Business Programme

Russia has launched its ‘New Materials and Chemistry’ national project, which aims to ensure the country’s technological independence and leadership in this crucial field. Medicines, fuel, construction materials, and microelectronics – none of these things exist without the chemical industry. But strong teams of chemists were already emerging and growing in Russia prior to the launch of this national project. They mastered a hybrid work format and became bridges between fundamental and applied science, filling the void left by applied research institutes that largely disappeared following the collapse of the USSR. Today, both business and the government are interested in such teams. What are some of the success stories behind these teams? What aspects of their experience can and should be disseminated and scaled up? What do such teams expect from their colleagues and the government and, conversely, what do the former want from the latter?

Almost every Russian handbag is now becoming a kind of showcase for the country’s cutting-edge science and demonstrating its achievements in perfumery and cosmetology. Behind each tube and bottle is the work of scientists, researchers, and production engineers who have achieved great success in recent years and are creating world-class products that not only improve our appearance, but also promote our health and well-being. Thanks to the chemical sector, the Russian beauty industry has not only overcome challenges, but has also taken on a new identity with a powerful impetus for development. What cutting-edge scientific research are Russian companies conducting in cosmetology and perfumery? How are Russian biotechnologies creating unique assets for cosmetics? How has the chemical industry in cosmetics and perfumery changed recently? How is the national project ‘New Materials and Chemistry’ helping manufacturing and the beauty industry?

Modern technologies along with rehabilitation and socialization tools play a key role in creating inclusive spaces. Universal design promotes accessibility and comfort for all users. It is crucial to identify the most promising approaches to addressing issues in this regard, as well as exchange scientific ideas and present the research of young scientists in an effort to find like-minded individuals and develop interdisciplinary projects in matters concerning inclusiveness. Expert evaluations of projects and solutions that have been proposed provide an opportunity to obtain feedback for further improvements. What are some of the relevant rehabilitation approaches that can be applied in practice? What modern integration and socialization tools promote the creation of an accessible environment?

Today, the main technological race is all about boosting productivity. Advances in biotechnologies have not been immune to this trend. Global leaders are increasingly turning to highly efficient solutions to come out on top in global competition. Relatively new research formats, such as the design of living systems, regulatory circuits, and metabolic processes, are also becoming more prevalent. Major progress has been achieved thanks to the emergence of high-throughput nucleic acid synthesis technologies, which can simultaneously create thousands of target gene variants. Along with automation solutions and integration with artificial intelligence, this has led to the creation of fully automated laboratories. Russia is a country that is rich in natural resources with a well-developed agricultural sector and a vast raw material base for the development of biotechnologies. What does the country need to develop its own competitive technologies?

An analysis of ancient genomes can not only reconstruct migration and demographic patterns, but also refine cultural and historical models that had previously been based on mostly archaeological and linguistic data. Analysing ‘ancient’ DNA has made it possible to conduct genetic research on historical, archaeological, and museum objects. Advances in experimental and bioinformatic methods of analysing ancient DNA allow for comparative studies of genetic similarities and differences between individuals and populations from different eras of human evolution. This, in turn, has enabled scientists to reconstruct kinship chains, identify intermingling patterns, and trace the common origin of populations. The integration of biological and humanistic approaches has been particularly important since they can combine genetic data with the results of classical anthropology, history, archaeology, and ethnography. This makes it possible to construct a more accurate and multidimensional picture of the human past, where biological data complements the cultural and historical context. A new scientific discipline is emerging at the intersection of biology, history, and archaeology: historical genetics, which integrates methods of population genetics and paleogenomics with humanities research. The examination of historical hypotheses and questions posed by the humanities are of particular importance. The humanities have traditionally considered questions about the origin and formation of societies, ethnic groups, and cultures, but the inclusion of historical genetic data opens up new opportunities for their study. What are the capabilities and limitations of interdisciplinary synthesis in the study of ancient people, nations, and ethnogenesis processes – from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages, including the period when Slavic and Old Russian communities took shape?

The development of such interdisciplinary technologies as IT, genetics, robotics, and unmanned systems has created a powerful incentive to boost productivity in the agricultural sector. Even today, we can already substantially reduce the time required for plant breeding, conduct balanced animal breeding, and create fully autonomous production processes. Collectively, these technologies enable us to transition into the next technological era, where agriculture will be based not on artificial selection and the reproduction of the best members of a particular species, but on the targeted design and structuring of organisms with valuable traits. However, modern agricultural science relies on old paradigms due to its low level of integration of modern interdisciplinary expertise. Meanwhile, talented young people are interested in industries where the level of such integration is higher. Agronetics is the next stage in the development of agricultural science and technologies, and Russia needs to prioritize the training of specialists for this sector, given the country’s ambitions to become a world leader in the generation of agricultural technologies. What might the training of agronetics specialists look like? How can universities contribute to creating a new image of domestic agriculture?

