International Chemistry Olympiad 2023
Zürich, Switzerland
From the 16th to the 25th July 2023, 348 talented young students from 89 different delegations competed at the International Chemistry Olympiad hosted by ETH Zurich. However, this event was about more than just winning medals.
FINDING SOLUTIONS
Finding solutions was the central theme of IChO 2023. The wordplay is intentional. On the one hand, a solution in chemistry is a homogeneous mixture consisting of two or more chemically pure substances. On the other hand, a solution is what is needed to accomplish a task or problem.
The IChO 2023 had both meanings in mind. No chemistry competition would be possible without the help of solutions, solutes, and solvents. At the same time, finding solutions to the challenges that affect our world is critical. With the support and innovation of passionate and dedicated young chemists, it will be possible to improve our quality of life and meet the challenges of our time and of the generations to come.
A message from the Organising Committe
We, the Organising Committee of IChO 2023, asked ourselves what "Finding Solutions" could mean for our daily work. For us, the solution was sustainability. We use sustainability as a guideline for the choices we make while organising transport options, choosing interview partners or deciding which gifts our guests will receive. How does the IChO contribute to sustainability?
Find out what the organising team is doing to ensure that the International Chemistry Olympiad reduces its impact on our environment. And how these actions link to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Education, research and innovation
High-quality education
The IChO promotes education in chemistry for thousands of students through national competitions in almost 100 countries. The aim is to continue to increase the number of young people supported with the resources available.
Education for sustainable development
Contributing to a sustainable world calls for expertise in all disciplines and multi-faceted skills. We provide participants with expertise in chemistry and related sciences such as physics or biology. We promote competencies such as personal responsibility, social and future awareness, and interactive, interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
Partnerships
Together we achieve more. Exciting formats and long-term collaborations are created with a wide variety of organisations, clubs and associations. We are grateful for a valuable, extensive and proactive network
Equal opportunities and inclusion
Barrier-free participation
Participation in an IChO is made as accessible as possible to all young people, whatever their language, gender or financial situation. For example, a fund has been set up to subsidise fees for countries that are only able to pay part of them.
Volunteering and participation
Framework conditions will be created that recognise and show appreciation of the volunteers who form a mainstay of the IChO 2023.
Exchange between people and cultures
Whether between young people and researchers or between like-minded people from all over the world, the IChO promotes exchange with others, a change of perspective and mutual understanding on an international level.
Work, economy and consumption
Good working conditions for employees and volunteers
The IChO is a long-term platform guiding young talents towards future management positions. This project will allow us to discover and promote talent for science and business.
Responsible consumption
In our direct consumption and procurement, we respect and take into account ecological and social impacts and interrelationships.
Climate and environmental protection
Reducing our footprint
We make every effort to counteract food waste. At a large event like the IChO, offering around 18‘500 meals, this is of great importance.
Knowledge transfer
Within the framework of the event and, above all, in the campaigns leading up to it, we actively make knowledge accessible to our participants, volunteers and the national public. Various project options are being discussed which, with the appropriate financial support, could be developed and implemented.
The focus of the IChO is on chemistry, pharmaceuticals and life sciences – innovative sciences that offer solutions to urgent challenges such as energy supply or climate change. The sciences also help us to better understand the complex interrelationships in nature, and so strengthen our knowledge and awareness of the environment.
Final report
The final report summarizes not just the achievements of the organizers but, in particular, the challenges encountered along the way. The appendix contains org charts, Catalyzer editions, exams and solutions and rankings.
Exams and Results
You can find the exams, solutions, author contributions list and ranking of IChO 2023 in the appendix to the final report.
Multimedia
In order to communicate with the IChO community and a broader public in Switzerland and beyond, we chose different channels: Social Media, the Catalyzer Magazine, Media Relations, Videos and Pictures.
Organizers and Partners
International Science Olympiads in Switzerland
Switzerland had and has the great opportunity of hosting other International Olympiads before IChO:
- European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics 2021
- European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad 2017
Contact
For general questions about the International Chemistry Olympiad:
Please contact the International Information Centre of the International Chemistry Olympiads.
For organisational questions about IChO 2023:
Please feel free to contact our team at the office of Science Olympiad Switzerland:
For academic or technical questions about IChO 2023:
Please contact the Swiss Chemistry Olympiad: