Science Festival
The World Youth Festival stands as a vivid celebration of science. Never before has research been showcased with such color and scale. Young scientists shared the spotlight with pop and sports icons, and discussions about theories and projects evolved into a dazzling public showcase. Source: MISIS University and the Science Slam Russian Association were key organizers, supported by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Within the festival, Science Slam emerged as a spectacular contest where each participant has 10 minutes to present the core ideas of contemporary science and their own research in a witty, accessible, and engaging way. This format proved to be a compelling way to connect research to a broad audience. Source: MISIS University of Science and Technology, Science Slam Russian Association, with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Andrey Voronin, vice-rector for education at MISIS University, described Science Slam as a product of MISIS traditions and a non standard approach to science dissemination. MISIS was among the first to adopt Science Slam within a university setting, turning a format once common in bars and rock clubs into a bright and original method for popularizing science. Source: MISIS University.
Slam’s slogan, science is the new rock and roll, captures the energy of the event. Winners are decided by audience applause, measured with a sound level meter. Organizers hope the show at WFM will offer a fresh perspective on important modern research and inspire participants to organize similar competitions at their own universities and in their countries. Source: WFM organizers and contributing institutions.
As one participant explained, explaining a complex idea to others is a powerful way to illuminate it. Science Slam showcases the beauty of modern science in simple language through a compelling narrative. At WFM-2024, the plan was to illustrate how quantum physics and current computer methods enable future devices for storing and processing information. Konstantin Larionov, a participant in the university scientific slam league at WFM-2024, noted his role as a researcher at MISIS University. Source: MISIS University Research Team.
In the scientific slam league, winners from prior seasons compete within the festival area, drawing participation from more than 100 universities each year. Source: University Slam League.
Science Slam is praised as an excellent format for translating complex concepts into accessible language, drawing more people into science and driving new discoveries. One participant described a small laboratory effort to explore cancer treatment using cyanide combined with nanodiamonds, a claim attributed to a participant from Chuvash University State University’s Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department. Source: WFM-2024 participants and university leagues.
Knowledge Marathon
The general partner of the World Youth Festival’s educational program was the Russian Knowledge Society, which organized the Knowledge.Firsts educational marathon and the Knowledge.Game intellectual tournament with a large scholarly audience. The event also featured Bilgi.Sinema film conferences and the Bilgi.Russia photo contest, drawing participants from multiple countries. Source: Knowledge Society, Bilgi.Sinema, Bilgi.Russia organizers.
The Knowledge Marathon runs across five days in the main festival zones, with lectures, master classes, roundtables, and meetings with scientists and government officials. For example, a March 4 talk by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, explored strategic geopolitical decisions facing Russia today and generated substantial discussion. Source: WFM program notes.
Professor Tatyana Chernigovskaya spoke on the latest neurobiology advances. The International Engineering Triathlon, organized by the National Nuclear Research University MEPhI, will also take place at the WFM site. Participants will design structures, program robotics, and observe robot battles. A Proscience platform will offer bright experiments that demonstrate chemical, electrical, optical, thermodynamic, and mechanical phenomena, with participants conducting experiments under expert supervision. Source: MEPhI and Proscience organizers.
It’s Time
Alongside demonstrations, important agreements were signed during the festival. Rusatom Greenway and New Space agreed to co develop remote sensing and environmental monitoring technologies and participate in climate initiatives. Natalya Kudlaeva, Deputy General Director of Strategy at Rusatom Greenway, highlighted the role of digital tools and AI in ecological work. Source: Rusatom Greenway and New Space announcements.
The event also highlighted international cooperation, with the Brazilian Embassy’s scientific attaché noting shared interests in Arctic research, CO2 monitoring, and quantum technologies. The BRICS science cooperation program was discussed as a platform for broader collaboration on global challenges such as climate change and health. Source: Brazilian Embassy scientific attaché remarks.
Strong Science Means Strong Country
A central theme at WFM is that breakthroughs in cutting edge research and modern technologies underpin national sovereignty. Nikita Marchenkov, who chairs youth affairs in the Scientific and Educational Fields and leads the Kurchatov Synchrotron-Neutron Research Complex, argued that scientific achievements are a powerful defense against sanctions. When bold discoveries occur in strong fields, researchers attract attention and sanctions become less relevant. Source: Marchenkov statements.
Marchenkov noted that in AI, today no article is rejected and scientists are invited to conferences, reflecting an intense global interest in staying at the frontier. He added that many fear missing a major discovery in this field. Source: Marchenkov.
Megascience, the development of large, expensive research facilities, was described as crucial for national security since it provides the infrastructure for new knowledge. Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky emphasized the importance of megascience projects and their role in sustaining state interests. Source: Deputy Minister remarks.
Marchenkov also observed that Russia is actively expanding megascience and that young researchers aim to participate in these major projects, seeing them as the path to the cutting edge of science. Source: Marchenkov.
Stepan Kalmykov, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that megascience requires a new generation of scientific personnel. He noted that the borders between disciplines have blurred and that interdisciplinary approaches are necessary for advances to be implemented. Training approaches must adapt accordingly. Source: Kalmykov.
The Znanie community, led by Maxim Dreval, is quoted with the saying that the fortunate person is the one who does what others are about to do. Source: Znanie leadership.