The two Olympiads are held annually to get students excited about chemistry and to give talent a chance to present themselves nationally and internationally in an original and less school-like manner. After two written preliminary rounds at school, the best students are selected. With this competition, students can discover and further develop their talent in chemistry. In total, almost six thousand students participated in both Olympiads.
The Olympiad week was held for the first time in the Netherlands at Maastricht University (UM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Flemish came together for the final on the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Award Ceremony
In addition to Kjeld Zwitserloot (17 years, 5V) from the Gymnasium Beekvliet in Sint-Michielsgestel at number 1, the Dutch numbers 2, 3 and 4 consisted of: Jesse van der Waal (18 years, 6V) from the Stanislascollege Westplantsoen in Delft, Niels van den Bosch (16 years, 6V) from the Johan de Witt Gymnasium in Dordrecht and Koen Coyajee (16 years, 5V) from the Utrechts Stedelijk Gymnasium. In Flanders, the lucky ones were Aaron Verniest from the Sint-Lodewijkscollege Sint-Andries at number 1 and Casper Faulconer from the GO! Atheneum Dendermonde at number two. All these students may represent their country at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
The winners of the NSO represent the Netherlands at the 56and International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). This will be held from 21 to 30 July in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Approximately 90 countries will participate. The competition element consists of a practical test and a theoretical test of five hours each. The other moments are filled with all kinds of cultural, educational and sports activities. In 2025, the IChO will be held in the United Arab Emirates.
