01.05.2026
Aysan: Last year, we introduced the board members on the Chemistry Olympiad’s Instagram page. Fabian, you mentioned there that you look up to Patrik, who was president before you and accompanied you to the International Chemistry Olympiad. What impressed you about him?
Fabian: As an Olympiad participant, you generally look up to the volunteers. They’re cool, they organize everything, they know so much… Patrik always seemed to have everything under control. If there was a problem somewhere, he solved it while staying calm. He also knows when it’s time to stop goofing around and get serious. As president, Patrik taught me that you should take the time to talk to all the association members. I make sure to chat with everyone for a minute or two at the general assembly.
Aysan: How does it feel to hear that Fabian looks up to you?
Patrik: It’s nice, but a strange feeling! Above all, I find it interesting that he saw me as a calming influence. I rarely felt calm during my volunteer work. When I started, there was a generational shift, and as new volunteers, we had to relearn a lot of things from scratch… But all the better if I could still serve as a role model!
Aysan: Who did you look up to when you were younger?
Patrik: My parents really always supported me and my sister in whatever we wanted to do. I’ve taken those values to heart and want to pass them on. There are also many people at the Chemistry Olympiad whom I’m grateful to. When I was a participant, the then-president Peter Ludwig sparked my enthusiasm. Of course, Maurice Cosandey inspired me with how he built up the Chemistry Olympiad—it’s incredible. I also owe a great deal of respect and trust to my vice president, Dominic. He’s had my back so many times and ensured that the national competition ran smoothly while I was involved with the 2023 International Chemistry Olympiad in Zurich.
Aysan: How long were you actually president?
Patrik: Six or seven years…
Aysan: Did you plan to do it for that long?
Patrik: No. For a long time, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be involved in the 2023 International Chemistry Olympiad. Today I’m very glad I was part of it—I learned so much! Sometimes it’s worth taking a chance on an adventure even when you’re undecided.
Aysan: What qualities actually make someone a role model?
Patrik: The people who make the best impression on me are fully passionate about the cause, know when to take a backseat, and can inspire others to get involved.
Fabian: A strong moral compass is also important. Fairness. Giving everyone a chance to contribute. Clearing the way for others.
Patrik: It also has to be sincere. You can’t just go through the motions with these qualities; you have to live them with full conviction.
Aysan: What makes a role model in science?
Patrik: As scientists, we can only ever share our best understanding at any given moment. The likelihood of being wrong in hindsight is relatively high. You have to be aware of that and work as carefully as possible. People who embody this attitude and also demand it are role models.
Aysan: How did your interest in chemistry begin?
Fabian: From a young age, I read books about medicine, anatomy, plants, physical phenomena… But as a child, it’s hard to imagine something like molecules. You see lightning or an animal; chemistry is always somewhat hidden. In high school, my chemistry teacher, Lorenzo Vela, showed me this world. The experiments we did back then probably wouldn’t be allowed in class today… Richard Walter, who is my vice president today, was a student in the grade above me at the time and encouraged me to participate in the Olympiad. My chemistry teacher said I probably wouldn’t get very far the first time. But I almost made it to the finals!
Patrik: I switched from a language-focused high school to a science-focused one because I realized that languages and arts subjects weren’t really my thing. I’ve always liked doing hands-on things, but I wasn’t quite sure which academic direction to take. It ended up being chemistry because my chemistry teacher, Raphael Sigrist, let me solve the first round of the Chemistry Olympiad when I finished early one day. Once I had my ticket to the finals in hand, I thought: Maybe I should take this subject seriously.
Aysan: You said you like doing concrete things. What do you mean by that?
Patrik: Chemistry is extremely concrete. You have an idea, a concept of a molecule that no one has described yet. You can synthesize it and then examine it. No other science creates its own object of study. I find that extremely fascinating.
Aysan: Has there ever been a situation where you didn’t have anyone who could guide you? How do you deal with that?
Fabian: At the university, sure, there are moments when you have no idea what you’re actually doing. As an Olympiad volunteer, not so much—there’s always someone who can help, and you can also say: This is too much for me right now—I’m out. It’s a bit different in an academic context, when you’re paying tuition or have a contract. That’s a different kind of pressure. I can’t say how to deal with it—I haven’t figured it out yet.
Patrik: Me neither, to be honest.
Fabian: What helps me right now when I’m feeling lost is talking to others about my problems. It might not solve them, but it gives me the strength to tackle them again from a different angle or with fresh energy.
Aysan: What is it about the Chemistry Olympiad that you think other Science Olympiads can look up to?
Fabian: We’re the oldest Olympiad in Switzerland. As such, we don’t hold back within the umbrella association and don’t just say “okay” to everything.
Patrik: We’ve often been a bit of a thorn in the side, but the union of the Olympiads thrives on the fact that no association has to hide its opinion. You might think an opinion is silly, but the dialogue has to be maintained—that’s part of it.
Aysan: And so where could we take a cue from other Olympiads?
Patrik: Lately, several Olympiads have massively expanded their reach. We’re established, but I also think there are still interested people we’re not reaching. It would be nice to see how other Olympiads appeal to different language regions or age groups.
Aysan: Fabian, one day you’ll pass on the presidency too. What do you hope for from your successor?
Fabian: This person doesn’t have to look up to me or share my opinions. But I hope that he or she feels well supported and is satisfied with the Olympiad as I leave it.
Aysan: What do you wish for the young people who will participate in the Chemistry Olympiad in the future?
Fabian: Exciting events, friendships, and new chemistry.
Patrik: That they become the next generation of volunteers. The Olympiad thrives on volunteer work, and that’s what defines us.
