Flashback: 1982 – chemical Olympiads

Following the success of a chemical Olympiad for schools organised by the University of East Anglia, the RSC suggested the idea of chemical Olympiads to be organised by RSC local sections. The East Midlands Section saw this as a valuable extension of its activities. An initial trial was arranged in Northamptonshire last year and generated so much enthusiasm and interest that, this year, the Olympiad is being organised on a section-wide basis. Four heats in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire are being held, together with a final. Currently there are over 35 schools entered with about 350 children taking part. Any local sections organising chemical Olympiads may like to consider the possibility of a national competition in future years.

Chemistry in Britain (June 1982)

Ed. The RSC now organises an annual UK Chemistry Olympiad on a national basis, as the selection process to provide a UK team to compete in the International Chemical Olympiad (started in Prague in 1968 with three teams representing Czechoslovakia, Poland and Hungary). Our UK team was very successful in the 43rd International Olympiad competition held in Turkey in 2011.

David Edey from Alcester Grammar School in Warwickshire won a gold medal in the Olympiad after defeating hundreds of students from around the world in a global chemistry competition, his outstanding score of 94.8% placing him third in the world!