Review: Chemistry Olympiad at D-CHAB

The weeks leading up to July 16 were filled with tension at D-CHAB as preparations for the upcoming event were underway. Boxes of laboratory gear, including goggles and coats needed to be acquired in advance. Additionally, around 260 volunteers were needed to assist during the event. Some were also active in the “lab assembly” squad or as author of the exams, which were then translated by professionals into nearly 30 different languages. However, it wasn't just about the exams; an appropriate accompanying program was also essential. Could there be a better opportunity to inspire the most brilliant young talents in chemistry to study at ETH and D-CHAB?

Discover D-CHAB, ETH and Zurich

The Olympians had to prove their endurance already at the beginning of the week. The opening ceremony, moderated by Prof. Helma Wennemers (LOC, D-CHAB), was followed by "Discover Zurich and ETH," a program that covered a wide range of activities. These included Jan Cvengros's colorful and explosive chemistry show, the Cybathlon, a city tour, and a campus experience. During the latter part of the program, participants were taken to the ETH library to see actual Chemistry Nobel Prizes belonging to Prelog, Ruzicka, and Ernst. They also got a glimpse of the scientists' personal items provided the Chemical and Pharmacognostic Collection D-CHAB. Finally, the Olympians had the opportunity to learn about how chemists conducted research and were taught at ETH a century ago through an exhibition that included augmented reality in the external page historical laboratory at CAB (video). 

The following day, D-CHAB's modern laboratories were on the schedule (external page see lab tour video). The group members of Máté Bezdek, Cornelia Halin, Jeffrey Bode, Roland Riek, Christophe Copéret / Paco Laveille, and Jeroen van Bokhoven shared current research insights from D-CHAB. Meanwhile, the main building hosted the external page Finding Solutions Fair (see video), which demonstrated that research sometimes goes beyond the laboratory and finds its way into industry. Besides IChO industry partners such as Novartis, Roche, and Givaudan, companies associated with D-CHAB like NEXMR, TransireBio, Synple Chem, Haelixa, and Dimpora, were also present, as well as inventions from the Groups Reiher and Kovalenko . The career evening, moderated by Prof. Máté Bezdek and Prof. Erick Carreira, provided further insights into studies and career opportunities.  

Between exam fever and yodel sounds

From Wednesday on, things got serious: the practical and theoretical exams not only challenged the Olympians, but also the scientific committee led by Prof. Wendelin Stark (ICB, D-CHAB), the exam authors, and the assistants. Several jury meetings and discussion rounds were held to ensure that the examination was correct and fair. Short breaks spent at the PSI, Lake Zurich, and the mountains were very welcome. While the experts at ETH continued to be busy with corrections until the weekend, the participants could start to relax Friday evening with yodeling, alphorn music and Älplermagronen and finally fully enjoy Switzerland, including charming Lucerne and spectacular views from Rigi.

During the closing ceremony and medal presentation on July 24th, some olympians may have achieved their (medal) hopes while others may have been disappointed. Nevertheless, everyone gained valuable experience, friendships, and knowledge. The Olympics may be over, but preparations for the next one in 2024 have already begun. The flag has now officially been passed on to the next host country: Saudi Arabia, offering a new chance and new luck for some Olympians. The countdown has already started.

Further information

Via external page IChO Website , article  More than winning medals or via videos external page D-CHAB YouTube channel