Saudi Arabia is hosting the 56th edition of the International Chemistry Olympiad 2024 (IChO 2024) in Riyadh, from July 21 to July 30, 2024, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) organizes the event, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and King Saud University, which hosts the competitions.
Sponsored by the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), 333 students from 90 countries participate in IChO 2024. 260 chemistry experts will supervise, evaluate, and judge the competitors.
The participating students will compete for 10 certificates of appreciation, 110 bronze medals, 70 silver medals, and 35 gold medals. Final results will be decided on July 28, at 11 pm.
International Chemistry Olympiad
IChO is the largest annual scientific competition in chemistry for general education students. The first edition was launched in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1968. Since then, the competition is held annually over 10 days. A different country hosts the event each year.
The annual competition features the world’s most chemistry talented students at the secondary school level. Each nation sends a team made up of four students and two mentors, in addition to a group of guests and scientific observers. During the competition, the team passes a five-hour laboratory practical exam and a five-hour written theoretical examination to test their chemistry knowledge and skills.
Saudi Participation
Saudi Arabia participated in the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2004 and 2005 as an observer. In 2006 and 2007, the Kingdom participated with students. Then, it again joined as an observer in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Since 2011 to present, Saudi Arabia has participated with students.
Hosting the 56th edition of the IChO is a testament to Saudi students’ excellence on the international stage. Moreover, it enhances the Kingdom’s status as a leading global destination in various scientific domains.
