Juan Pablo Valverde to Represent Costa Rica at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan

At just 16 years old, Juan Pablo Valverde Cordero, a student at the Pérez Zeledón Scientific High School, is preparing for one of the greatest challenges of his academic career: representing Costa Rica at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His selection follows a rigorous national competition that brought together the country's most talented young chemistry students, with only four earning the honor of representing Costa Rica.

Originally from La Bonita, San Isidro de El General, in the canton of Pérez Zeledón, Juan Pablo has demonstrated a passion for science from an early age. In a recent interview, he explained that this achievement is the result of years of dedication rather than a single accomplishment.

“I like to think of it as the result of a lifetime of effort—from starting school all the way to the work I put into chemistry over the past year,” he said while reflecting on his qualification for the international competition.

His journey to the International Chemistry Olympiad began in February 2025 with the Costa Rican Chemistry Olympiad. After advancing through several rounds of competition, the top students faced a demanding final stage that included advanced theoretical examinations and laboratory challenges. Juan Pablo secured one of the four coveted positions on the national team, demonstrating outstanding knowledge, analytical skills, and scientific aptitude.

During the same interview, he emphasized that success comes not only from hard work but also from enjoying the learning process.

“Enjoying the process of learning has been the key to reaching this goal,” he explained.

Throughout June, Juan Pablo and his teammates completed an intensive training program led by professors from the School of Chemistry at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). The preparation included university-level chemistry topics and advanced laboratory practice to ensure the team would be fully prepared to compete against the world's best high school chemistry students.

The Costa Rican delegation also includes Tamara Garrote Villalobos, Leonor Isaura Obando Umaña, and José Edwin Chávez Rodríguez. Together, they will represent the country in one of the world's most prestigious science competitions for secondary school students. Their preparation has been supported by specialists from the National University and other public higher education institutions in Costa Rica.

In addition to competing at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan, regional media have reported that Juan Pablo has also been selected to participate in the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad (IMChO), another of the world's most demanding competitions for outstanding young chemists. This rare opportunity to compete in two international events highlights both his exceptional academic ability and his commitment to scientific excellence.

Juan Pablo's achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for Pérez Zeledón and Costa Rica's public education system. His story demonstrates how perseverance, discipline, and a genuine passion for knowledge can open doors to the highest levels of international scientific competition.

At the time of publication, the organizers of the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad had not yet released the official competition results. Nevertheless, Costa Ricans are eagerly following the performance of their national team and especially that of this remarkable young student from Pérez Zeledón, whose dedication and talent have already earned him a place among the country's brightest young scientists.