#IChO - The connecting power of chemistry
Stefan Schmid and Magdalena Lederbauer met at a Chemistry Olympiad five years ago. Both won several “Olympic” medals during their school years. Now the two Austrians are studying chemistry at the D-CHAB of ETH Zurich and are task authors at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2023. In the interview, they talk about their fascination for chemistry, their studies at ETH, and their Olympiad experiences that continue to influence them to this day.
How can chemistry help us meet future global challenges?
Magdalena: I think the power of chemistry is its interdisciplinarity. I'm, for instance, particularly excited about computational chemistry. You can integrate it into diverse fields: from drug development to renewable energy. So much is still undiscovered, which holds great potential for solutions. Our task as chemists is to find or create the best solution.
Stefan: In my Master's thesis, I am working on solutions for using artificial intelligence [AI] as a "tool" in chemistry. The hope is that it can help to make certain processes faster and more automated. This way, for example, the discovery of new drugs or new catalysts can be accelerated.
How do you experience studying at ETH Zurich?
Stefan: I am thrilled, for me, it is comparable to a longer IChO. There's no doubt that it's a challenge – the learning load is tough. But in the end, it's worth it, because of the good quality of the education, and because the many ambitious students at ETH create an inspiring atmosphere.
Magdalena: For me, the Bachelor's degree at ETH was a dream come true! Here you are in contact with top-class researchers and have the opportunity to carry out exciting, challenging projects. Aside from my studies, I especially appreciate the opportunity to get involved in different associations such as the Young Swiss Chemical Society and the Society of Women in Natural Sciences.
You are the webmaster for the Society of Women in Natural Sciences, or WiNS for short. Why is extracurricular involvement so important to you?
Magdalena: Being involved in WiNS is very enriching. Our mission is to empower women in the natural sciences and shape a more inclusive, diverse community at ETH. We organize numerous exciting events and highlight things that help improve our community. I can only recommend to every student that they should drop by one of our events.
You have both participated in the IChO several times and won medals. Moreover, you met each other at the IChO. How do you remember those times?
Stefan: The two IChOs I participated in were unforgettable experiences. I was nervous before the competitions, but everyone feels the same way. At that time, I even carried the practice exercises with me when we travelled around for sightseeing [laughs]. Despite the tension, the atmosphere before the exams was always collegial – and even more so after the exams, of course, because then the "work" was done.
Magdalena: Stefan and I met in 2018 at my first national competition in Austria. We both qualified for the IChO. We had a great time in a great team. Chemistry connects, as our teacher always said! Stefan then started his studies, and I continued to participate in Olympiads: for example, in 2019 in Paris and online from home during the pandemic year 2020. I watched the award ceremony via YouTube back then – shortly before I started my studies at ETH.
Now, you are both task authors for IChO 2023. What have you personally taken away from your olympic years?
Stefan: Friends like Magdalena, but also expertise and my work ethic: venturing into difficult problems and dealing with them is an important exercise. This will also be of great help to IChO participants later in their studies.
Magdalena: I also gained expertise, but above all, I appreciate the newly gained network. Now I know people from all over the world: they are professional contacts as well as friends for life. In addition, it was my teachers and mentors at the Olympiad who encouraged me to become a chemist. Now I'm happy to be able to give something back as an author – it's a whole new task for me to create creative and tricky examples for the IChO 2023.
What advice do you have for this year's IChO participants?
Stefan: You can already look forward to it. We will do everything to make the IChO 2023 a great experience for you. Enjoy it and make as many new friends as possible!
Magdalena: That would be my advice, too. Keep being enthusiastic about chemistry and enjoy the competition. I also hope that the IChO will be promoted by future generations worldwide – it's up to you!
