Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On February 11, the House of Scientists of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences held an anniversary Academic Hour for schoolchildren from the Sovietsky District of Novosibirsk. This year, the project celebrated its 15th anniversary. About 200 students from Akademgorodok schools gathered in the small hall of the House of Scientists. One of the speakers at the meeting was the dean Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) NSU Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Lavrentyev.
The Academic Hour traditionally takes place as part of Russian Science Day and brings together leading scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, university professors, and schoolchildren from Akademgorodok. Over the years, the project has become an important educational bridge between fundamental science and the younger generation.
Opening the meeting, the organizers recalled that the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences was established in 1957 on the initiative of Academicians Mikhail Lavrentyev, Sergei Sobolev, and Sergei Khristianovich for the comprehensive development of science and productive forces in Siberia. Today, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences unites 72 research institutes and approximately 11,000 researchers, with almost half of the scientific potential concentrated in the Novosibirsk Scientific Center.
Lyudmila Litvinenko, Head of the Education Department of the Sovetsky District of the Novosibirsk City Hall, emphasized:
"You're incredibly lucky to live here in Akademgorodok. This place possesses a unique research gene. Perhaps after this lecture some of you will decide today, 'I want to be a scientist.' Or perhaps some of you have already decided long ago. May your dreams come true."
In his speech, Mikhail Lavrentyev addressed the schoolchildren and discussed the opportunities offered by studying at Novosibirsk State University and living in Akademgorodok.
"You live in a truly unique place. In Moscow, there are more academics, but they're scattered throughout the vast city. But here, you leave one institute and immediately enter another. This concentration of science produces a stunning effect," he noted.
Speaking about the traditions of Akademgorodok, Mikhail Lavrentyev recalled the role of its founder, Mikhail Alekseevich Lavrentyev, a mathematician who left his mark on a vast number of applied fields: from calculating the optimal airfoil for aircraft wings to creating the first Soviet computers.
"This is an example of how fundamental science translates into real-world technologies—for the nuclear industry, space, and manufacturing. And today, being here, you can be at the forefront. Science is interesting because you're doing something no one else has done. You're creating technologies that people will use tomorrow," said the dean of the NSU Faculty of Information Technologies.
The report paid special attention to the specific features of education at NSU.
"Of the nearly thousand universities in Russia, only two operate according to the Phystech principle: the majority of faculty members are active scientists and specialists who simultaneously conduct research and teach. At NSU, you're taught by those who are doing science and creating technology with their own hands," Mikhail Lavrentyev emphasized.
Today, NSU enrolls approximately 9,000 students. The university actively collaborates with industrial partners, including 2GIS, the Center for Financial Technologies, Sberbank, the YADRO Group, and others. At the Faculty of Information Technology, headed by Mikhail Lavrentyev, approximately 65% of the faculty are practicing industry professionals.
"When you enroll at NSU, you don't just study; you meet your future employers. We have joint labs, real-world projects, and internships. Studying with us is challenging, but interesting. You definitely won't be bored," Mikhail Lavrentyev emphasized.
The topic of artificial intelligence took a special place in the conversation.
"Artificial intelligence doesn't replace the work of an IT specialist; it changes it. If you understand what AI can and can't do, you can find your niche in any field—from engineering to the humanities. Even if you enroll in a non-technical program, you can simultaneously gain digital competencies," concluded the dean of the NSU Faculty of Information Technologies.
At the end of the meeting, project organizer Academician Vasily Fomin summarized the main message of the Academic Hour:
"It's better to be needed than free. You can be free and do nothing. Or you can be needed—by the country, by science, by people."
The anniversary Academic Hour once again confirmed that Akademgorodok remains a space where schoolchildren can directly hear from leading scientists and take the first step toward a scientific career.
For NSU, participation in such meetings is an opportunity to demonstrate to future applicants that the university and science in Siberia continue to develop and offer real prospects for young people.
Material prepared by: Ekaterina Mukovozchik, NSU press service
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