The 54th International Chemistry Olympiad ( “IChO 2022”) launched in Nankai University, Tianjin, from July 10 to 18. Approximately 1,000 participants from 84 countries and regions around the world gathered online for this event.

As one of the largest and most influential tourism fairs globally, the IChO serves as a platform for international participants to compete in chemical expertise and experimental abilities, to showcase the achievements of the countries and regions in chemical education. It also serves to strengthen cultural communication and friendship among the participating countries.

During the 51st IChO held in Paris, France, in 2019, Nankai University won this year’s hosting duty. This is the second time this grand gathering of young chemical enthusiasts will be held in Chinese Mainland after 27 year, after Beijing hosted the International Chemistry Olympiad in 1995.

This year, a theory examination will be included to cover inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, structural chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Online virtual simulation experiments, using technologies such as computer simulation, virtual reality are also in the agenda to enable participants worldwide to experience chemical experiment operations online.

The organizing committee has planned 10 diversified activities to present international participants with a more authentic, vivid and complete experience of China.

Zhang Yuzhuo 

Zhang Yuzhuo, vice president of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), said that 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

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 make innovation and cultivate entrepreneurship.

Gábor Magyarfalvi

Gábor Magyarfalvi, chair of the IChO Steering Committee, said that in the past two years, affected by COVID-19, IChO had to be held online. China, the host country of IChO 2022, has made outstanding achievements in the history of IChO. At the same time, Nankai University, one of the organizers, has significant academic strength and worldwide reputation. He believes that IChO 2022 will bring a wonderful event to the “big family” of IChO, and expects that participants from all over the world will enjoy the beauty of chemistry online, make good in the event, and enhance their interest in chemistry.

Yao Jiannian

Yao Jiannian, president of the Chinese Chemical Society, delivered speeches as representatives of the organizers. “Since 1987, CCS started to participate in the event. CCS hosted the 27th IChO together with Peking University in 1995, and 27 years later, we will team up with Nankai University to organize the event again.”

At the opening ceremony on Sunday, Yang Shu, the First Prize winner of last year’s IChO, was invited to share his experience. He said that participating in the IChO 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 valuable inspiration.

Juline and Eve from the French delegation spoke as the representatives of participants. They thanked the organizing committee for its careful preparation, saying that they had been familiar with the competition schemes through the IChO 2022 website and Catalyzer, and were deeply impressed by the Chinese culture. In the event, they would like to join hands with all the participants to follow the principle of fairness and make an excellent performance.