"Russian science is an unshakable stronghold": discoveries changing the world discussed at Znanie.Science marathon

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The contribution of Russian scientists and engineers to the development of fundamental research, modern projects in the space industry and current studies of consciousness were discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the Znanie.Science educational marathon. The event featured the thematic session "The Scientific Power of Russia: The History of Discoveries".

The session speakers included science populariser and head of the international project "Science Is Closer Than It Seems" Sergei Podkovalnikov, aerospace engineer, science populariser and VK TechProsvet project ambassador Denis Prudnik, and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of Lomonosov Moscow State University and researcher at the Moscow Centre for Consciousness Studies Anton Kuznetsov.

Sergei Podkovalnikov recalled the key achievements of Russian science — from the work of Kurchatov and Mendeleev to modern discoveries in biotechnology. He described physics, chemistry, and biology as "the three warriors of Russian science" and emphasised that these fields form the foundation of the country’s technological sovereignty.

"The legacy of Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev lives on. All six chemical elements of the 21st century were synthesised in Russia, and three of them are named after our scientists and the Moscow region. These are discoveries inscribed in gold in the history of humankind," he said.

He also spoke about Russian breakthroughs in biomedicine, comparing the creation of the Sputnik V vaccine to Gagarin’s flight — "the same breakthrough, only in biology and medicine."

"Russian science is an unshakable stronghold that enables us to face the future with confidence and meet any challenge posed by human progress," noted Sergei Podkovalnikov.

Denis Prudnik focused his talk on Russia’s role in space exploration and modern aerospace projects — from the astrophysical observatory Spektr-RG to the lunar programme.

"We are the pioneers of global cosmonautics. Russia not only dreams of reaching new heights but continues to achieve them," he said.

The speaker reminded the audience that Russia is one of only three countries capable of independently sending humans into space, and that the Soyuz spacecraft series is rightly called the "workhorse" of the world’s crewed space programme.

Anton Kuznetsov presented the work of the Moscow Centre for Consciousness Studies — one of the world’s leading research teams exploring the relationship between the brain, the mind and artificial intelligence.

He spoke about the declaration on animal consciousness, prepared with the participation of Russian researchers, and about the debate surrounding the possibility of consciousness in artificial systems.

"The emergence of consciousness in artificial intelligence is theoretically possible, but at present we have no grounds to assume that even the best models possess conscious experience," he noted.

Speaking about the essence of scientific inquiry, Anton Kuznetsov stressed that discovery is impossible without error and risk: "Science is driven not by success but by failure. We accept cognitive risk — and that is what defines the path of a researcher."

The session concluded with an interactive activity, where the speakers and audience deciphered "scientific numbers" from three thematic areas — biology, space, and consciousness studies.

The Znanie.Science educational marathon brings together more than 5,000 schoolchildren, students and young scientists — winners of national contests from 80 regions of Russia and Abkhazia. The marathon highlights the importance of science for all spheres of human activity, from industry to culture. By engaging with lecturers, participants learn how scientific discoveries expand human potential and what opportunities science opens up for young people. The event is held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 30 – 31 October 2025.