Dear students, distinguished guests and colleagues
As President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, it is a great honor to say a few words at the closing ceremony of the 59th edition of the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, held for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere and at a very special location, the Federal University of Minas Gerais, which has as rector Prof. Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida, a close friend. I also want to thank Dr. Stepan Kalmykov, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who kindly sent us an invitation to participate in this remarkable event.
Although I deeply regret not being able to join you in person, I send my warmest greetings and sincere congratulations to all the organizers, participants, and supporters of this inspiring initiative.
Hosting the Olympiad here in Belo Horizonte, at the beautiful Palácio das Mangabeiras and at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, reflects the spirit of collaboration and shared passion for science that unites our countries and our youth.
This year’s Olympiad has been an amazing mix of brains, culture, and friendship — from that awesome opening ceremony, blending chemistry with Brazilian vibes, to the challeging exams that proved just how brilliant and hardworking you young chemists from 40 different countries really are.
Right now, the world’s facing some big challenges, and we need teamwork and science to tackle them. That’s why events like the Mendeleev Olympiad matter so much—they show the real power of science bringing people together. You students aren’t just the future of chemistry—you’re the ones who’ll help build a smarter, more connected world.
To everyone who competed—just being here is a huge win. Take this experience back home, always remembering that even though you come from different countries, with different customs and different languages, you are all part of the same family - the ones that just love Chemistry and its impact on our global society. Stay curious, keep chasing greatness, and never stop pushing science forward for the good of everyone.
Congratulations to all of you, and thanks for keeping that fire for science burning bright!
Watch video
As President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, it is a great honor to say a few words at the closing ceremony of the 59th edition of the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, held for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere and at a very special location, the Federal University of Minas Gerais, which has as rector Prof. Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida, a close friend. I also want to thank Dr. Stepan Kalmykov, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who kindly sent us an invitation to participate in this remarkable event.
Although I deeply regret not being able to join you in person, I send my warmest greetings and sincere congratulations to all the organizers, participants, and supporters of this inspiring initiative.
Hosting the Olympiad here in Belo Horizonte, at the beautiful Palácio das Mangabeiras and at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, reflects the spirit of collaboration and shared passion for science that unites our countries and our youth.
This year’s Olympiad has been an amazing mix of brains, culture, and friendship — from that awesome opening ceremony, blending chemistry with Brazilian vibes, to the challeging exams that proved just how brilliant and hardworking you young chemists from 40 different countries really are.
Right now, the world’s facing some big challenges, and we need teamwork and science to tackle them. That’s why events like the Mendeleev Olympiad matter so much—they show the real power of science bringing people together. You students aren’t just the future of chemistry—you’re the ones who’ll help build a smarter, more connected world.
To everyone who competed—just being here is a huge win. Take this experience back home, always remembering that even though you come from different countries, with different customs and different languages, you are all part of the same family - the ones that just love Chemistry and its impact on our global society. Stay curious, keep chasing greatness, and never stop pushing science forward for the good of everyone.
Congratulations to all of you, and thanks for keeping that fire for science burning bright!
Watch video