You don't have to travel to London next year to partake in a historic Olympiad. Nope – you can make your travel plans around the Washington, D.C., area instead. What's that? You didn't realize the U.S. was hosting an Olympiad in 2012? Well, thanks to a $2.5 million grant from Dow Chemical Co. in collaboration with the American Chemical Society, the U.S. will host the 2012 International Chemistry Olympiad.
The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual academic competition for students at secondary school level with the aim of promoting international contacts in chemistry, friendship among young scientific workers of different nationalities, co-operation among the pupils, and exchange of educational and scientific experience in chemistry.
For only the second time in its 44-year history, the IChO will be hosted in the U.S. from July 21-30, 2012.
“As a global company with operations in more than 40 participating nations, Dow sees the International Chemistry Olympiad as a prime opportunity to help inspire the next generation of scientists,” says Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO. “With more than 95% of all manufactured products requiring some level of chemistry, highly educated and inspired scientists will help ensure a sustainable future for our company, our planet and our communities.”
More than 70 nations will send teams of four students for the 10-day event of exams, laboratory work and scientific and cultural excursions based at the University of Maryland, College Park, outside Washington, D.C. Competition will cover several areas of chemistry, including: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and spectroscopy. Qualifying student teams are typically chosen through a series of regional and national Olympiads.
For more information about the International Chemistry Olympiad (including a handy countdown clock), visit www.icho2012.org.
Traci Purdum
Senior Digital Editor
