparation: Full-length practice tests and test scope will be available soon
Where: Online
Saturday, September 20, 2025:
Biology
  • Asia Pacific: 1:15pm Tokyo Time
  • Europe, Middle East, Africa: 10:15am London Time
  • North America , South America: 12:15pm New York Time
Note: To accommodate participants from various time zones, the test will be conducted in three different time slots.Your test time has been set according to the country you specified in the system.

Semi-final round

October 18, 2025

Description: The top 30 highest-scoring teams in each quiz category from the preliminary round will qualify for the global semi-final round. All semi-final rounds across all quiz categories will take place at the same time.

Format: Live Zoom session to answer rapid-fire questions

Where: Online
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (10:00am - 11:00am EST)

Final

October 18, 2025

Description: The top 5 performing team from the semi-final round in each quiz category will advance to the global final round.

Format: Live Zoom session to answer rapid-fire questions

Where: Online
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (11:00am - noon EST)
Register Now!

Competition Timeline

Registration Deadlines and Participation Fees

Priority Deadline
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Fees: US$30 per student per category
Regular Deadline
Deadline: August 15, 2025
Fees: US$40 per student per category
Late Deadline
Deadline: September 6, 2025
Fees: US$50 per student per category

Fee waiver is available for individual low-income students. Please ask your school counselor or principal to send an email titled 'Fee Waiver Request' to waivers@algoed.co from their official school email with your email address and confirm you need a waiver.

All fee waivers must be requested before the regular deadline.

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Recognition

All participants will be awarded a certificate of participation. Participants will also receive their scores.
Preliminary Round
Country + Regional Awards
Champion
1st Runner Up
2nd Runner Up
Honor
Merit
Individual Awards
Top participants will receive individual honors, even if their teams may not win any awards.
Team Awards
Teams will be awarded based on the sum of their two highest individual scores.
Note
To qualify for country awards, participants must achieve a score above 70%. In other words, if a country has only one team, and it scores below 70%, no award will be granted.
Final Round
Global Awards
Global Champion
Global 1st Runner Up
Global 2nd Runner Up

Join the Challenge

This competition is more than a contest; it's your gateway to the fascinating realm of global knowledge and academic exploration.

Interested in more than just Biology?

The Harvard Crimson Global Quiz Bowl offers multiple categories, including Government & Politics, History, Economics & Business, STEM, and Sports. You can join different teams for different categories and expand your knowledge across multiple subjects! Explore your interests and maximize your chances to compete and win.

Register Now!

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