SIOMMS: Evolution and development

Promotion of Machine and Mechanism Science (MMS) among young people worldwide is one of the missions of IFToMM. Conducting Student International Olympiads on MMS (SIOMMS) fully meets this mission and is considered as an essential tool for attracting talented youth to MMS as a science. The history of SIOMMS is approaching ten years. It is the right time to analyze the experience with such events. The article summarizes the experience of the first four SIOMMS, in terms of both organization and content. The topics that were included in the contest problems are described in detail. It is indicated which of the essential MMS topics were offered at each Olympiad. The article provides the texts of eight contest problems from the first Olympiad. Generalizations, conclusions, and recommendations are made regarding the procedure for conducting the Olympiads and preparing for them, which will be useful for future participants.