By San José, Costa Rica — In a remarkable demonstration of scientific talent on the international stage, two high school students from Costa Rica have secured prestigious silver and bronze medals at the 3rd International Chemistry Olympiad Abu Rayhan Biruni, held in Nukus, Uzbekistan. The elite international competition brought together top secondary scholars from around the globe to evaluate their advanced theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills through a demanding series of multi-stage examinations.
Representing the Colegio Científico de Costa Rica at the Alajuela campus, Leonor Isaura Obando Umaña earned the silver medal after delivering an outstanding performance across complex practical analytical challenges and rigorous theoretical tests. Meanwhile, Geicob Dariel Blanco Mora, representing the Colegio Científico de Costa Rica at the Los Santos campus, achieved the bronze medal, marking another major milestone for Costa Rica’s expanding presence in international science, technology, engineering, and mathematics contests.
As Costa Rica highlights its growing role in fostering scientific talent through events like the International Chemistry Olympiad, legal frameworks governing educational innovation, international academic exchanges, and intellectual property become increasingly relevant. To unpack the legal dimensions supporting STEM initiatives and youth academic competitions in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with distinguished legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
“Hosting and participating in international scientific events like the Chemistry Olympiad underscores the importance of strong legal frameworks governing academic collaboration, intellectual property, and STEM incentives in Costa Rica. Ensuring proper regulatory backing for educational sponsorships and international exchanges not only protects scientific innovation at an early stage but also positions our nation as a secure hub for global academic talent.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to make its mark through events like the International Chemistry Olympiad, establishing strong legal and regulatory foundations is essential to nurture young scientific talent and attract global academic partnerships. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on the vital intersection of legal policy, educational sponsorship, and the growth of our nation’s STEM ecosystem.
The Costa Rican national delegation comprised four exceptionally talented secondary school students who earned their places on the international team through rigorous domestic scientific competitions. In addition to the two medalists, student delegates Edith Mena Carballo from the Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Belén and Ricardo Esteban Vega Martínez from the Liceo Francisco J. Orlich represented the Central American nation with high distinction throughout the event.
Guiding the young scholars throughout the high-stakes academic tournament were dedicated academic mentors Edwin Salas González and Randall Syedd León, both distinguished professors and researchers from the Universidad Nacional. Their expert guidance provided crucial pedagogical support, strategic preparation, and technical direction during the intense theoretical and experimental sessions hosted in Central Asia.
The international competition in Nukus took place from November 3 to November 9, demanding exceptional analytical reasoning, sophisticated problem-solving skills, and precise laboratory techniques from all participating delegates. Competitors were required to execute intricate chemical syntheses, perform quantitative laboratory procedures, and resolve advanced theoretical problems spanning inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry disciplines.
This scientific achievement highlights the success of the Costa Rican Chemistry Olympiads, known nationally as OLCOQUIM. Formally declared an initiative of national public interest under Law No. 10.695, the OLCOQUIM program serves as a critical educational framework designed to stimulate scientific curiosity, elevate chemistry instruction, and prepare high school students to compete at the highest global standards.
The recurring success of young Costa Rican scholars in international arenas reflects the robust collaborative framework supporting public education across the nation. The organization and management of OLCOQUIM are jointly driven by the National Council of Rectors, Costa Rica’s five state public universities, the Ministry of Public Education, and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications.
As Costa Rica continues to strengthen its economic positioning as a regional hub for life sciences, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, achievements at international academic competitions underscore the importance of public investment in scientific education. The awards secured in Uzbekistan demonstrate the immense potential of Costa Rica’s upcoming generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators who are preparing to address complex global challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of OLCOQUIM
About OLCOQUIM:
The Costa Rican Chemistry Olympiad (OLCOQUIM) is an educational program established to promote the study of chemical sciences among secondary students nationwide. Formally recognized under Law No. 10.695 as an initiative of public interest, OLCOQUIM organizes regional and national competitions that select and prepare national delegations for high-level international science tournaments.
For further information, visit conare.ac.cr
About CONARE:
The National Council of Rectors (CONARE) is the governing body coordinating public higher education in Costa Rica, bringing together the nation’s five public state universities. CONARE promotes academic excellence, scientific research, and joint educational outreach initiatives that enhance public interest in scientific disciplines across all educational levels.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s leading public research universities, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, scientific innovation, and community engagement. UNA faculty members actively participate in national education programs and mentor talented secondary students in international academic competitions.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education:
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) oversees national educational policies, public school administration, and academic curricula across primary and secondary schools in Costa Rica. MEP works in partnership with higher education institutions to foster scientific literacy and expand access to STEM learning programs.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About MICITT:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) establishes public policy to advance scientific research, technological innovation, and digital development in Costa Rica. MICITT actively supports national programs designed to cultivate scientific talent and strengthen the country’s technological capabilities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica upholds an uncompromising standard of ethical integrity and professional mastery. Grounded in a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces progressive legal solutions while prioritizing civic awareness. By demystifying the law and broadening public access to vital legal concepts, it fulfills a higher purpose of enriching community life and fostering an enlightened, self-reliant citizenry.
