How Do You Ignite Passion for Chemistry? Host an Olympiad for Future Innovators.
Partnering with the Chinese Chemical Society to reach more than 150 million students
I remember my excitement when I placed first at the China Chemistry Olympiad. At the time, I could only imagine where my love of Chemistry would take me.
As a high school student, my passion for Chemistry started almost 30 years ago. I remember my excitement when I placed first at the China Chemistry Olympiad (CChO). At the time, I could only imagine where my love of Chemistry would take me.
As part of the CChO in 1994, I met with faculty from Peking University, a public research university in Beijing, China. Meeting those professors inspired me to attend Peking University and study chemistry. Eventually, I would attain my Ph.D. and work for Dow in research and development. When I discovered that Dow partners with the Chinese Chemical Society to support the CChO, it felt like the best pieces of past, present and future coming together.
Reaching more than 150 million students
I'm proud we've supported the CChO for more than 10 years, the nationwide chemistry education program for high school students, which has reached 150 million students in the last decade. The CChO is part of the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), which is a competitive exam conducted at a global level.
The IChO competition took place in China earlier this year, also supported by Dow. A total of 326 students from 84 different countries joined the international competition through the themed exam of chemistry questions, including issues such as decarbonization and energy storage.
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovators
As a materials science company committed to decarbonization, we know imagining better depends on inspiring tomorrow's innovators through science education. Being able to participate in the '94 Olympiad was the inspiration I needed to pursue a career in STEM. It was the beginning of my journey, and I'm grateful for where my chemistry skills have taken me. Seeing its positive impact on my life, I wonder what innovations those millions of students will bring to life to solve the world's most significant future challenges.
Dr. Zhihua Liu,
Associate Research & Development Director for Dow Consumer Solutions, Greater China
