Chemistry competition in Chemnitz: The best young talents under one roof

Chemistry competition in Chemnitz: The best young talents under one roof

On February 13, 2025, the 52nd “Julius Adolph Stöckhardt” chemistry competition took place at the Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). Organized by the Institute of Chemistry at Chemnitz University of Technology and the Saxony State Office for Schools and Education (LASUB), a total of 35 students in grade 10 from various high schools in the region took part in this competition. The participants learned about theoretical tasks and practical experiments dedicated to the topic “Chalcogens – chemistry of the elements oxygen, sulfur, selenium and tellurium and their compounds”.

The placements of the best participants were clear. First place went to Toni Radecker from Clemens-Winkler-Gymnasium in Aue, followed by Constantin Popp from Lessing-Gymnasium in Plauen in second place and Benjamin Wisdom from Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium Chemnitz, who took third place. The prizes were awarded by Prof. Dr. Klaus Stöwe, Ralf Matthes and Willy Pfau personally presented it, which further underlined the importance and recognition of the competition.

Lectures and discussions

As part of the competition, Prof. Dr. Martin Breugst gave a lecture entitled “Chemistry and Food”. In addition, chemistry students from the TUC came together for a discussion group to discuss the topic “Abitur – what now? Chemistry study option”. Such events enable participants to gain deeper insights into the subject and clarify questions about the field of study.

The competition is dedicated to the chemist Prof. Julius Adolph Stöckhardt, who taught at the university from 1839 to 1847. Stöckhardt is known for his groundbreaking textbook “School of Chemistry” and for his important studies on forest dieback caused by exhaust gases. The competition not only represents an important contribution to chemistry education, but also honors the historical achievements in chemistry at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Expanding the competitive landscape

In the context of chemistry competitions in Germany, the competition “Chemistry – that’s right!” particularly highlighted. This was launched over 20 years ago and is aimed at students in grades 8 to 10. Across various rounds, participants have the opportunity to expand their chemistry knowledge in strategic tasks, experiments and in exchange with other students interested in science. The best participants will be invited to the nationwide final round, where they will be given exclusive insights into current chemistry topics and the chance to win valuable prizes.

By participating in the “Julius Adolph Stöckhardt” competition and other initiatives, students can gain experiences that not only support them academically, but also prepare them for a possible career in science.