"Russians are techno-optimists": moderators discussed the upcoming Symposium at the National Centre RUSSIA

On June 3, a meeting of the moderators of the technology track of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future," scheduled for October 7–8, 2025, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. 

The Symposium will serve as a platform for the practical implementation of strategic national priorities, said Yelena Ivannikova, Head of the Department for Priority Areas in Science and Technology of the Presidential Directorate for Science and Education Policy of the Russian Federation.

"The key areas for the work of any scientific event, as well as for the entire scientific and technological complex of our country, are set out in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of Russia. Given the creative and visionary potential of the event, along with its international component, the Symposium is fully capable of presenting a meaningful and high-quality discussion in these areas," emphasised Yelena Ivannikova.

The moderators' meeting brought together leading experts from government organisations, corporations, and the Russian scientific community. The speakers outlined the key directions that will form the substantive foundation of the upcoming Symposium, noted Alexander Molchanov, Deputy Director General for Development and External Relations of the Autonomous noncommercial organization «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"».

"Symposium participants can expect updated presentation and educational formats, along with an expert programme covering four tracks: technology, society, content about the future, and global cooperation. The 'Technology' track will focus on key applied innovations that are shaping the future here and now — product solutions for the future, including artificial intelligence and big data, space technologies, cybersecurity, the development of new materials, and much more. Our joint task is not only to present and forecast technological development, but also to captivate and inspire the audience. Our video essay contest 'Dreams of the Future' once again demonstrated that the people of our country are techno-optimists, and the younger generation is genuinely interested in building the future of their nation," emphasised Alexander Molchanov.

One of the goals of the upcoming Symposium is to explain complex technologies of today and tomorrow in simple terms. The open part of the forum should be accessible not only to representatives of the scientific community but also to active citizens interested in the future of Russia, including young people, noted Maria Yesayeva, Deputy Director for Project and Exposition Activities at the Communications Centre of the Rosatom State Corporation.

"All science-intensive technologies are usually very difficult to grasp, especially for the younger generation. The aim of the National Centre RUSSIA and the Symposium is enlightenment. It would be wonderful if we could learn to speak about complex, high-tech topics in simple terms, without losing scientific accuracy, and if we could translate complex technologies into practical benefits for people," noted Maria Yesayeva.

As part of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future," special attention will be given to international scientific and technological cooperation, including within the BRICS+ framework. This cooperation plays a significant role in developing Russia’s scientific and technological potential, said Stepan Kalmykov, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Doctor of Chemical Sciences.

"We are developing scientific ties with many countries. Large-scale projects such as the development of mega-science facilities — synchrotrons, research reactors, telescopes — must be advanced through international collaboration. Teams of scientists work at mega-science facilities, producing breakthrough scientific results. This is one example where cooperation within BRICS is extremely important for us. Such facilities are available in our partner countries — China, India, Brazil, and others. The exchange of experience can lead to remarkable outcomes for the development of science," emphasised Stepan Kalmykov.

The meeting marked an important step in the preparations for the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future." The outcomes and proposed solutions will form part of the Symposium's programme, which will become a key platform for showcasing Russia’s scientific and technological potential and for shaping strategies for future development.