The URV triumphs in the first Catalan final of the contest Which molecule am I?
Rovira i Virgili University has consolidated its scientific leadership in the first interuniversity final of the "Which molecule am I?" contest, where the local team QuantCats took first prize. This event tested the mental capacity and teamwork of the best Catalan students in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Last Saturday, May 23, ten selected teams from various Catalan universities met in person in Tarragona to compete in the grand final, following a virtual competition that involved 145 students and 40 teams from institutions such as the University of Barcelona, UAB, University of Girona, the Chemical Institute of Sarrià, and URV itself.
The final that put chemistry under pressure
A mental challenge against the clock
Participants had to identify three unknown molecules in real time, receiving periodic clues every five minutes without being able to use any digital aid tools. This dynamic tested each team’s mental agility and critical capacity, in a highly demanding environment but with a healthy spirit.
Winning team and final podium
- First prize: QuantCats (URV) - Pol Català Martí, Adam Benkhouya Frikicha, Marc Soler Bertó and Adrián Pérez Domínguez.
- Second prize: Teterpenos (UAB) - Marina Molina Godó, Xavier Parra Lleó, David Sanchez Coma, Aleix de Santiago Beltran and Alba Castiñeiras Herreros.
- Third prize: Epoxylovers (UAB) - Soraya Amessnaou Mohamed, Laura Cerdán Vigil, Iker García Belmonte, Alexandra Gámiz Hernández and Marc Liaño Gavaldà.
A contest that transcends classrooms and universities
Opening doors to all of Catalonia
The contest, born as an internal initiative of URV in the 2021-22 academic year, has taken a qualitative leap by opening up to all Catalan students. Thus, a historic participation record has been achieved involving renowned universities and centers, making the activity a benchmark for non-formal learning and a key space to stimulate young scientific talent.
How to do science beyond the classroom
Facing real problems under time pressure has allowed students to practice searching, selecting, and analyzing information. The contest has fostered collaborative work, strengthening ties between students from different centers and awakening new vocations for chemistry in a less academic but equally demanding environment.
Challenges and support from a living scientific ecosystem
Consolidating local talent
The organization highlighted that the contest is a key tool to establish new links with the socio-economic environment and promote scientific rigor. The commitment of URV and collaborating entities fosters a favorable context for training future professionals who will then work in sectors related to chemistry and research.
Sponsors and immediate future
The event has had the support of the Tarragona Chemical Companies Association, Repsol, professional colleges, and other key institutions. The official closing will take place on June 5 at Expoquimia, Barcelona, where the monetary prizes for the top finishers will be awarded and this historic edition will come to an end.
Catalan chemistry has ceased to be a secret among laboratories: now, it is played head or tails against the clock and with the freshest talent from the university community.
Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University
