The laureates of the Presidential Prize became the protagonists of the project by the National Centre RUSSIA and the Russian Science Foundation

The National Centre RUSSIA, in collaboration with the Russian Science Foundation, has launched the project "Opening Worlds." It highlights Russian scientists whose achievements have been recognized with the highest state awards in the field of science and technology. The first protagonists of the project are the laureates of the Presidential Prize of the Russian Federation in Science and Innovations for Young Scientists for 2024.

The idea for the project was proposed by President of Russia Vladimir Putin during the award ceremony for the 2024 laureates:

"By using our own unconventional and unique solutions, it is necessary to create innovative products and, through this, move forward and take the lead. Such leadership ambitions of our young researchers are one of the key conditions for Russia’s scientific and technological superiority, which we undoubtedly must and will strive for. And this is exactly the goal we set for ourselves in several areas — we want the entire country, the younger generation, to know about your achievements and be proud of Russian science. In this regard, there is an idea to create a special exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, so that its visitors — both our citizens and foreign guests — can better acquaint themselves with the achievements of our laureates and the best projects of young Russian scientists."

As part of the "Opening Worlds" project, portraits and video clips featuring the laureates were integrated into the centre's exposition. Images of the laureates appeared on the building's screens and media facade, while descriptions of their research were displayed on the Walk of Fame of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The first protagonists of the project are the 2024 laureates of the Presidential Prize:

— Natalia Cherkashina, Leading Researcher at the Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov, who developed materials and technologies to protect cosmonauts and their equipment from cosmic radiation;

— Yelena Korochkina, Professor at the Saint Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine, who has achieved success in developing innovative methods of cattle nutrition and preserving the genetic material of animals;

— Vadim Popkov, Head of Laboratory at the Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Kirill Martinson, Senior Researcher at the same institute, who were awarded the prize for a new technology in the production of microwave ceramics that surpasses foreign analogues in performance;

— Konstantin Titov, Doctoral Candidate at the Military Educational and Scientific Centre of the Air Force "Professor N.E. Zhukovsky and Y.A. Gagarin Air Force Academy," whose development makes a significant contribution to strengthening the country's defense capability.

Andrei Fursenko, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Science Foundation and Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, noted:

"The Presidential Prize for young scientists is awarded for research that makes a significant contribution to science or the development of advanced technologies and new equipment. It is very important that the people of our country are aware of these achievements, understand their significance, and take pride in them and in their country."

The "Opening Worlds" project was implemented in a short time — just over a month passed between the idea and its realization.

"It is only logical that in the centre of national pride, visitors can learn about outstanding contemporaries and their achievements in the scientific field. Many children and young people visit the National Centre, and we sincerely hope that the discoveries of our young scientists will inspire them," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The preparation and implementation of the project took place with the expert support of the Russian Science Foundation. Vladimir Bespalov, Director General of the Russian Science Foundation, noted:

"For 10 years, the Russian Science Foundation has been conducting evaluations for the Presidential Prize for Young Scientists and the State Prize. Moreover, the vast majority of laureates conduct their research with grant support from the Foundation. Promoting the achievements of Russian science is one of our priority areas, enshrined in our strategy. We are pleased to contribute to this project and to collaborate with the National Centre RUSSIA — a key platform for showcasing the accomplishments of the country and its people."

The team of the Art Directorate of the National Centre RUSSIA, led by Andrei Shelyutto, developed a graphic style that includes a system of symbols for nine fields: physics and space sciences, chemistry and materials sciences, biology and life sciences, fundamental research for medicine, agricultural sciences, Earth sciences, humanities and social sciences, engineering sciences, as well as mathematics, computer science, and systems sciences. These are the very fields in which the Russian Science Foundation conducts evaluations for the prize nominations.

The portraits of the laureates for the project were created by photographer Stanislav Lutfi-Rakhmanov, a member of the St. Petersburg Union of Artists and an associate professor at the Repin Academy of Arts. The creative team drew inspiration from the aesthetics of the film "Nine Days in One Year" — a work by Mikhail Romm about the work of nuclear physicists.

"Ordinary people make decisions at every step, while scientists strive to invent a system for decision-making. In this project, we follow their example. We are shaping not only the project's identity but also its aesthetic concept, designing a system that is unified and all-encompassing, functioning almost automatically yet being controlled, monitored, adjusted, and developed by the designer. The system, both graphically and organizationally, reflects the scientific approach of the project, reinforcing and automating a number of organizational and editorial processes," the project concept states.

Visitors can learn more about the achievements of young scientists at the National Centre RUSSIA, located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The expositions "Journey Across Russia" and "The Birth of Scale" are also available to visitors. Detailed information and tour registration are available on the website russia.ru.