The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2023 took place in Switzerland for the first time in July. Senarclens, Leu + Partner organized the opening and closing ceremonies, the Finding Solutions Fair and the Career Evening in close cooperation with the IChO team. For the over 350 participants and their approximately 270 mentors from 89 countries In addition to the practical and theoretical examinations, the program included days of discovery in Switzerland: excursions to Valais, the Säntis and the Rigi were just as much a part of the program as visits to ETH research groups and meetings with companies and young researchers.

The Opening Ceremony, which started and ended on time like a Swiss watch, was dominated by the motivated participants, who were extremely proud to be able to represent their country at the Olympics. At the Finding Solutions Fair, the partner companies and organizations presented innovative solutions and engaged the young talents in lively discussions. As part of the Career Evening, the young people were given an insight into the everyday working lives of eight chemists. The crowning finale was the Closing Ceremony in the Tonhalle, which will remain a great memory not only for the participants but also for us with its presentations, the eagerly awaited medal ceremony and the concluding party. Discover more impressions here

Image source ETH Zurich | Scanderbeg Sauer Photography