Introduction and Participation
For the first time in its history, Mexico was invited to participate in the 59th International Chemistry Olympiad Mendeleev (IMChO), an event recognized by UNESCO as equivalent to the International Olympics. In this edition, held in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Mexican representatives achieved podium results, securing a bronze medal for Adrián Pacheco Toledo.
The IMChO59 saw the participation of 192 students from 39 countries, marking the first time the event was hosted in a Latin American venue.
About the Competition
The International Chemistry Olympiad consists of three exams: two theoretical and one experimental. The first theoretical exam tasks are similar in difficulty to advanced chemistry curriculum in high school, while the second exam is at a higher level. The experimental exam, lasting five hours, requires laboratory skills, including those necessary for chemical analysis and synthesis following a specified procedure.
Unlike the International Chemistry Olympiad, there is no set curriculum or preparatory problem set in the Mendeleev Olympiad. Students face various chemistry topics behind the competition tasks.
Award Winners
Zhao Yaosi from China won the absolute first place and the Academic Lunin First Grade Prize, along with the title of “Best Theorist.” Mendigali Kaldybay from Kazakhstan was awarded “Best Practitioner.”
The Love for Chemistry and Its Impact
At the closing ceremony, Helena B. Nader, president of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, addressed the attendees, describing this year’s Olympiad as an incredible blend of intelligence, culture, and friendship. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and science in addressing global challenges.
Nader reminded students that their participation alone is a significant achievement. She encouraged them to cherish this experience, remembering that despite their diverse backgrounds, they all belong to the same family – those who love chemistry and its impact on our global society. She urged them to stay curious, strive for excellence, and continue promoting science for everyone’s benefit.
Since 2020, the Melnichenko Foundation has awarded absolute winners of the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad with the Academic Valery Lunin Prize, honoring the founder of the Mendeleev Olympiad. The prize money for 2025 was 1,000,000 rubles for first place, 500,000 rubles for second place, and 350,000 rubles for third place.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was the Mexican delegation in the 59th International Chemistry Olympiad Mendeleev? The delegation consisted of Adrián Pacheco Toledo (Morelos), Jaime Lafarga Castañeda (Sinaloa), David Ernesto Ceja Aguirre (Michoacán), and César Ronaldo Tamayo Hinojosa (Veracruz). They were selected from the 2025 National Chemistry Olympiad (ONQ) held in Querétaro from February 19-23, 2025.
- What is the significance of Mexico’s participation in the IMChO59? Carlos Mauricio Castro, national coordinator of the ONQ, stressed the importance of students exchanging experiences with peers from various countries. The bronze medal won by Adrián Pacheco Toledo demonstrates that Mexican students are well-prepared for international competitions.
- What is the role of the International Chemistry Olympiad Mendeleev? According to Stepan Kalmykov, president of the IMChO59 organizing committee, the Olympiad serves as a crucial tool for developing the international chemical community. It facilitates knowledge transfer and improvement of leading global chemical education practices while fostering high-level student development.
- What message did Helena B. Nader convey to the students? Nader emphasized the importance of teamwork and science in addressing global challenges. She encouraged students to cherish their experience, remembering their shared love for chemistry and its impact on society. She urged them to stay curious, strive for excellence, and promote science for everyone’s benefit.
