Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The sixth Science and Atom Festival, one of the largest educational events in Uzbekistan, has taken place, aiming to promote atomic science, technologies, and engineering careers among the youth.

From 12 to 15 February 2025, students, professors, and leading experts from the nuclear industry gathered at various venues across the country to explore the world of atomic science and technologies, discuss the future of nuclear energy, and explore career opportunities in this field. This year, the event brought together over 600 participants.

On the first day of the event, held at the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the executive director of the branch, Shavkat Abdukamilov, welcomed participants and guests, emphasizing the importance of such events for the development of science and the training of specialists for Uzbekistan’s nuclear sector:

"In recent years, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in nuclear energy development. The construction of the first nuclear power plant opens new horizons for ensuring energy independence and sustainable development. In this context, our university, MEPhI, plays a key role in preparing highly qualified specialists for the nuclear sector. Today’s festival is not just an opportunity to learn about the use of nuclear technologies in energy, industry, agriculture, and medicine, but also a chance for each of you to find your path in science."

The festival program included lectures, workshops, scientific experiments, interactive demonstrations, and film screenings.

In addition to educational activities, participants had the opportunity to experiment with real physical processes. For example, they learned how to assemble a LED lamp, studied the differences between LED and traditional incandescent bulbs, created their own electric piano, and took part in scientific experiments demonstrating the impact of electricity on the human body.

The festival served as both an educational and a career orientation platform. Students and schoolchildren learned about educational opportunities in nuclear energy, scholarship programs, and career prospects in high-tech industries.

Each day offered special content. On 14 and 15 February, the Tashkent State Technical University named after I. Karimov and the Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute hosted screenings of Oliver Stone’s documentary film "The Atom." The film addresses critical issues surrounding the development of nuclear energy as an environmentally friendly and reliable source of energy. After the screenings, viewers actively engaged in discussions with experts, asking questions about nuclear energy and its future prospects in Uzbekistan.

According to the organizers, interest in science and nuclear technologies among young people continues to grow every year. Gulrukhsoz Rakhshanova, the head of the press service of the "Uzatom" Agency, highlighted the significance of the event:

"The Science and Atom Festival is not just a series of educational meetings. It is an important step toward shaping the technological future of our country. Over six years, the festival has become a highly anticipated event, bringing together schoolchildren, students, teachers, scientists, and nuclear sector experts. This year, new formats were introduced, such as artificial intelligence, which resonate with the modern world. This not only reflects current trends but also creates unique opportunities for participants, allowing them to immerse themselves in cutting-edge technologies and develop creative thinking. It is particularly encouraging that schoolchildren attending the festival show interest in studying at the Tashkent branch of MEPhI and later become applicants for this prestigious university. This underscores the importance of the festival as a platform for nurturing professional ambitions among the youth."

This year also marked the addition of two new festival venues, one of which was the Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, located in the region where Uzbekistan’s future first nuclear power plant will be built.

Thus, the festival not only remains relevant but also actively adapts to modern trends, attracting young people who are increasingly interested in engineering professions. This gives us confidence that in the future, Uzbekistan will become a center for advanced developments in nuclear energy and the sector as a whole. It is here, at the festival, where new ideas and goals emerge that will drive our country forward," she emphasized.

The Science and Atom Festival has been held in Uzbekistan since 2019 with the support of the State Corporation "Rosatom" and the "Uzatom" Agency.

The Science and Atom Festival is an annual educational event aimed at promoting engineering and technical professions among young people. The program includes lectures, workshops, scientific demonstrations, practical activities, and excursions.

Science and Atom Festivals are held in many countries where the nuclear industry and nuclear technologies are developing, such as Bangladesh, India, Belarus, Armenia, Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, and others.