Introducing the team representing Australia at the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad!
Congratulations to the team of students selected to represent Australia at the International Chemistry Olympiad, which will be held from 5 to 14 July 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The team was celebrated at the Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on 23 June 2025. The ‘blazer ceremony’ was attended by the students and their families, program teams and distinguished guests from science, math and informatics communities. The team was congratulated by Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Science, and Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist.
Their journey started by sitting the nation-wide Australian Science Olympiad (ASO) Exam in July 2024 before being selected to attend ASO Summer School in January 2025, onsite at the Australian National University. These four students have outperformed thousands of other students in qualifying exams and intensive training to earn their place on the team.
The team have gained immense knowledge and skills during the last year, under the guidance of Program Director, Trent Wallis, and Deputy Program Director, Anthony Mai, along with a team of chemistry enthusiasts. Keith Wong and Sophia Tran, along with Trent, will support the team when they compete overseas.
The students have been supported by their teachers and schools, along with their families and friends, to reach the prestigious achievement of being selected to represent Australia.
We want to extend our sincere wishes to the Australian team representing us at the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2025. Your dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we have full confidence in your abilities. Best of luck!
Daniel Behrendt
Sydney Grammar School, NSW
Daniel found the social aspect of ASO Summer School most enjoyable. Meeting like-minded peers and taking on challenging lab work was both exciting and daunting.
He is looking forward to meeting people from different countries and cultures who all share the same interest at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
Outside of science, Daniel is an avid sportsman with a passion for climbing and team sports, which he says helps him to relax amongst the pressure of school and Olympiad work.
Daniel Lin
James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
The hands-on labs were Daniel’s favourite part of ASO Summer School. Having the opportunity to work with specialised lab equipment – and make a mess along the way – has him hooked on chemistry.
Daniel is equally excited about the food and friendships that the International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai will offer.
He loves chemistry because it allows him to see and understand the world around him better, from industrial processes to pretty crystals, chemistry has it all.
Outside of the Olympiads, Daniel is a keen badminton player and coach. He says, “It doesn’t matter how well you do, just give it a go!”
Katherine Lu
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology, QLD
“Don’t drop glassware, it breaks…” is Katherine’s advice to future chemists. She says chemistry is the perfect combination of problem-solving and creativity, bridging the gap between the molecular world and the real world.
For Katherine, the Olympiad is a great opportunity to explore chemistry and have an unforgettable adventure along the way. Meeting new people and exploring new places excites her.
Katherine has been involved with Big Science Competition and Junior Science Olympiad Exams through her school, before undertaking ASO Exams. She then attended the 2024 and 2025 Chemistry ASO Summer Schools, before being selected for the team.
Katherine aspires to a career where her work will directly impact and improve the lives of others.
Vinay Raghavan
Haileybury College, VIC
Vinay is a career Olympiad student, having participated in two Junior Science Olympiad Spring Schools and JSO Academy, before the ASO Chemistry Summer School this year.
He is looking forward to tackling the challenging problems posed at the International Chemistry Olympiad, while also having the opportunity to collaborate with chemistry enthusiasts from around the world.
Vinay is fascinated by the fields of organic and quantum chemistry, particularly the ability to synthesise just about every natural product from a series of precisely controlled reactions.
Aside from doing science, Vinay enjoys playing chess and programming and is quite interested in math research.
Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) programs are run by Australian Science Innovations, a registered not-for-profit proudly delivering science extension programs for over 35 years. Each year we select and support the teams representing Australia at the International Science Olympiads.
The ASO program is supported by our Major Funder, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and our University Partner, The Australian National University.
Learn more about Australian Science Olympiads program here.
Learn more about the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad on their website icho2025.ae
For updates on the Australian team during the International Chemistry Olympiad, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our ASI News e-letter.
