"Without science nothing is possible": how scientists are becoming heroes of our time was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Every day, scientists make discoveries and push the boundaries of knowledge, laying the foundation for the future of coming generations. How to bring the work of researchers closer to everyone and show the scale of their contribution was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA. A spart of Russian Science Day, a plenary session titled "A Scientist Is a Hero of Our Time" was held. The meeting was moderated by artist, blogger, singer, and co-host of the science and entertainment show "Science for Everyone" Roman Kagramanov.

The experts discussed why researchers are becoming modern heroes. The anthropologist, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and leader of the public science outreach movement "Drobyshevsky Projects", Stanislav Drobyshevsky noted that modern society is impossible without science, as it is present in all areas of our lives. Clothing, nutrition, health, and psychological well-being — all of this is science. From the perspective of anthropogenesis, a hero is someone who ensures the survival of a species and a population. Today, a scientist is the successor of the ancient hero-protector, thanks to whom humanity survives.

"Without science, it is impossible to cope, which is why people must not only engage in it but also understand it. If science is not known, everything will collapse. Our state supports researchers, but we ourselves must also make efforts. It is important to involve young people in science, who will take it to a new level and build an even brighter future for us," Stanislav Drobyshevsky said.

The anthropologist added that from the perspective of modern science, humanity has not stopped evolving or developing: "To stay in the same place in evolutionary terms, you have to run very fast, and to move even slightly forward, you have to run even faster. We must contribute to this and make efforts, because degradation is much easier. We exist thanks to our ancestors and their evolution, and we must maintain this standard and continue developing."

The Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty of Moscow State University, and publisher of the popular science online outlet N+1, Andrei Konyaev shared his experience of turning scientific research into engaging content. According to him, "people are interested in watching other people and their emotions".

"It is always interesting to watch a person talk about their achievement. About what they did in the laboratory. That emotion of discovery, of the entire journey a researcher has gone through, and of the moment when something is achieved — it is absolutely universal. Behind every discovery there are years of work, and that emotion should have a face," Andrei Konyaev emphasised.

The experts also discussed how to turn promising research into a success story that resonates across the country. According to the Doctor of Political Sciences and coordinator of the VYZOV community, Valeria Rodina, the success of a project or an individual does not lie in finding a producer who will do everything for them. It is necessary to master the tools of self-promotion and personal branding independently.

"We live in a modern world where artificial intelligence and information overload have caused a revolution. Every person can use a smartphone to create content, build media literacy, and learn to edit short videos. If you do not do this yourself, no one will do it for you. It is necessary to regularly attend events and publish materials — then you will be heard and people will come to you," Valeria Rodina said.

In 2026, Russian Science Day is being marked for the 27th time. On this day, scientific institutions, universities, and laboratories host conferences, seminars, scientific presentations, and award ceremonies honouring the country’s outstanding scientists.

Throughout the day at the National Centre RUSSIA, lecture sessions by leading figures of Russian science are held, where experts talk about how scientific discoveries are formed, how to build a career as a modern scientist, and what opportunities are opening up for researchers. The event is organised by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the VCIOM Analytical Centre, and the the Russian society Znanie.

The recording of the Russian Science Day livestream at the the National Centre RUSSIA is available on the russia.ru website.