On April 16, the grand opening ceremony of the 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad in Chemistry took place in the Lomonosov Building of Moscow State University. 200 school students from national Olympic teams representing 37 countries came to Russia to take part in this prestigious competition.
The ceremony was attended by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Rector of Moscow University Academician Victor Sadovnichy, SUNC MSU graduate and entrepreneur Andrey Melnichenko, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Scientific Director of the MSU Faculty of Chemistry Stepan Kalmykov, Head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova, as well as Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation Elena Yampolskaya and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova.
In a telegram addressed to the organizers and participants, President of Russia V.V. Putin noted, in particular: "Continuing the rich traditions of the All-Union Chemistry Olympiad for schoolchildren, which began in our country in 1967, the Mendeleev Olympiad has gained worldwide recognition, significantly expanded its geographic reach, and today is rightfully considered a prestigious educational and enlightening event, uniting young talents from many countries. I note that these current, jubilee intellectual competitions are taking place within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia.
I am confident that the 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad will be remembered by the participants for its atmosphere of true friendly competition, will become a celebration of knowledge and friendly communication for them, and will inspire bold, innovative ideas. And, of course, it will serve to support gifted youth, popularize chemical science, develop international humanitarian dialogue, and foster personal contacts."
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko: "It is symbolic that the 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad in Chemistry is being held under the auspices of the Decade of Science and Technology, declared by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. This year, one of the most prestigious subject Olympiads in the world has brought together participants from 35 countries. It serves as a launching pad for young talents and engages them in the challenging yet fascinating science of chemistry. The chemical industry plays a crucial role in the economy. The sector is dynamically developing. For instance, the national project 'New Materials and Chemistry' has been launched in our country. Today, the Russian Government is creating extensive opportunities for scientists and researchers. Within the framework of the national project 'Youth and Children', our country has 971 youth laboratories. Nearly one in ten operates in the chemical field. With the support of the Russian Science Foundation, more than 700 research projects in the fields of chemistry and materials science are being implemented. And about 70 of them are at Moscow State University."
Chairman of the MMO-60 Organizing Committee, Rector of MSU Academician Victor Sadovnichy: "Over the past 25 years, the International Mendeleev Olympiad has significantly expanded its reach and influence in the world. Thus, the number of participating countries has grown almost fourfold during this time. The jubilee 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad in Chemistry for schoolchildren is being held at the Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow University. 165 schoolchildren from 35 countries, representing three continents, will take in-person part in the Olympiad. Representatives of two other countries — Japan and Hungary — will complete the tasks remotely. I also want to note that winners and prize-winners of the International Mendeleev Olympiad can be admitted to leading Russian universities without entrance exams. Dear participants of the Olympiad, I wish you successful performance!"
Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov: "It is important that Russia, possessing a rich scientific tradition associated with the names of Mikhail Lomonosov and Dmitry Mendeleev, is once again becoming a venue for such a large-scale international dialogue of talented schoolchildren. Holding the Olympiad in Moscow is not only recognition of the high level of Russian education but also an opportunity for open exchange of ideas, experience, and scientific inspiration. Science knows no borders, and the pursuit of knowledge and discovery is a universal value that unites people regardless of language, culture, and geography. I am confident that for many of you, participation in the Olympiad will be an important step towards great scientific achievements. I wish you confidence in your abilities, new accomplishments, and vivid impressions."
SUNC MSU graduate, entrepreneur Andrey Melnichenko: "Chemistry is the science of transformations. It helps us understand how one substance turns into another, how clarity and new knowledge are born from what is complex and seemingly incomprehensible. Science itself develops in much the same way: from a question that may seem abstract today, a discovery grows over time that can change technologies and influence the development of entire industries. The ability to ask complex questions, the desire to understand the essence of things, and persistence in finding answers — all of this inevitably yields results. Every minute you invest in your education works for your future. The very fact of your participation in this Olympiad is the result of serious work, talent, and perseverance. I wish you confidence, inspiration, and fair competition."
The organizers of the Olympiad are the Faculty of Chemistry of Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Melnichenko Foundation.
The opening ceremony was structured as an immersive performance — a metaphorical journey through the history of chemical science.
