Successful final National Chemistry Olympiad
This year, Dow Terneuzen proudly hosted the final of the 43rd National Chemistry Olympiad (NSO) 2022. The NSO was held from 27 May to 3 June. We look back on very fun and interactive and constructive days.
The NSO takes place every year to make HAVO and VWO students enthusiastic about chemistry and to give talent a chance to present themselves nationally and internationally. A team of four students will be selected from all winners who will represent the Netherlands at the International Chemistry Olympiad 2022. The winners of the NSO will then represent the Netherlands at the 54th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).
Partly in preparation for the IChO, the bright minds of the future were presented with an extensive high-level theoretical program by top researchers from Dow. The students took part in a "CO2 reduction game" and went in search of their own future role in making chemistry more sustainable in a master class. Of course there was also time for relaxation, such as supping, skiing and swimming. The positive energy in the group was very contagious for our Dow colleagues, who also enjoyed these days.
Prize Ceremony
The awards were presented by Anton van Beek, President Dow Western Europe. Mitchell Rikken from Arnhem received the first prize. Onno de Vreede, Human Capital coordinator of ChemistryNL presented the Top Sector Chemistry “Kanjerprijs” of 250 euros to the top four of the NSO.
For the first time, ChemistryNL also awarded a "Sustainability Award". The Malmberg School Award (most students in the first round with at least 50% score) was also awarded by Emiel de Kleijn, chairman of the NSO, to chemistry teacher Martin Groeneveld of the Lorentz Casimir Lyceum in Eindhoven.
The ceremony concluded with the handing over of the Olympic baton to Prof. Lies Bouwman, director of education at Leiden University and host of the NSO 2022.
We are convinced that after this top week at Dow, we have received new ambassadors for chemistry. Ambassadors who will be able to connect science and innovations more in the future to arrive at more sustainable solutions; solutions that are good for people and nature.
You can read more about the event here.
