International Year of the Periodic Table T- Shirt Design Contest

2019 is the International Year of the Periodic Table

The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, attributed to the Russian chemist, Dmitri Mendeleev, is one of the most significant achievements in science, capturing the essence not only of chemistry, but also physics and biology.  Year 2019 is the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements and has therefore been proclaimed the "International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019)" by the United Nations General Assembly and UNESCO.

To celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table, The Department of Chemistry at HKU hosted the IYPT2019 T-shirt design contest. 

Simon Wong, our Event manager for this contest, was thrilled to receive over 70 entries. “We were able to promote IYPT2019 not only to HKU students, but also to HKU alumni and students from secondary schools.”

On May 6, a panel of Judges from the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science selected the winning submission based attractiveness, scientific accuracy and creativity of the design.

The winning design was by Ms. Lianne Hei Yin Lo.  Subsequently, her IYPT design has been produced into cotton T-shirts and unbleached cotton reusable bags that are for sale for a limited time at the Department of Chemistry. “We chose to partner with TML (To-Make-Locally), a local social enterprise, in spite of a slightly higher cost.  TML provides career opportunities for new immigrants, underemployed laborers and disabled persons. Isn’t it meaningful when we get to promote IYPT2019, while contributing to the society at the same time?” Simon said.

The contest winner Ms. Lianne Lo, with the Judges of the design contest.

Lianne is currently a Ph. D. student in the Department of Chemistry.  “Drawing was my childhood hobby. Although I don't draw as much as before, I kept looking for a chance to draw something related to chemistry.  I came across the IYPT2019 T-shirt competition announcement, and more than 20 ideas and designs came to my mind.  They were inspired by different chemistry symbols such as conical flasks, atoms and rings.  I received a lot of valuable suggestions from my research group colleagues too.  Thanks to all the people who voted for me and supported me, especially those in Prof. Yam’s group for their advice.”

About Lianne’s winning design, our Judge from the Faculty of Science, Ms. Cindy Chan, complimented, “The simplistic yet vibrant design successfully incorporated the theme and key elements of Chemistry, with a neat use of colours.” 

The following contestants won honourable mentions for getting the highest numbers of Facebook votes for their designs:

 “We would like to thank all of the contestants for participating and for their excellent entries,” Simon remarked.  “It is a pity that we could not select more designs and put them into production. Having said that, I am confident that with your strong support, the Department will be able to organize even more interesting contests in the future. So please continue to support the Chemistry department, and watch out for our activities.  Spread the word, make chemistry alive!”

For more details on the contest, visit the Official Facebook page of the Department of Chemistry: Department of Chemistry, HKU

https://www.facebook.com/Chemistry.HKU/