Zeon Corporation Sponsors the 20th High School Chemistry Grand Contest

Zeon Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has extended its special sponsorship to the 20th High School Chemistry Grand Contest, organized by Shibaura Institute of Technology. After sponsoring the event last year, Zeon is committed to supporting high school and vocational students (up to third-year) conducting research activities. This initiative not only encourages scientific exploration but also aids in cultivating the creativity needed to excel in future scientific fields. The contest has been taking place since 2004, with the goal of nurturing future talents in science.

In 2023, Zeon became a special sponsor of this contest, which is often referred to as the 'Koshien of Chemistry.' The coveted 'Zeon Challenge Award' was presented to the research team from Fukui Prefectural Fujishima High School for their outstanding project.

Event Highlights

The final selection rounds of the contest occurred from October 25th to 26th in Tokyo. A total of 115 teams from across the nation, who successfully passed the initial document screening, participated in a series of presentations including 100 poster presentations and 10 oral presentations. Over 900 participants gathered for this educational event, showcasing their innovative research and passion for chemistry.

Zeon's continued support for this contest is part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators. The company believes in empowering young individuals to take part in science through such competitions.

The Zeon Challenge Award

The research project presented by the team from Fukui Prefectural Fujishima High School deserved special mention. Their study focused on the phenomenon of freezing point depression in concentrated solutions, a topic that resonates with many in the field of chemistry.

A representative from the award-winning team expressed gratitude for being recognized with this award. They shared insights regarding the initial curiosity that sparked their research, as the phenomenon of freezing point depression is usually associated with 'dilute' solutions in textbooks. This led them to investigate how this principle might apply in concentrated aqueous solutions.

The team faced challenges in establishing experimental methods due to the specific nature of their study, which involved measuring temperatures. However, they were thrilled to create new formulas based on their hypotheses.

Their statement underscored the importance of questioning assumptions and uncovering the underlying principles of scientific phenomena. They noted that understanding the distinctions between calculated and experimental values can lead to essential questions and discoveries, a sentiment echoed also by Zeon Corporation.

Comments from Zeon Corporation

The head of the Zeon Challenge Award committee, Keisuke Sakamoto from the Research Planning Department, praised the students for their engagement with the principles surrounding freezing point depression. He highlighted how the team's effort to explore discrepancies between theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrated a commendable commitment to understanding chemical phenomena.

Sakamoto emphasized that while it can be disheartening to encounter discrepancies in science, recognizing and exploring these differences is where real growth lies. He encouraged these young researchers to maintain their curiosity and continue their scientific inquiries as they move forward in their studies and potential careers in science.

Zeon Corporation’s involvement in the High School Chemistry Grand Contest reflects its dedication to shaping the future of science, ensuring that students are inspired and equipped to explore the wonders of chemistry.

In conclusion, by supporting such events, Zeon aims to not only engage young minds but also to contribute to the development of scientific literacy and innovation for years to come.