News Releases

Young Scientists Ready to Fly the Red, White and Black at Global Chemistry Olympiad

For Release Upon Receipt - July 6, 2026

St. Augustine


St. Augustine Trinidad and Tobago – July 2, 2026 - The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, is pleased to announce that four outstanding secondary school students have been selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2026), to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from July 5–14, 2026.

The International Chemistry Olympiad is the world's premier chemistry competition for secondary school students, bringing together more than 350 of the brightest young chemists from over 90 countries. Participants compete in rigorous theoretical and practical examinations that test their scientific knowledge, analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and problem-solving abilities. Beyond the competition, the Olympiad fosters scientific collaboration, cultural exchange, and lifelong international friendships among future leaders in science. 

Representing Trinidad and Tobago at IChO 2026 are:

·         Reginald Mohammed – Upper 6

·         Soren Narine – Lower 6

·         Leon Copliah – Upper 6

·         Zeeshaan Lall – Form 5

 

The students have undergone months of intensive preparation through the Trinidad and Tobago Chemistry Olympiad (TTChO) programme, coordinated by the Department of Chemistry at The UWI, St. Augustine. Their training has included advanced university-level chemistry, laboratory practical sessions, problem-solving workshops, and mock examinations, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for this highly demanding international competition.

The national team has been trained under the guidance of Head Mentors:

·         Dr. Denise Beckles

·         Dr. Sherwyn Millette

They have been supported by a dedicated team of academic staff and laboratory technicians whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental in delivering the national training programme.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chemistry Olympiad was established through a partnership between The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, and the Ministry of Education to identify, nurture, and develop exceptionally talented secondary school students with a passion for chemistry. Since making its competitive debut at the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2021, Trinidad and Tobago has continued to strengthen the programme through expanded laboratory training, enhanced theoretical instruction, and closer collaboration between secondary schools and the University.

Participation in the Olympiad provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the global scientific community while developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom. Many former Olympians have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in chemistry, medicine, engineering, and other STEM disciplines, making the programme an important investment in the nation's future scientific and technological capacity.

As the team prepares to depart for Uzbekistan, the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry invite the University community and the wider national community to celebrate and support these exceptional young scientists as they proudly represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.

We wish the team every success at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad and look forward to celebrating their achievements upon their return.

 

END

 

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also spring boarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu. 

Contact