Jacques Chirac Rabat Students Win Chemistry Olympiad for Morocco in Paris
Rabat – Morocco has won first place at the 41st National Chemistry Olympiad held in Paris on May 15. Two students from Rabat's Jacques Chirac School, Yasmine Kadmiri Idrissi and Yassine Bekkaoui, stood out among 3,500 participants worldwide.
Their project, titled 'Chemistry at a Gallop!' linked the science of doping detection with Morocco's traditional horse-riding practice, Tbourida.
The students used modern chemistry techniques like chromatography and mass spectrometry to simulate the detection of doping substances, like caffeine and betamethasone, in horses. Their work also included raising local awareness and creating digital content.
The project also focused on the cultural importance of Tbourida, recognized by UNESCO, while addressing the ethical challenges of doping in sport, said the school in a press release.
They also developed a natural anti-inflammatory gel for horses, called Lavandéquin.
'They successfully showcased Moroccan science by combining academic rigor, creativity, and deep cultural pride,' added the statement.
The school said that Yasmine and Yassine impressed the jury of the 'Let's Talk Chemistry' competition with their 'ambitious and original project.'
During their research, Yasmine and Yassine visited a Tbourida event in Tiflet to observe the close relationship between riders and horses. They also studied the cultural and religious symbolism of this practice.
The two students also visited the anti-doping laboratory at IAV Hassan II.
'Driven by a desire to defend Moroccan equine heritage from the dangers of doping, the project also integrated strong ethical and societal dimensions,' the school remarked.
Jacques Chirac School says Yasmine and Yassine hope to continue their research and promote scientific education in Morocco.
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