Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The 3rd International Obninsk Tech Winter School, an educational program of the Obninsk.Tech project, concluded in Obninsk. Held at the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (a flagship university of the Rosatom State Corporation), with the support of Rosatom, the school brought together 125 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.
Participants included students from international educational programs at the Institute of Power Engineering of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. For SPbPU representatives, this week was not only an opportunity to deepen their professional knowledge but also a significant milestone in their personal and international professional development.
The educational program traditionally focused on three key areas: fundamental theory, practical laboratory work, and technical tours of nuclear industry facilities. Leading industry experts and Rosatom ambassadors shared their experiences with the participants during the lecture series. The lectures were aimed at broadening their professional horizons and developing a strategic vision for the development of nuclear energy.
The practical part took place in the modern scientific laboratories of the Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering (INPhI) at MEPhI. Students worked in the areas of dosimetry, radiation monitoring, electronics and automation for nuclear power plants, electrical engineering, 3D modeling, non-destructive testing, and materials science. This format allowed participants to consolidate their theoretical knowledge and acquire applied competencies in demand in the international nuclear industry.
A separate section of the program included technical tours to Rosatom State Corporation's flagship facilities and high-tech enterprises in the Kaluga Region—the Rosatom Technical Academy, the IPPE Institute, the A.F. Tsyb Moscow Regional Nuclear Research Center, the LUCH Research Center, and other organizations. Participants had the opportunity to explore unique installations and practical aspects of the peaceful application of nuclear technology.
A key event for many students was a visit to the world's first nuclear power plant. Among them was IE student Anas Abuhajras (Palestine). He says even a return visit doesn't diminish the emotion: "This experience was both captivating and amazing. Visiting the birthplace of nuclear energy is a tremendous honor. Even being here for the second time, I experienced the same emotions as the first. Learning about the workings of nuclear facilities and medical centers was incredibly fascinating."
According to Anas, the school's greatest value lies in its international professional community: "Without initiatives like these, bringing together students from different countries who speak the same professional language would be impossible. It's a chance to exchange ideas and work together to solve real-life engineering cases at hackathons. It's been an incredibly enriching experience."
The international nature of the participants allowed for an open dialogue about the development of the nuclear industry in various countries. Student Sizakele Kumalo (South Africa), also representing IE, noted the significance of participating in the global project: "Being part of this international project was a truly wonderful and amazing experience. I was delighted that my institute supported this initiative. The Winter School allowed me to better understand and explore various areas of nuclear technology and their applications through lectures, practical classes, technical tours, and, of course, live interaction with people from diverse cultures."
Student Samuel Gebreninsae (Eritrea) emphasized the harmonious combination of a rich professional program and the cultural component: "The program was very intensive, but the visit to the first nuclear power plant was a turning point for me. It gave me a direct understanding of the origins of the industry."
Over the course of a week, participants worked on projects as part of HackAtom, a team-based engineering intensive aimed at finding original solutions for the application of nuclear technology and the development of the industry. The project defenses marked the logical conclusion of the program. At the closing ceremony, students were awarded certificates of professional development, and the winning teams of HackAtom and the Atomic Triathlon received awards.
As Tatyana Osipova, Director of the Obninsk.Tech project office, noted, holding the school is of strategic importance for strengthening Obninsk's position as a global center for nuclear education and developing an international professional community.
The participation of students from the Institute of Power Engineering at SPbPU in the Obninsk Tech Winter School was an important step in developing their professional competencies, expanding their international connections, and fostering sustainable motivation to work in the global nuclear industry.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.