Maksim Dreval: Znanie.Science marathon is a platform where creative partnership between generations is born
The Znanie.Science educational marathon has come to a close at the National Centre RUSSIA. Over two days, more than five thousand school pupils, students and young scientists from 80 regions of Russia and Abkhazia took part in discussions with leading researchers, government officials, business representatives and media figures. They explored the present and future of Russian science and discovered cutting-edge developments across various fields. Participants also took part in interactive experiments, workshops, quizzes and prize draws, and received over four thousand books from the Znanie.Library as gifts.
The main theme of the marathon was that Russian science is a source of national pride and strength. Domestic scientists not only contribute to strengthening the country’s scientific and technological sovereignty but also enrich the global treasury of knowledge, helping to shape the future of humanity.
Outstanding speakers explained in clear, engaging terms how closely science is connected with all aspects of human life — what opportunities it offers, how it turns fiction into reality, and why science is the foundation of a strong and successful future. A survey among participants showed that 81% of attendees became more interested in Russian science over the two days. They also noted that 80% of Russian researchers are young, and 73% of respondents believe Russia to be one of the world leaders in science and technology.
"Science is about our country’s sovereignty — in every possible sense. It’s also about building bridges between nations. It’s important to talk about science to attract more young, talented specialists and inspire school pupils to choose careers in this field. It’s encouraging that so many parents now want their children to have a future in science. We recently conducted a survey together with the VCIOM Analytical Centre, which showed that two-thirds of Russia’s population would like their children and grandchildren to be involved in scientific work. The Znanie.Science marathon helped advance this goal, and I hope that the lectures by our outstanding speakers inspired young people, sparked their curiosity and showed them the opportunities ahead — so that they can take pride in the achievements of Russian science and its researchers, and carry on their work," said Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maksim Dreval.
The programme was designed to ensure that each participant found something personally meaningful. Open lectures and dialogues covered several key areas: how fundamental discoveries drive economic growth and form the basis of technological sovereignty; how scientists choose their professional paths and find motivation in modern Russia; and how digital tools can help make complex knowledge accessible and engaging for everyone.
Speakers on the main stage of the Znanie.Science marathon included Deputy Prime Ministers of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko and Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Sergei Tsivilev, President of the National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute" Mikhail Kovalchuk, Director of the Institute for Cognitive Studies of Saint Petersburg State University, academician of the Russian Academy of Education, Doctor of Biological and Philological Sciences Tatyana Chernigovskaya, TV presenter and Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Doctor of Biological Sciences Nikolai Drozdov, among many others.
At the marathon, Russia’s largest satellite television operator Tricolor and the Russian society Znanie announced the launch of a new educational TV channel and signed a cooperation agreement. The channel’s programme will bring together the best films, podcasts and lectures of the Russian society Znanie — almost 300 pieces of content in its first months on air, reaching over 40 million viewers across Russia.
The marathon was organised by the Russian society Znanie and the Moscow Polytechnic University with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. It was held as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
The event at the National Centre RUSSIA has drawn to a close, but the all-Russian educational campaign "Science Around Us" continues, covering every region of the country. More than 300 lectures will be held as part of the initiative. School pupils and students will visit Russia’s leading research centres and learn about the development of regional science, support measures for research and the career opportunities available to talented young people across various fields. Participants will meet governors, students and young scientists at federal universities, regional research centres and universities participating in the "Priority-2030" programme. In the library, 25 materials have been prepared for everyone wishing to deliver a lecture as part of the campaign’s open dialogue format.
Event photobank
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