Contest to select the German team for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

The International Chemistry Olympiad - IChO for short - offers school students an opportunity to measure their skills in solving theoretical and experimental problems in the field of chemistry. Delegations from almost 70 countries take part in the international competition every year. The German team is selected in a four-phase selection procedure funded by the BMBF. Between 800 and 1000 young people take part in the contest nation-wide every year.

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What are the objectives of the competition?

The International Chemistry Olympiad and the selection procedure in Germany set out to support school students with a particular talent and interest in chemistry. The contest is aimed at upper form students, but the requirements are usually far more complex than the school chemistry syllabus. 
The contest does not only encourage students to tackle complex chemistry problems independently; it also offers the young contestants an opportunity to establish personal relationships and contacts with up-and-coming natural scientists in Germany and many other countries.

Who can participate?

Students at secondary schools are eligible to take part in the International Chemistry Olympiad. They must be under 20 years of age on 1 July of the year of the international contest and not have begun their university studies in the summer semester of that year. This does not apply to people performing military or civilian service.

How does the competition take place?

There are four preliminary national rounds. The tasks in the first round (May to September) are disseminated to schools via the Länder Ministries of Culture. Students solve these tasks independently at home. A score of 50% entitles the student to take part in the second round (September to December). Here too, the student works on the tasks at home. The 60 most successful students from these two rounds are invited to a selection seminar (third round). This consists of a comprehensive programme with lectures and practical tasks in the field of chemistry. The third round also involves two theory examinations. The best 15 students go through to the fourth round where the focus is on laboratory work. Here they have to demonstrate their abilities in a theory examination and a practical examination. The four best students make up the German team which takes part in the international competition.

What prizes and awards do participants receive?

Prizes include certificates, material prizes and practical placements at research institutions and in the chemical industry. The members of the German team are admitted to the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).
Younger pupils who score well may qualify for the European Science Olympiad (EUSO).

Who organizes the selection procedure for the International Chemistry Olympiad?

Organizers: Dr. Sabine Nick
Secretariat: Monika Barfknecht
IPN - Leibniz-Institut für die Pädagogik der Naturwissenschaften
an der Universität Kiel
Olshausenstr. 62
D - 24098 Kiel
Tel.: +49 (0) 431 / 880 - 3168
Fax: +49 (0) 431 / 880 - 5468
E-mail: icho@ipn.uni-kiel.de