A strong performance at the 41st International Chemistry Olympiad

A team of teenagers from NZ achieved great results in the 41st International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) this year.

All four entrants were awarded medals with Joel Lawson of Auckland coming top, winning silver. Team-mates Hsiao-Chen Jan from Christchurch, Jared Lewis from Alexandra and Hyun-Sun Roh from Auckland each won bronze.

The competitors sat two challenging examinations in theoretical and practical chemistry, competing against the best chemistry students from around the world.

A total of 253 young scientists, making up 65 national teams, took part.

Medals were awarded at a grand closing ceremony in the historic King’s College antechapel at Cambridge. The close links and friendships between the teenage competitors that the IChO fosters were evident as the students collected their awards.

At the end of the ceremony, the IChO flag was transferred to next year’s host, Japan.

The IChO is an annual event that aims to test the most promising chemistry students while promoting co-operation and the exchange of scientific experience among the pupils.