Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The "Science on a Visit" project won the "Practices of Personal Philanthropy and Altruism" competition. Of 259 applications, 56 projects from 29 regions were selected. "Science on a Visit" by Anna Shuklina, a second-year master's student at the Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University, was the only project from the Novosibirsk Region to receive support.
"Practices of Personal Philanthropy and Altruism" is a competition that gives members of the Potanin Foundation community—winners of all programs in all years—the opportunity to implement a personal, socially significant initiative. Anna previously participated in the Potanin Foundation's "Scholarship Competition" and received support to achieve her goals.
"At the Belomorskie Petroglyphs Foundation School, other Potanin fellows and I discussed grant opportunities at length, including the Foundation's "Practices of Personal Philanthropy and Altruism" grant competition. I was inspired by Arina Bogomozova's project: she gave lectures to cancer patients. I wondered how I could help them? Bring my lessons to the children? There are hospital clowns, but no hospital physicists. It turned out that Novosibirsk lacks an education system for children undergoing long-term hospital treatment. Children are completely excluded from education! This is how the "Science on a Visit" project was born, which has already been supported by Larisa Lisovskaya, head of the children's program at the Novosibirsk regional branch of the All-Russian Public Organization for Patient Support "Zdravstvuy!", and Novosibirsk State University," Anna shared.
"Science on a Visit" offers a new format for leisure and education for children in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. A team of specially trained volunteers from natural science departments will conduct regular interactive classes and engaging experiments in children's hospitals, demonstrating the beauty and accessibility of science. This is also a great opportunity for children of all ages to interact with young scientists and perhaps choose science as their primary career. The project plans to develop and distribute teaching aids: a series of educational videos, recommendations for organizing interactive classes, and educational games.
"My years studying at the NSU Physics Department taught me to value talented teachers. Once I started teaching, I realized what a tremendous amount of work it is, and oftentimes, volunteer work and altruism. Since March 2024, I've been a member of the department's demonstration team, "FFokusniki": at events of various levels, we, physicist volunteers, demonstrate experiments to people of all ages, from kindergarten and schoolchildren to the elderly. I've gained experience explaining physical phenomena to children, giving public speeches, and conducting master classes. A diploma with honors from the Physics Department, experience as a senior lab assistant at the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS, a career in science, numerous conference presentations, competition wins, and knowledge of English and Chinese—all of this helps me create unique and engaging lessons," Anna said.
For Anna, winning the "Personal Philanthropy and Altruism Practices" competition is an opportunity to implement personal social initiatives, find and attract like-minded people, and contribute to the development of the volunteer movement.
Material prepared by: Varvara Frolkina, NSU press service
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