Students from sixty eight countries have arrived in Moscow to take part in an International Chemistry contest. The annual competition is held at the Moscow State University to recognise outstanding achievement by school students and their teachers.

Leonid Romashov who represents Russia, has already won the gold medal once, at last year's competition in the Korean city of Kyonsan.

“First of all, this contest is a competition between students from different countries, but it is also a means of communication, a way to make contacts, and to experience the different cultures of the attending participants,” he said.

Students are being evaluated in theory and practice. The contest runs five hours straight without a break. And even when all the papers are been submitted, there's still no time to loiter for the students.

“It's simply a really exciting event both scientifically and culturally. The contestants will see the country, meet their peers, socialize, tour Moscow and the university. And I hope they will have the best memories about Russia. We do hope so, and will do our best to make it true,” , Vadim Yeremin, Chairman of Scientific Committee, said.

'Chemistry: Art, Science and Fun' is the slogan of this year's contest.

Winning the top prize is clearly desirable in its own right but, in Russia at least, success here will guarantee entrance to any Russian university.