The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is helping spark the next generation of chemists through its support of the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO), a nationwide competition for high school students.
This year, about 60 students from five Hawaiʻi high schools took part in the local round of the competition, coordinated by UH Mānoa Department of Chemistry Associate Professor Jakub Hyvl. The top 10 performers advanced to the national exam, which was hosted in the chemistry department’s teaching labs in April.
“UH Mānoa is proud to provide a platform where young students can challenge themselves and explore their passion for chemistry,” said Hyvl, who coordinated the local competition for the past two years. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm and talent these students bring.”
The national exam is part of a multi-tiered process that identifies the top 20 chemistry students across the country. Those students are invited to a study camp at the University of Maryland, College Park, where four are selected to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
Hyvl said the competition not only highlights academic excellence but also builds community among students and mentors.
“Some of these students may go on to become researchers, educators or industry leaders,” he said. “This experience gives them a glimpse into what’s possible—and UH Mānoa is honored to be part of that journey.”
By hosting the national exam and connecting with local schools, UH Mānoa continues to foster STEM education and inspire Hawaiʻi’s youth to pursue scientific careers.
The Department of Chemistry is housed in UH Mānoa’s College of Natural Sciences.
