The 54th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) kicked off on July 10 at Nankai University, with the participation of about 1,000 people from 84 countries.
Under the theme of "Change, Creation and Fusion", the event is scheduled to run online for nine days from July 10 to July 18.
As one of the largest and the most influential chemistry competitions around the world, the IChO serves as a platform for talented chemistry students to demonstrate their academic prowess, foster friendship, display youthful vitality and realize their dreams.
The opening ceremony was held both online and offline at Nankai University where the venue was decorated with strong Chinese characteristics and distinctive Nankai features.
At the opening ceremony, Zhang Yuzhuo, vice president of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), said that the IChO 2022 aims to advance science and technology, foster openness and integration, encourage innovation and creativity, cultivate talents, boost exchanges and cooperation in basic discipline education, and enhance friendship among young people from different countries.
As the co-organizer of IChO 2022, CAST is ready to work together with researchers from different countries to promote the global development of science and technology, enhance trust and exchanges among the international scientific and technological community.
Zhang Gong, mayor of Tianjin, said that Tianjin, with its solid industrial foundation, outstanding scientific research strength, as well as an open and inclusive urban culture, will provide a large platform and create favorable environment for young students and chemical talents from all over the world to enhance mutual understanding, make innovation and cultivate entrepreneurship.
Gábor Magyarfalvi, chair of the IChO Steering Committee, extended his sincere thanks to the host and organizers of this event on behalf of the Steering Committee of IChO and all the delegations. He believes that the world will see a wonderful event where participants can enjoy the beauty of chemistry online, roll out their best performances, and enhance their passion for chemistry.
Yang Shu, the First Prize winner of IChO in 2021, was invited to share his experience. He said that participating in the event was a new starting point for his chemistry study. In the competition, he developed friendships with his teammates and like-minded international friends, gaining unforgettable memories and inspiration.
As the representatives of participants, two students from the French delegation expressed their gratitude to the organizing committee for its careful preparation.
This year, a theory examination will be conducted in the competition, covering inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, structural chemistry, and analytical chemistry, etc.
Multiple measures have been taken to ensure the best experience of contestants without the limits of time and region. Teams can adjust their examination time in accordance with their time zones. Online virtual simulation experiments, with the help of technologies such as computer simulation and virtual reality, are available to better engage contestants worldwide in experiencing chemical experiment operations online.
The organizing committee has planned a series of diversified activities in order to present international participants with a more prismatic China with different dimensions. These activities will improve participants' understanding of China and Chinese culture and encourage them to contribute to the development of science and technology.
