In light of Mongolian national team’s recent achievements at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they secured one silver and three bronze medals, we had the opportunity to speak with Senior Lecturer in the Chemistry Department at the National University of Mongolia B.Sukhbaatar. Since 2022, B.Sukhbaatar has been dedicated to preparing his students for international Olympiads. In addition to his academic role, he serves as the CEO of the Mongolian Chemistry Olympiad Committee, a public service non-governmental organization. During our conversation, B.Sukhbaatar highlighted the numerous benefits of studying chemistry and underscored why it is a compelling field of choice for students.
In recent years, you have been involved in training students for the International Chemistry Olympiad. How did the difficulty of this year’s tasks compare to those of previous years?
Since earning my doctorate in 2022, I have been dedicated to preparing my students for participation in the International Chemistry Olympiad. This prestigious competition comprises two main components: experimental and theoretical. The test group for this Olympiad presented particularly challenging tasks, demanding significant effort and intellectual rigor from the participants. The competition not only tested the students’ hard work but also their logical and analytical thinking skills.
How did you address and prepare the psychological aspects of your students for the Olympiad?
Managing students abroad is a highly responsible role. Since September of last year, I have served as the CEO of the Mongolian Chemistry Olympiad Committee. In this capacity, I was particularly motivated to see my students surpass the achievements of the previous year. Last year’s international Olympiad saw one of my students secure two bronze medals and a special recognition.
The Olympiad consists of nine problems that must be solved within a five-hour timeframe. Given the intensity and complexity of the competition, I aimed to avoid placing undue pressure on my students regarding medal outcomes. Instead, I focused on encouraging them to challenge themselves and grow through the experience. While I emphasized that true success lies in personal development rather than just winning awards, I privately hoped for a prize to reflect their hard work and dedication.
What is the principle underlying the Chemistry Olympiad?
In the Chemistry Olympiad, each participating country selects four students according to its own criteria. The coaching staff typically includes five members: a senior coach, a visitor and an observer. Following this standard, our delegation also adhered to these roles. The Olympiad spans ten days, beginning with an opening ceremony on the first day. Following the opening, representatives or coaches review the test materials to ensure that all necessary substances, bottles and containers are intact and functioning properly. After this initial review, there is a strict no-contact rule: teachers and students are not permitted to meet. Students’ communication devices are confiscated, and network jamming devices are deployed to prevent external communication. On the opening night, Olympiad tasks are distributed to the representatives of all participating countries. We meticulously review these assignments to ensure they align with the general education standards and the students’ knowledge and skills. Feedback is provided, and the tasks are translated into the native languages of each country before being given to the students. While students work on their assignments, coaches are responsible for overseeing the theory assignments, which consist of nine problems to be completed within a five-hour period. This rigorous process ensures both the integrity of the competition and the fairness of the evaluation.
How does the country select its participants for the Olympiad?
The selection process for students participating in the International Chemistry Olympiad begins concurrently with the start of classes on September 1. This process generally involves two key stages. The first stage is an electronic test that is open to all students nationwide. This e-test, which consists of four stages, allows any number of students from the same class to participate simultaneously. This approach aims to identify the most capable students across the country. However, a notable drawback is that students from more remote or less accessible areas might be underrepresented, potentially leading to a perception of inequity among those who have prepared diligently but are still excluded. To address this issue, a second selection stage is implemented. Students from provinces and districts undergo additional testing to ensure that regional talent is not overlooked. The students who perform well in both the electronic test and the regional selection then qualify for the national Olympiad.
From this national competition, 44 students who achieve top results are chosen to advance to the international level. These 44 students will undergo specialized training for the International Chemistry Olympiad, and ultimately, four of them will be selected to officially represent the country. This multi-stage selection process ensures a fair representation of talent from across the entire country.
It appears that local students may be lagging behind in chemistry, not only at the Olympiad level but also in terms of overall educational quality. Is this observation accurate?
The declining chemistry proficiency among students in remote provinces remains a significant concern. To address this issue and foster a greater interest in chemistry, mandatory participation for students from these areas in the Olympiad tests has been introduced. For instance, students from districts far from major city centers, such as Bagakhangai and Nalaikh, are required to participate. This policy aims to enhance opportunities for children in remote areas and ensure that they are not disadvantaged by factors such as limited access to qualified teachers.
Despite their potential talent, students from these regions might face barriers that prevent them from participating in the Olympiad. To mitigate this, we are implementing measures to elevate the level of chemistry education in these areas. This includes organizing regional Olympiads starting this year. By creating competitions within regions, remote provinces and districts, we aim to stimulate local interest in chemistry and provide more opportunities for students to showcase their skills.
The country conducts tests to prepare students for the Olympiad. Do we have sufficient equipment and laboratory facilities to support this preparation effectively?
