19:12 23.06.2026
Members of Icebreaker of Knowledge - 2026 expedition selected in Moscow
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
The final round of selecting members of the seventh Arctic expedition of the Icebreaker of Knowledge -2026 project ended at the Atom Museum in Moscow. School and college students from eight Russian federal districts will board a nuclear-powered icebreaker for the first time in the project’s history.
The format of the final qualification round became its main distinguishing feature; boys and girls proved the effectiveness of their projects during a “scientific sparring” session, according to Deputy Director of the Communications Department at the Rosatom State Corporation, Konstantin Ruder.
“In reality, ideas that may seem funny or naïve at first glance are certainly useful and will be used. All these grains have already been planted on fertile soil. I am confident that many young people who are now speaking on stage will choose careers linked with the development of the Arctic and Russia’s Far East,” he stressed.
According to captain of the nuclear-powered icebreaker Yamal and jury member Marina Starovoitova, boys and girls will be able to discuss the operation of the nuclear reactor with the ship’s engineers; they will see the helmsman and the captain’s chief mate in action, and they will find out how the captain’s working day is organized.
“Reading about a nuclear-powered icebreaker’s operation is one thing, but it is an entirely different matter when you see everything with your own eyes and when you live in this environment; this amounts to a completely different experience and knowledge. Enjoy this event, have fun, make friends, learn new things and remember this unique moment, and these memories will stay with you for the rest of your life,” she told the participants.
1/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
2/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
3/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
4/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
5/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
6/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
7/7
Participants in the final round of the Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2026 project
© Russian Arctic and Far East Development
One of the project’s winners, Sofia Kurkchi, said that she was able to acquire new knowledge and some totally unexpected experience during the contest.
“During the semi-finals, I reported on thermonuclear fusion and fell in love with this subject. For me, it is a great joy and honor to win in this ambitious project. I hope to communicate with very interesting people aboard the icebreaker, to see the Arctic in its entire beauty and, of course, to romp and frolic with polar bears,” she said.
The expedition will take place in August 2026. Leading experts of the nuclear industry, famous scientists and popular science writers have prepared an educational program for project participants aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory).
