Young Serbian Chemists Are Crushing It on the World Stage Again!
Did you know that our high school students snagged four medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai? Yes, you read that right! Serbia has once again proven it has the most talented young chemists on the planet.
Medals That Defy Gravity
Janko Popović, a student at the Mathematical Gymnasium in Belgrade, won a silver medal, becoming the most successful Serbian competitor in the history of this prestigious competition. Last year, he took home gold in Saudi Arabia, and the year before that, bronze in Switzerland. Alongside him, bronze medals were earned by Uroš Mladenović from Kruševac, Luka Švraka from Novi Sad, and Andrej Drobnjaković, also from the Mathematical Gymnasium.
Support That Changes the Game
This success didn’t just fall from the sky. The company NIS has been a rock-solid supporter of young chemists for years through its “Energy of Knowledge” program. Since partnering with the Serbian Chemical Society, our competitors have won a whopping 44 medals at international Olympiads – 2 gold, 14 silver, and 28 bronze, plus three honorable mentions. Without this support, these results would be just a dream.
Why Does This Matter?
The International Chemistry Olympiad gathers the brightest kids from 90 countries worldwide. The competition lasts five hours and tests both theoretical and practical chemistry knowledge. Serbia has been participating since 1994 and boasts impressive achievements. This isn’t just a contest – it’s a celebration of natural sciences and a spotlight on young talents who might just change the world tomorrow.
Mentors Who Make the Difference
The team’s mentors are Prof. Dr. Dušan Sladić, professor emeritus at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Chemistry, and assistant professor Dr. Dušan Malenov. Their dedication and expertise are key to preparing these young geniuses.
What’s Next?
These results show Serbia has a bright future in science. But does the state and society appreciate it enough? Will these talents stay or head abroad? Maybe it’s time we all think about that.
So, who’s your favorite among these young chemists? Or maybe you have a funny chemistry joke? Don’t be shy, the comment section is waiting for some fun!
