International Chemistry Olympiad

The RSC organises the selection and training of the UK team for the International Chemistry Olympiad competition. An Online Chemistry Olympiad  for UK lower sixth students and a Chemistry Check-up test are also available. 

The UK selection process is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from INEOS, the world's third largest producer of chemicals, and by the Royal Society.

International Chemistry Olympiad - UK Upper Sixth Students

Each year we organise the selection of the UK team for this exciting competition. The successful students go on to take part in an international  final.

The International Chemistry Olympiad offers a fantastic opportunity to travel and meet fellow chemistry enthusiasts from all over the world.

 

Round I

The selection process is open to all UK upper sixth students. It starts with Round I - a challenging written test of chemical knowledge, and quite an event in itself! Gold, silver and bronze certificates are awarded and prizes are given to the top 50 performers.

The questions posed in Round I often stimulate much debate on, and enthusiasm for, chemistry - raising awareness of what the subject is all about. Tackling the Round I paper also provides a good opportunity to develop some of the skills required for study at university and beyond.

The 'INEOS prize' is an award for the best performing new school. Any state school that has not entered the UK Chemistry Olympiad more than once in the past five years, will be eligible. The student achieving the highest mark, from an eligible school, will win £1000 for their school chemistry department, to spend on enhanced equipment or materials to help promote chemistry and its understanding.

The International Final

Budapest played host to the 2008 Olympiad Final, with teams from 66 countries taking part. The UK team was once again extremely successful - picking up two silver and two bronze medals. 

The competition tests students' chemical knowledge and practical skills, but also allows time for social activities during the ten day event. All participants have the opportunity to experience the scenery, culture and history of the host country.

The 2009 Final will be held in Cambridge, UK and the 2010 Final will be held in Tokyo, Japan. To get involved, look at the information on the Upper Sixth Olympiad. Further details, including past papers and marking schemes, are also available.