The selection started on February, 28 – the Arctic Day – and was arranged in several stages. In total more than 2,000 applications from young people worldwide were received. The candidates proposed creative and innovative solutions for the expedition program, participated in intellectual games, and presented themselves and their ideas for the promotion of the project in their cities and countries.
The final selection stage was held on March, 5, at the venue of the World Youth Festival. The young participants presented to the jury their unique competences that they would be able to apply in the course of the unique scientific youth expedition to the Arctic.
Alexey Likhachev, President of the Jury and Director General of Rosatom, said, “We are facing a challenging task – to select only 14 experts who will become mentors within the scope of the youth scientific expedition to the North Pole aboard the Rosatom’s nuclear icebreaker. The selection of the best was arranged in the most impartial manner. I am sure that an excellent expedition to one of the most exotic places of our planet is ahead of the finalists, apart from new knowledge and enrichment with ideas”.
The names of the winners were announced from the main WYF stage on March, 6, and the last 15th participant was selected during the morning show of the Festival. Representatives from eight countries, including Uzbekistan, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Belarus and Russia, became the expedition participants. Ivan Kurbatov and Alexander Skryabin, captains of Ural and Arctic nuclear icebreakers, handed certificates to the finalists.
Shahzoda Hairullah Kizi Yekubova, a participant from Uzbekistan and a fourth-year student of the MEPhI branch in Tashkent, shared her impressions after the announcement of the results, “I had a dream to see the Arctic with my own eyes, and today my dream comes true! In the course of the expedition I want to study cosmic rays on drawing near the North Pole. And then to arrange a series of seminars and continue investigations in this area together with the members of the young scientist club”.
Rosatom has initiated multiple projects designed to enhance awareness of nuclear technologies among the youth in Africa. One of the cornerstone initiatives, the “Atoms Empowering Africa” competition, was launched in 2015. This annual online contest aims to engage and encourage African youth by fostering their interest in nuclear technology through education and promoting careers in science and engineering. Participants are required to create and disseminate videos that explore various aspects of nuclear energy and technology.
An expert panel, consisting of representatives from the nuclear industry and media experts, evaluates the submissions for their innovation and insight. Winners of the competition are awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Russia, where they have the chance to visit nuclear facilities, gain firsthand experience with cutting-edge technologies, and explore the country’s renowned cultural and historical landmarks.
