The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the “Ioan Mihăilescu” Amphitheater of the University of Bucharest’s Rectorate, marking the beginning of several days dedicated to chemistry and scientific debates starting from problems with open solutions.
The tournament is organized by the University of Bucharest, together with academic and institutional partners, and with the support of a scientific committee made up of university faculty and researchers, including Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Matache, Assoc. Prof. Gabriela Iulia David, and Lect. Codruța Popescu, all members of the Faculty of Chemistry at UB.
This year’s edition is coordinated by Professor Marius Andruh, Vice President of the Romanian Academy, who, in his message published on the competition’s webpage, emphasized the importance of curiosity and creativity in the scientific journey of young researchers.
The ceremony, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Matache, opened with remarks from Prof. Virgil Băran, Director of the Council for Doctoral Studies and of SciResCareer, who underlined the lasting impact of the IChTo experience on students’ development:
“I wish you the best of luck and hope you truly enjoy these days. I know many of you are nervous, but I can assure you that the IChTo experience will stay with you for a long time, in both mind and heart. It’s moments like these that shape the scientists of tomorrow.”
He also stressed the role of interdisciplinarity and of learning through research:
“Today, the line between learning and research is harder than ever to draw. The natural way forward is to learn by doing research.”
Next, Assoc. Prof. Gabriela Iulia David, faculty member at the University’s Faculty of Chemistry, encouraged participants to follow their passion, remain curious, and turn this experience into an opportunity for knowledge.
The final speaker was Ștefan Dimitriu, a student at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Bucharest and former IChTo participant. A medalist at numerous national and international Olympiads and contests, he explained what makes the tournament unique: its debate-based format with open-ended solutions.
“Success at IChTo comes down to teamwork, supporting one another, and communicating effectively” Ștefan Dimitriu told the students.
This year’s edition is organized by UB in collaboration with InformART Association, the “Costin D. Nenițescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, SciResCareer, UNESCO – TRISSE.
Sponsors: Chimcomplex, Logiserv, Laboratorium Life Science, Microsin, Laboratorium, Fundația Traian Lalescu.
The livestream of the opening ceremony is available here, and the picture gallery is provided below.
