Would you like to be a proud representative of the Sri Lankan team at the International Chemistry Olympiad 2023 in Switzerland?
The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is one out of the 12 International Science Olympiads held in the world for secondary school students of all levels from all over the globe with the objective of promoting their creativity and cognitive skills in solving Chemistry related problems. While identifying and recognising the most talented youngsters in Chemistry, the IChO helps to facilitate cordial relations between the youth of different nationalities and encourage networking.
In 2016, the IChO steering committee officially accepted the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) as the official organiser to conduct the Sri Lanka National Chemistry Olympiad competition (SLNCO) which is being organised annually by the Chemistry Olympiad Sri Lanka (COSL) committee and to train the team for the IChO competitions.
Last three years IChO competitions were held as remote examinations due to the pandemic. Sri Lanka participated in the IChO for the first time in 2020 and the team won three bronze medals and an honourable mention in this competition. In 2021 also the team secured three bronze medals and an honourable mention. In 2022, the team won a silver medal and 3 bronze medals in 54th IChO which is one of the best team performances by a Sri Lankan team at any international high school Science/Mathematics Olympiad competitions held so far. In addition, all four team members won the “Golden Monkey Award” for their outstanding performances in the virtual simulation experiment examination. These teams were trained by highly dedicated group of academics attached to the IChemC and state universities.
The COSL committee is eagerly waiting to select a team for the 55th International Chemistry Olympiad which will be held in Zurich, Switzerland in 2023 and expect even better performance from the team.
Applications are being called for the preliminary selection examination of the SLNCO 2023 which is scheduled to be held in February 2023. Students who are following Chemistry as a subject for the GCE Advanced Level (local or UK) can apply for the preliminary selection examination. Those who will sit for the GCE (A/L) in January 2023 for the first time can also apply. Application deadline is 15th December 2022.
The preliminary selection examination will be held on 19th February 2023 after the Advanced Level examination. Knowledge and problem-solving skills on 1-9 units in A/L syllabus and some specified advanced areas in Chemistry will be tested during this examination. Study materials/ presentations on advanced areas will be provided to the registered students. Based on the results of the preliminary selection examination the COSL committee will select 30-35 applicants for the final round of the SLNCO examination. National level gold, silver and bronze medal winners will be recognised at the Annual Sessions of the IChemC and will receive full/half scholarships to follow the BSc Honours degree programme in Chemical Science offered by the College of Chemical Sciences, the educational arm of the IChemC. Best four performers who are below 20 years of age as of July 1, 2023 will be eligible to represent Sri Lanka at the 55th International Chemistry Olympiad to be held in Switzerland.
This is a golden opportunity for highly talented students to represent the Sri Lankan team and bring glory to the motherland. Those who are interested in participating the National Chemistry Olympiad competition can visit the COSL website through the www.ichemc.edu.lk/cosl for more details.