The development of innovative sports and sports technologies are receiving significant attention today. In 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation issued a decree approving the Concept for the Development of Phygital Movement in the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030. According to the Concept, the phygital movement aims to meet the needs of modern society for harmonious development and a healthy lifestyle through the development, improvement, and integration of the individual’s physical and digital activities. Educational, research, and outreach activities are crucial to the development of the phygital movement. Other priority areas identified for the implementation if the Intersectoral Programme for the Development of Student Sports for the Period up to 2030 include increasing the innovative and technological potential of the student sports system through the development and popularization of such sports as competitive programming, drone racing, laser tag, phygital sports (functional digital sports) and e-sports in educational organizations and their integration with other sports; the formation of a system for identifying and supporting tech projects in the field of physical education and collegiate sports; and the development and implementation of innovative technologies in physical education and sports work with students. As such, higher education institutions have the opportunity not only to develop sports initiatives, but also to become drivers of cultural and technological change through physical education and sports. Technological innovations and innovative sports can provide additional impetus for getting young people involved in physical education and sports and form a basis for the development of youth technological entrepreneurship in physical education and sports. What are the key technological trends in physical education and sports and how do they impact higher education? What role should young people play in the development and popularization of phygital technologies? What is being done to develop sports technologies at universities? Who are the main stakeholders in this process?

The ability to convey ideas across clearly and convincingly is an integral part of success in the world of science, where each day brings with it new discoveries and theories. Young scientists will join their distinguished older colleagues in a discussion of the issues facing modern science, and at the same time learn how such discussions take place as they exchange experience and knowledge. The speakers will seek to provide concise, informative answers while conveying the heart of the matter to the audience without getting sidetracked by the finer details. The audience will learn the secret to keeping calm and composed under pressure, how to stay on track, and how to avoid getting backed into a corner by unexpected questions. This session comes in the form of a game, is new for the Congress of Young Scientists, and the audience will be faced with the difficult task of choosing the winner of the scientific battle!

Advances in paleogenetics in Russia offer unique opportunities to study human history and ancient fauna throughout the country’s vast territory. With its rich archaeological heritage and diverse climates, Russia is a true treasure trove for paleogenetic research. One key focus is the study of the ancient DNA of Russia’s Indigenous peoples, which enables us to trace their genealogy, migration patterns, and interaction with other populations. Research on ancient human remains found in Siberia and the Far East sheds light on the origins of humanity and how people became dispersed across the planet. Another important focus is the study of the ancient DNA of such animals as mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and cave lions. Such research helps us reconstruct ancient ecosystems, understand the causes of megafauna extinction, and assess the impact of climate change on genetic diversity. The successful evolution of paleogenetics in Russia will not only deepen our knowledge of the past, but also make a major contribution to the advancement of genetics, evolutionary biology, and other related sciences. What is the outlook for the further development of paleogenetics?

In an era of rapid technological progress, artificial intelligence (AI) is showing it has exceptional potential to transform research processes and the educational environment. The integration of smart systems creates unprecedented opportunities to accelerate scientific discoveries and improve teaching methodologies. From advancements in genomics and drug development to revolutionary changes in student learning methods, AI is paving the way for innovative solutions to complex problems in both science and education. The session will pay particular attention to discussions about the prospects of integrating AI into the international scientific community and its role in establishing new standards for training skilled professionals. How is AI transforming daily scientific work, especially in biomedical research? What are the most promising areas where AI could be applied in this field? What potential do DNA language models have in genomics? How can they improve our understanding of genetic information and contribute to scientific discoveries? How can AI methods be effectively applied in structural biology and molecular modelling to solve complex scientific problems? How is AI transforming the analysis of the patent landscape of drug molecules and the development of new patentable compounds? What is the current and future role of AI in drug development and design? How has co-folding contributed to these achievements, and what are the next steps for AI in this regard? How is AI transforming education? What specific AI-based teaching methods have proven to be most effective in improving student learning outcomes? What are the potential risks and limitations of using AI in research and education? How can they be minimized to ensure the responsible and effective use of AI technologies?

Today, it is impossible to imagine our lives without artificial intelligence technologies. They are being integrated into various aspects of society, such as economics, healthcare, social services, public administration, and agriculture. Experts estimate that the combined contribution of AI technologies to Russia’s GDP across all economic sectors will amount to RUB 11.6 trillion in 2030 and could reach RUB 46.5 trillion in 2035. But is the introduction of AI technologies the only way to ensure a future full of opportunities? The government is now considering new challenges and threats to national security, including technological, economic, legal, social, and ethical ones. These also include the potential use of AI in cyberattacks on key facilities and the growing spread of fake news, which can manipulate public opinion and influence psychologically vulnerable individuals. How can we create the conditions needed to ensure the effective and safe use of AI for the benefit of individuals and society? What role does international cooperation play in neutralizing the threats of AI?

One of the key priorities of Russia’s scientific and technological development is to ensure its own food security and sovereignty, which entails expanding domestic agricultural production, reducing dependence on imports, and preserving and enhancing the efficient use of one of the most important natural resources – soil. Healthy soil is the foundation for sustainable agricultural output and plays a key role in ensuring food security. The development of technologies to restore and monitor soil is an integral part of achieving the country’s strategic goals. As part of the Priority 2030 programme, Southern Federal University is implementing the strategic technological project ‘Soil Bioengineering Technologies’. It is crucial to analyse the current state of the soil cover and identify the challenges facing researchers and experts. What innovative approaches and technologies can be used to assess soil and restore its fertility as part of the country’s efforts to ensure food security?