The audience was shown the path from the first discoveries to modern achievements, emphasizing the main principle of science — the continuity of knowledge, experience, and traditions. The central image was the 'revival' of Dmitry Mendeleev — a symbolic bridge between eras, through which the continuity of scientific thought and the connection between generations was revealed, with the Olympiad participants presented as continuators of the great scientific school.
The narrative expanded to a global scale through the theme of space and the universality of chemistry as a language connecting Earth and extraterrestrial space, reinforcing the idea of science without borders. The history of the Olympiad added a human dimension, reminding us that behind the formulas are people, mentors, and traditions that shape the international scientific community. Special emphasis was placed on environmental responsibility and the choice of a sustainable future, where the decisions of the new generation of scientists impact the preservation of the world.
Artistic images translated scientific ideas into the language of emotion: dance became a metaphor for molecular movement; a parade of flags visualized the unity of countries and cultures. The culmination was a collective 'experiment' that turned the hall into a living laboratory where each participant felt part of a common chemical process. The final image — the merging of many colors into a single light — symbolized the harmony of diversity and left a sense of embarking on a path into science, discovery, and a future created by the participants themselves.
During the opening ceremony, a fashion show-presentation of the all-Russian uniform for participants of international Olympiads, developed by the Russian brand 'Neva', also took place.
Ahead for the participants are two theoretical rounds with extremely challenging tasks covering all branches of chemistry, as well as an experimental practical round, which will take place in the laboratories of Russia's leading chemical scientific and educational center — the MSU Faculty of Chemistry.
The cultural program of MMO-60 includes excursions to MSU scientific laboratories, meetings with prominent Russian scientists and cosmonauts, scientific competitions at the University Gymnasium, masterclasses on Russian folk songs, excursions to the Kremlin and Red Square, sports events, a concert by soloists of the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Singing Center in the Main Building of MSU, and other events.
The 60th Mendeleev Olympiad is attended by 200 of the best school chemistry students from more than 35 countries worldwide. These include China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Israel, Honduras, Armenia, Turkey, Cuba, Mongolia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Chad, Egypt, Thailand, Costa Rica, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, and others. Russia is represented by a team of 15 schoolchildren from across the country, selected from the winners of the All-Russian School Chemistry Olympiad.
In 2026, the Mendeleev Olympiad is taking place as a carbon-neutral event.
The ceremony was attended by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Rector of Moscow University Academician Victor Sadovnichy, SUNC MSU graduate and entrepreneur Andrey Melnichenko, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Scientific Director of the MSU Faculty of Chemistry Stepan Kalmykov, Head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova, as well as Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation Elena Yampolskaya and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova.
In a telegram addressed to the organizers and participants, President of Russia V.V. Putin noted, in particular: "Continuing the rich traditions of the All-Union Chemistry Olympiad for schoolchildren, which began in our country in 1967, the Mendeleev Olympiad has gained worldwide recognition, significantly expanded its geographic reach, and today is rightfully considered a prestigious educational and enlightening event, uniting young talents from many countries. I note that these current, jubilee intellectual competitions are taking place within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia.
I am confident that the 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad will be remembered by the participants for its atmosphere of true friendly competition, will become a celebration of knowledge and friendly communication for them, and will inspire bold, innovative ideas. And, of course, it will serve to support gifted youth, popularize chemical science, develop international humanitarian dialogue, and foster personal contacts."
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko: "It is symbolic that the 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad in Chemistry is being held under the auspices of the Decade of Science and Technology, declared by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. This year, one of the most prestigious subject Olympiads in the world has brought together participants from 35 countries. It serves as a launching pad for young talents and engages them in the challenging yet fascinating science of chemistry. The chemical industry plays a crucial role in the economy. The sector is dynamically developing. For instance, the national project 'New Materials and Chemistry' has been launched in our country. Today, the Russian Government is creating extensive opportunities for scientists and researchers. Within the framework of the national project 'Youth and Children', our country has 971 youth laboratories. Nearly one in ten operates in the chemical field. With the support of the Russian Science Foundation, more than 700 research projects in the fields of chemistry and materials science are being implemented. And about 70 of them are at Moscow State University."
Chairman of the MMO-60 Organizing Committee, Rector of MSU Academician Victor Sadovnichy: "Over the past 25 years, the International Mendeleev Olympiad has significantly expanded its reach and influence in the world. Thus, the number of participating countries has grown almost fourfold during this time. The jubilee 60th International Mendeleev Olympiad in Chemistry for schoolchildren is being held at the Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow University. 165 schoolchildren from 35 countries, representing three continents, will take in-person part in the Olympiad. Representatives of two other countries — Japan and Hungary — will complete the tasks remotely. I also want to note that winners and prize-winners of the International Mendeleev Olympiad can be admitted to leading Russian universities without entrance exams. Dear participants of the Olympiad, I wish you successful performance!"
Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov: "It is important that Russia, possessing a rich scientific tradition associated with the names of Mikhail Lomonosov and Dmitry Mendeleev, is once again becoming a venue for such a large-scale international dialogue of talented schoolchildren. Holding the Olympiad in Moscow is not only recognition of the high level of Russian education but also an opportunity for open exchange of ideas, experience, and scientific inspiration. Science knows no borders, and the pursuit of knowledge and discovery is a universal value that unites people regardless of language, culture, and geography. I am confident that for many of you, participation in the Olympiad will be an important step towards great scientific achievements. I wish you confidence in your abilities, new accomplishments, and vivid impressions."
SUNC MSU graduate, entrepreneur Andrey Melnichenko: "Chemistry is the science of transformations. It helps us understand how one substance turns into another, how clarity and new knowledge are born from what is complex and seemingly incomprehensible. Science itself develops in much the same way: from a question that may seem abstract today, a discovery grows over time that can change technologies and influence the development of entire industries. The ability to ask complex questions, the desire to understand the essence of things, and persistence in finding answers — all of this inevitably yields results. Every minute you invest in your education works for your future. The very fact of your participation in this Olympiad is the result of serious work, talent, and perseverance. I wish you confidence, inspiration, and fair competition."
The organizers of the Olympiad are the Faculty of Chemistry of Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Melnichenko Foundation.
The opening ceremony was structured as an immersive performance — a metaphorical journey through the history of chemical science.
The audience was shown the path from the first discoveries to modern achievements, emphasizing the main principle of science — the continuity of knowledge, experience, and traditions. The central image was the 'revival' of Dmitry Mendeleev — a symbolic bridge between eras, through which the continuity of scientific thought and the connection between generations was revealed, with the Olympiad participants presented as continuators of the great scientific school.
The narrative expanded to a global scale through the theme of space and the universality of chemistry as a language connecting Earth and extraterrestrial space, reinforcing the idea of science without borders. The history of the Olympiad added a human dimension, reminding us that behind the formulas are people, mentors, and traditions that shape the international scientific community. Special emphasis was placed on environmental responsibility and the choice of a sustainable future, where the decisions of the new generation of scientists impact the preservation of the world.
Artistic images translated scientific ideas into the language of emotion: dance became a metaphor for molecular movement; a parade of flags visualized the unity of countries and cultures. The culmination was a collective 'experiment' that turned the hall into a living laboratory where each participant felt part of a common chemical process. The final image — the merging of many colors into a single light — symbolized the harmony of diversity and left a sense of embarking on a path into science, discovery, and a future created by the participants themselves.
During the opening ceremony, a fashion show-presentation of the all-Russian uniform for participants of international Olympiads, developed by the Russian brand 'Neva', also took place.
Ahead for the participants are two theoretical rounds with extremely challenging tasks covering all branches of chemistry, as well as an experimental practical round, which will take place in the laboratories of Russia's leading chemical scientific and educational center — the MSU Faculty of Chemistry.
The cultural program of MMO-60 includes excursions to MSU scientific laboratories, meetings with prominent Russian scientists and cosmonauts, scientific competitions at the University Gymnasium, masterclasses on Russian folk songs, excursions to the Kremlin and Red Square, sports events, a concert by soloists of the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Singing Center in the Main Building of MSU, and other events.
The 60th Mendeleev Olympiad is attended by 200 of the best school chemistry students from more than 35 countries worldwide. These include China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Israel, Honduras, Armenia, Turkey, Cuba, Mongolia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Chad, Egypt, Thailand, Costa Rica, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, and others. Russia is represented by a team of 15 schoolchildren from across the country, selected from the winners of the All-Russian School Chemistry Olympiad.
In 2026, the Mendeleev Olympiad is taking place as a carbon-neutral event.