The 16th Gold Medal of Chemistry competition opens for applications
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The 16th edition of the Gold Medal of Chemistry competition, organized by the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw in partnership with the DuPont company, is now open for applications. The competition recognizes the authors of the best Bachelor's and Engineering theses in chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry with biology or chemistry with physics.
The competition is open to Bachelor's and Engineering theses of both fundamental scientific and applied significance that were completed and successfully defended in Poland during the 2025/2026 academic year.
This year's competition is held under the honorary patronage of the Polish Chemical Society, the Analytical Chemistry Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Professor Krzysztof Pyrć, President of the Foundation for Polish Science, and Professor Maciej Żylicz.
"Our competition offers students a unique opportunity to test their skills in an ambitious and inspiring environment. Particularly valuable are the discussions with the finalists, who present the results of their research and share their scientific discoveries. The final stage also provides an excellent opportunity for young researchers to build professional connections with peers who will soon help shape the future of Polish chemistry. The competition's long-standing history demonstrates that these meetings have a genuine impact on the development of the scientific community. We warmly encourage students to participate and wish every applicant the very best of success," highlights Prof. Robert Nowakowski, Coordinator of the Gold Medal of Chemistry competition.
Applications may be submitted through www.zlotymedalchemii.pl until October 10, 2026.
The winner of the Gold Medal of Chemistry will receive a cash prize of PLN 15,000. The Silver Medal recipient will receive PLN 7,500, while the Bronze Medal recipient will receive PLN 3,750. In addition to the main awards, three DuPont Special Awards, each worth PLN 3,000, will also be presented.
All finalists will have the opportunity to complete a research internship at the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS and conduct research free of charge in the Institute's laboratories.
The application deadline is October 10, 2026.
The competition jury will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
- Scientific merit of the thesis;
- The author's publication record;
- Practical significance of the research findings;
- Use of modern analytical methods; and
- Independence in conducting research.
"For many years, the Gold Medal of Chemistry competition has enabled us to support emerging scientific talent and promote ambitious research in chemistry. As a partner of the competition, we closely follow projects distinguished not only by their scientific excellence but also by their potential for practical industrial application. We are particularly committed to inspiring young scientists to pursue ambitious and demanding research challenges. We value projects that offer innovative solutions while addressing today's technological and economic needs. We hope this year's competition will once again attract many talented participants and provide a platform for showcasing projects that will help shape the future of chemistry," remarks Tomasz Redzimski, General Manager, DuPont Poland.
The list of finalists will be announced on November 10, 2026.
Participants selected for the final round will be invited to present their research during a 10-minute oral presentation at the competition's final session. The finalists' presentations will take place on November 24, 2026, at the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS in Warsaw.
The winners of the competition will be announced during the official awards ceremony on December 15, 2026.
Additional information about this year's competition, including the schedule and official rules, is available at www.zlotymedalchemii.pl.
About the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS:
The Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences was established in 1955 as one of the first chemistry institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Institute's research profile is closely aligned with the latest international developments in physical chemistry and chemical physics. Research is carried out across nine scientific departments.
CHEMIPAN, the Institute's Experimental Department, develops, manufactures, and commercializes specialized chemical compounds for applications including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
The Institute publishes approximately 200 original research papers each year.
About DuPont:
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been delivering world-class science and engineering solutions since 1802 through innovative products, materials, and services. The company believes that collaboration with customers, governments, non-governmental organizations, and industry leaders is essential to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, including ensuring access to nutritious food, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting both people and the environment.
For more information about DuPont and its commitment to innovation, visit: www.dupont.com.
Contact:
Prof. Robert Nowakowski
Coordinator, Gold Medal of Chemistry Competition
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Tel. +48 22 343 3431
Email: zlotymedalchemii@ichf.edu.pl
Prof. Adam Kubas
Director
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Tel. +48 22 343 3108
Email: akubas@ichf.edu.pl
Emilia Cichocka
Coordinator, Gold Medal of Chemistry Competition
DuPont Poland
Tel. +48 881 937 681
Email: emilia.cichocka@dupont.com
Related websites:
Gold Medal of Chemistry: http://zlotymedalchemii.pl/en/
DuPont: www.dupont.com
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences: https://ichf.edu.pl/en
- Date: 15.07.2026
