Dow Inspires Next Generation of Scientists by Supporting the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad

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Dow Inspires Next Generation of Scientists by Supporting the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad

Moscow, Russia – August 08, 2013

Dow supported the organization of the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad that was held on July 15-24, 2013 at the Chemical Department of Moscow State University, Russia. The Olympiad offered secondary school students from 77 countries the opportunity to compete in science at the highest level, exchange experience as well as build new interesting contacts and basis for professional and personal development.

“We are proud to be a sponsor of the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad that took place this year at Moscow State University, an institution Dow is closely working with. As a world leader in chemistry and with 40 years of our continuous presence in Russia, Dow views this as a tremendous opportunity to engage in dialogue with young scientists from all over the world and help facilitate the learning environment that will encourage them to explore Chemistry in Action,” said Peter de Groot, general manager of Dow in Russia and CIS, while addressing the audience at the Awarding Ceremony of the Olympiad.

Being one of the major international sponsors of the 2013 Chemistry Olympiad, Dow developed an extensive program for students, their tutors, jury committee and organizers as well as participated in high-level meetings with the other sponsors along with Russian Deputy Minister of education and science Kaganov V.S. and Dean of the Chemical Faculty Lunin V.V. Dow was also invited to speak at the Awarding Ceremony on July 23.

In addition to hosting the international Jury Committee at the Dow Izolan manufacturing facility in Vladimir, Dow organized an interactive session for more than 100 students and held a quiz with questions on chemistry and Dow’s Olympic Partnership. During the session, Dow specialists focused on the recent innovations in chemistry and shared their experience with all the participants. The winner of the Dow Quiz, a secondary school student from Czech Republic, was awarded with a memorable prize at the official Closing Ceremony of the Olympiad.

Konstantin Zvezdin, account representative, Dow’s Packaging and Specialty Plastics, commented, “I was honored to participate in the organization of Dow’s program at the 45th International Chemical Olympiad. I enjoyed the interaction with the young talented students, encouraging them to further explore the chemical science. Dow’s involvement in the International Olympiad this year was an excellent example of our well-established educational program across Russia and CIS. Earlier this year Dow joined the jury committee at the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan, and last year I personally represented Dow at the All-Russian Chemistry Olympiad in Magnitogorsk. I think it is important for the business community to collaborate with academic, NGOs, and governments to support chemistry and STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math), and develop a solid foundation for the future best-in-class scientists and managers who will continue to drive products, technologies and innovations that help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.”

Dow’s initiative to support the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad comes on the heels of the 2012 successful year when Dow was the sole sponsor of the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad and launched many educational programs. In Russia and CIS, Dow has been a proud local corporate citizen since 1974 matching its business growth with high commitment to building strong relations with communities and educational institutions.

For more information about the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad, visit http://icho2013.chem.msu.ru/