The opening of the International Chemistry Olympiad
On 20 July, the 50th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) was officially opened in the Old Market Hall in Bratislava. Since 1968 this prestigious event has taken place in thirty countries. The aim of the Olympiad is to raise awareness of chemistry and science among students.
Today the International Chemistry Olympiad was ceremoniously opened by Comenius University Rector, Professor Karol Mičieta: “I am very happy to welcome you all to Bratislava as passionate fans of chemistry. It is a great pleasure and honour for me to welcome you here on behalf of the academic community of Comenius University for this special event. The first International Chemistry Olympiad was held in Prague in Czechoslovakia in 1968. It is very symbolic that at a time when we commemorate one hundred years since the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918, which was followed by the establishment of our university one year later, we are hosting the fiftieth edition of this significant international event along with our Czech partners. I would like to thank my colleagues and our partners for their enthusiasm and investment of great effort in preparing this prestigious international event which supports findings in chemistry and scientific research and strengthens friendships and international cooperation. Last but not least, I would like to thank you all for your active participation.”
IChO is taking place from 19 to 29 July 2018. In its 50th year, it has returned to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which is where it all began. The main organizers of this year’s event are Comenius University in Bratislava the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. The competition itself will take place in Bratislava, and the jury will work in Prague, which is where the evaluation ceremony will take place. Participants have come from 82 countries and five continents. The number of competitors this year should be over 300, which is a new record.
Slovakia regularly places between tenth and twentieth out of the participating countries. Since independence, Slovakia has won 10 gold, 39 silver, and 37 bronze medals as well as two honorary mentions. Some successful participants from the past now teach at Comenius University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, including Associate Professor Martin Putala (President of the 50th IChO for Slovakia), Professor Jozef Noga, Associate Professor Ivan Valent, Dr Erik Szabó, and Dr Lukáš Konečný.
Also see: