Danish Chemistry Olympiad (Kemiolympiade)¶
Overview¶
The Danish Chemistry Olympiad (Kemiolympiade) is Denmark’s national chemistry competition for secondary-school students, organized by Kemilærerforeningen (the Danish Chemistry Teachers’ Association) with support from Danish universities, including the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University. The programme has been selecting Denmark’s IChO team for decades.
Logo¶
Key Website¶
Additional Resources¶
Competition Format¶
The Danish Chemistry Olympiad operates as a multi-stage elimination programme.
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Round 1
- A written theoretical examination held at secondary schools (gymnasier) across Denmark
- Hundreds of students participate
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Round 2
- Held in the Copenhagen area at a host university
- Includes lectures, theoretical problems, and laboratory assessments
- Approximately 60 students advance from Round 1
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Rounds 3+
- Additional university-hosted phases with further theoretical and practical training
- Approximately 14 students continue without further elimination
- A spring selection event determines the 4-member IChO team
Some years also include Poster Questions (plakatopgaver), a supplementary problem set.
Eligibility¶
Open to secondary school students (gymnasium/HF) in Denmark. For IChO eligibility, students must not turn 20 before July 1 of the competition year.
Student Outcomes¶
Denmark’s university admission system uses Quota 1 (GPA-based) and Quota 2 (alternative pathway). Olympiad participation and medals serve as a strong credential under the Quota 2 pathway, which considers extracurricular achievements and supplementary qualifications.
IChO Performance¶
The official IChO results database lists Denmark with 6 gold, 21 silver, and 77 bronze medals, and 7 honorable mentions.
History¶
- 1982: Denmark first participated in the International Chemistry Olympiad.
- 2000: Denmark hosted the 32nd IChO in Copenhagen (2–11 July).
- 2010s–present: Denmark also participates in the Nordic Chemistry Olympiad alongside Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland as an intermediate preparation step before the IChO.
Exams Archive¶
| Year | Round 2 | Round 1 | Poster Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Link | Link | |
| 2022 | Link | Link | |
| 2021 | Link | ||
| 2020 | Link | ||
| 2019 | |||
| 2018 | |||
| 2017 | Link | ||
| 2016 | Link | ||
| 2015 | Link | ||
| 2014 | Link | Link | Link |
| 2013 | Link | ||
| 2012 | Link | Link | |
| 2011 | Question Solution | ||
| 2010 | Question Solution | Link | |
| 2009 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2008 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2007 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Question Solution |
| 2006 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2005 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2004 | Question Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2003 | Question Solution | Link | |
| 2002 | Question&Solution | Question Solution | Link |
| 2001 | Question&Solution | Question Solution | |
| 2000 | Question | ||
| 1999 | Question Solution | Link |