Runpeng Liu earned a gold medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad

Runpeng Liu, a recent graduate of Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis, earned a gold medal at the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). His three teammates also earned high scores, receiving one gold and two silver medals.

The U.S. students competed with teams from more than 70 countries, July 15-21, in Moscow. During these 10 days of exams, laboratory work, athletics and sightseeing, the students had a chance to compete at the highest levels and establish networks that go beyond cultures and borders. 

Of his experience, Runpeng said, “The Olympiad was an unforgettable experience. We met so many people from around the world, and learned about Russia's rich history and vast culture. The competition was extremely difficult, but we managed very well. Our team took home two  gold and two  silver medals.  We are very impressed with our performance and excited to have represented our nation strongly. The event was truly a celebration of chemistry's role in changing lives and uniting scientists across the world.”

The American Chemical Society has sponsored the American team annually since the United States joined the Olympiad.  Principal funding is through the ACS Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Olympiad Endowment with additional support from the Air Force Academy; Advanced Chemistry Development; Carolina Biological Supply Company; Flinn Scientific, Inc; Wiley & Sons Publishers; McGraw-Hill Companies; Merck Publishing Group; Prentice Hall Publishers; Texas Instruments, Inc.; University Science Books; and Sigma Aldrich Co.