Tbilisi Hosts 48th International Chemistry Olympiad

On July 31, the eight-day 48th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) came to a close in Tbilisi, having seen around 300 students from 75 countries arrive in Georgia with their mentors to participate.

According to the Education Ministry, for the first time in history, a member of the Georgian national team won the bronze medal. Saba Tavdgiridze, 11th grader of the Physics and Mathematics N199 Public School of Tbilisi, was declared third place winner.

The Ministry says such events contribute to Georgia’s involvement in international scientific and academic processes and strengthen academic and educational cooperation between countries.

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, and Education Minister Aleksandre Jejelava, attended the closing ceremony of the Olympiad to award the winners in various categories.

The PM noted that it was great honor for Georgia to host such an important event, which it did this year for the very first time, and said he wished the participants of the Olympiad many more scientific achievements and discoveries.

“Olympiads, along with science popularization, promote friendship and cooperation between students, enabling young researchers to establish close contacts and share practices,” he said.

Georgia joined the International Chemistry Olympiad just two years ago, with a four-member Georgian team competing in the 46th Olympiad in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"I am sure that memories of this Olympiad will last a lifetime and your days in Tbilisi will help you build new friendships and an even deeper passion and love for science," the PM told the young participants.

Thea Morrison