Vietnam Wins 4 Medals at Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad

Outstanding Results on the International Stage

On the evening of April 22, the Ministry of Education and Training announced that all four members of Vietnam’s team won medals at the 60th Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad (IMChO), held from April 15–23 in Moscow, Russia.

Specifically, two Gold Medals were awarded to Ngo Hoang Minh, a 12th-grade student from Hanoi–Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, who ranked 2nd, and Nguyen Thai Minh, an 11th-grade student from the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, who ranked 11th.

Two Silver Medals went to Nguyen Huu Tue, a 12th-grade student from the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ranked 24th), and Nguyen Cong Thanh, a 12th-grade student from Chu Van An High School for the Gifted, Hanoi (ranked 29th).

Affirming Academic Excellence and Global Integration

This is the second year Vietnam has officially participated in IMChO. The results once again affirm the capability, confidence, and rapid international integration of Vietnamese students in global academic competitions. They also reflect the effectiveness of the Ministry’s policy to expand participation in prestigious academic contests, providing more opportunities for outstanding students to compete and develop in international environments.

Expanding Opportunities for Gifted Students

The IMChO consists of three rounds over three days, including two theoretical exams and one practical exam, each lasting five hours. Approximately 60% of participants receive awards, with a Gold:Silver:Bronze ratio of 1:2:3. Due to its high level of difficulty and differentiation, IMChO—alongside the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)—is considered one of the most challenging chemistry competitions in the world.

Vietnam’s IMChO team was selected from the national qualifying exam for regional and international Olympiads organized by the Ministry of Education and Training. This aims to broaden opportunities for talented students to engage in international academic exchange and enhance their expertise alongside the official IChO team.

This year, the team was trained and organized by the University of Science under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, with financial support from the Russia–Vietnam Cooperation Development Fund “Tradition and Friendship,” along with support from participating schools.

The IMChO is held under the patronage of the “Decade of Science and Technology in Russia” initiative announced by President Vladimir Putin. It is jointly organized by the Faculty of Chemistry of Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Melnichenko Foundation. Originating from the All-Union Chemistry Olympiad of the former Soviet Union, the competition has been held since 1967. In 2026, the 60th edition attracted participants from 37 countries.