Contents
350 young people from all over the world compete against each other in tests. According to the ETH Rector, this is promoting young talent.
The International Chemistry Olympiad is taking place in Switzerland for the first time. At ETH Zurich, 350 high school students will compete against each other until July 25th. They come from 90 countries and first had to qualify. Each country can send a maximum of four participants to the Olympiad, who must not be older than 20 years.
The competition consists of two five-hour exams – one with theoretical tasks and a practical exam with chemical experiments. But social interaction should not be neglected either, for example during a hike on the Rigi. ETH Rector Günther Dissertori says that such a major event is definitely worthwhile for ETH Zurich.
SRF News: The International Chemistry Olympiad opened on Monday. What can the young researchers expect in the next few days?
Günther Dissertori: On the one hand, the theoretical and practical tests in the laboratory, they are the heart of the competition. On the other hand, we offer a rich program with visits throughout Switzerland, for example to Lonza or the Paul Scherrer Institute.
What are you particularly looking forward to?
Clearly on the encounters with all these young people. I think it’s wonderful to meet these talented, motivated young people. Ultimately, it is always in ETH Zurich’s interest to attract the best talent from all over the world as potential students.
I think it’s wonderful to meet these talented, motivated young people.
What does this event bring to ETH Zurich and Switzerland in general?
It is a great opportunity to present Switzerland to an international audience as a location for education, research and industry. At the same time, we can remind the national audience that chemistry at ETH Zurich features at the top of international rankings – and let’s not forget – has produced ten Nobel Prize winners.
Legend:
Andrin Hauenstein (18) from Uster (ZH) represents Switzerland together with three other young people at the Chemistry Olympiad.
SRF/Nina Thöny
Are you still hoping for a new Nobel Prize winner here?
Who knows, maybe among these several hundred people there will actually be a future Nobel Prize winner.
An investment in the promotion of young people always pays off. This is one of the most important natural resources we have.
ETH Zurich has been preparing for this major event for over two years. This is also quite expensive. Can you reveal how much money ETH has invested in the Chemistry Olympiad?
The total budget for the event is around 4 million Swiss francs. Most of it comes from sponsors and donations. But of course ETH Zurich and the chemistry department also play their part.
That’s quite a large amount. Is it worth it?
In any case. An investment in the promotion of young people always pays off. This is one of the most important natural resources we have.
Nina Thöny conducted the interview.