To effectively prepare for the International Chemistry Olympiad, it is crucial to equip the workplace with the necessary materials, including bottles, containers and substances for the 44 selected students from the State Olympiad. This preparation is not only material but also logistical, requiring sufficient human resources and qualified teachers. The competition will initially involve only these 44 students. However, to enhance competitiveness and improve the quality of participants, regional Olympiads are being planned. This will ensure that chemistry education and interest are cultivated across various regions, encouraging broader participation beyond just the national level. Although implementing regional competitions this year may be premature, we are actively promoting and disseminating information to all chemistry teachers to prepare them for this future development.
Our goal is to organize regional Olympiads within the next three years, addressing the current challenges in human resource training and increasing the overall quality of the competition. This will involve a financial investment, which we are actively working to secure. Since 1991, the principles of the Olympiad have evolved, contributing to our current success. To further advance, it is essential to refine our structure, enhance organizational efficiency, and expand our reach.
Do students who have successfully participated in the International Chemistry Olympiad gain significant advantages and opportunities for their future?
Participation in international Olympiads, including achieving medal status, offers numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the opportunity to gain admission to some of the world’s top universities with full scholarships, provided other criteria such as language proficiency are met. This opens doors to exceptional educational opportunities for students. Such achievements not only benefit the individual students but also contribute significantly to the future development of Mongolia. By nurturing talented individuals who excel in international competitions, we can foster a new generation of skilled professionals. These individuals have the potential to drive the growth of technology companies and develop value-added products, which will be crucial for the country’s technological advancement and economic progress. Investing in and supporting our students’ participation in these prestigious events is a strategic step towards building a robust and innovative future for Mongolia.
Children who participate in the Chemistry Olympiad often come from private schools. Does this suggest that the quality of science education in public schools is generally lower compared to private schools?
In a market economy, our country faces challenges in retaining skilled teachers, particularly in public schools where salary structures may not be competitive. Private schools often attract top talent by offering higher salaries and better incentives, reflecting the market-driven nature of employment choices. It is important to recognize that this situation is not a reflection of the dedication or capability of all teachers. Many educators remain deeply committed to their profession despite financial constraints. The issue often lies in the disparities in salary and resource allocation between public and private institutions.
It is often noted that the number of children and young people interested in natural sciences, particularly chemistry, is decreasing each year. Learning chemistry requires access to various types of equipment, but public schools often lack these resources. Could this shortage of equipment be contributing to the decline in students’ interest in studying chemistry?
We have not yet conducted research on the material base necessary for the Chemistry Olympiad, but it is a critical task that needs to be addressed. The Mongolian Chemistry Olympiad Committee operates as a NGO dedicated to public service, with all members working on a voluntary basis. As a result, we often face limitations in conducting comprehensive research and meeting all our objectives. Despite these challenges, we recognize the importance of this research and are committed to undertaking it as resources and time permit.
What steps should be taken to foster and sustain interest in chemistry among children in the future?
Support for science at the decision-making level is essential and should not be neglected. The study of natural sciences, including chemistry, is challenging and requires significant effort and dedication. Consequently, interest in these fields is relatively low, both in Mongolia and globally. However, many countries have successfully promoted natural sciences through persistent efforts and supportive policies within family and media environments.
Historically, it was during periods of significant scientific and industrial advancements, such as the Industrial Revolution, that the importance of universal education became evident. Decision-makers recognized that a well-educated populace could drive industrial growth and economic development. As a result, considerable attention was given to the advancement of education and science.
The development of a country is closely linked to its educational achievements. Nations that prioritize education and invest in scientific research tend to experience faster and more sustainable growth. To foster development, it is essential to focus on education, support scientific inquiry, and harness the benefits of a well-educated population. By emphasizing education and leveraging its advantages, a country can achieve significant progress and development.
What is the importance of chemistry in our daily lives, and what professional recommendations would you offer on why studying chemistry is valuable?
Natural sciences play a vital role in connecting people with nature and promoting harmony with the environment. Students who engage deeply with these sciences often develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the Earth, fostering a respectful and gentle approach to our planet. The preservation of our natural resources and the maintenance of ecological balance are crucial. It is essential to utilize natural resources responsibly and sustainably, rather than exploiting them solely for financial gain. Chemistry is instrumental in achieving this balance, enabling us to harness natural wealth while minimizing environmental disruption. For instance, advancements such as electric vehicles, which use renewable energy stored in batteries, help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. These innovations contribute to sustainable economic development by promoting cleaner energy solutions and reducing our carbon footprint.
Natural disasters, often exacerbated by human actions, highlight the importance of environmental stewardship. To ensure long-term, sustainable development, it is crucial to prioritize eco-friendly practices and solutions. Chemists play a key role in this process, from developing efficient mobile phone chips and batteries to improving methods for resource extraction in a way that minimizes ecological impact.
In essence, chemistry is deeply integrated into our daily lives and essential for addressing environmental challenges. By leveraging the expertise of chemists, we can achieve a balance between utilizing natural resources and protecting the environment, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
