The IChO Flag

The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual competition for the world’s most talented chemistry students at the secondary school level. The idea of the International Chemistry Olympiad was developed in former Czechoslovakia in 1968. The event has been held every year since then, with the exception of 1971. Today around 80 countries participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

The journey of the IChO flag started in 1985 at the 17^th IChO in Bratislava and the IChO flag became a symbol of the tradition to delegate this holy mission among countries. The developments in IChO brought along the historical adventure of the flag as well. The flag was renewed in the 40^th and 50^th anniversaries of IChO.

The flag features the acronym “IChO” and the five Olympic flames representing the Olympic circles. Each color represents different elements; thallium (green), calcium (orange), sodium (yellow), copper (blue-green) and strontium (red). They also symbolize lab work of alchemists and chemists.

In 2020, Turkey will take over the mission and contribute to the continuation of this long process. Join us in this exciting process.