Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The third International Youth Nuclear Forum, Obninsk NEW-2025, took place in Obninsk, Russia, with the support of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom. The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and held on the historic anniversary of the launch of the world’s first nuclear power plant, which began operation in Obninsk in 1954.

Under the motto “Dream and Create the Future of the Global Nuclear Industry”, the forum brought together over 700 in-person participants and thousands more online from 70 countries around the world. Attendees included Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, senior executives from the corporation and its enterprises, representatives of federal ministries, public organizations, foreign students and postgraduate researchers in nuclear sciences, and young scientists and professionals.

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev delivered a welcome address on behalf of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The message highlighted Russia’s commitment to opening opportunities for young people worldwide to pursue careers in nuclear energy:

“It was in Obninsk over 70 years ago that the world’s first nuclear power plant was launched, ushering in a new era of peaceful nuclear technology. Russia continues to demonstrate global leadership in this field, with groundbreaking achievements including the tokamak reactor and the world’s first floating nuclear power plant. Pioneering research and innovation have repeatedly driven technological breakthroughs that shape the future of the industry.”

Forum participants also received video addresses from Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association; and Vladislav Shapsha, Governor of Kaluga Region.

At the core of the forum was the exchange of ideas, expertise, and future vision. One of the main highlights was a keynote lecture by Alexey Likhachev, in which he spoke about the origins of the nuclear project, the challenges facing modern science, and the importance of collaboration in an era of rapid technological change:

“Youth are not just our future - they are co-creators of our present. If we want nuclear energy to remain a driver of sustainable development, we must build it together - scientists, engineers, and students working side by side,” Likhachev emphasized.

This theme of generational continuity and cooperation resonated throughout the event. Sessions covered topics such as nuclear medicine, quantum technologies, and youth leadership in the nuclear sector.

A key session, "Obninsk Tech: Partnerships That Create Opportunity", focused on collaboration models between universities, startups, and major industrial partners. The Obninsk Tech initiative was presented as a foundation for a future technological cluster designed to accelerate the transfer of innovations from labs to industry. Rosatom’s educational and scientific initiatives took center stage in the discussion, which also included representatives from government agencies. Participants affirmed their support for Obninsk Tech as a flagship platform for the development of youth-led science and technology in the region.

In the session "Nuclear Energy of the Future", Rosatom experts and international specialists explored next-generation technologies including small modular reactors, closed fuel cycles, and the synergy between nuclear energy and hydrogen power. Moderated by Vladimir Shevchenko, Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the discussion emphasized the crucial role of a strong academic foundation:

“The future of nuclear energy depends on talented youth and robust scientific schools. Obninsk remains the place where this future is shaped - at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and responsibility,” said Shevchenko.

During the forum, a joint meeting of the International Youth Council of the Obninsk Tech project and the Rosatom Student Council was held. Reflecting on the discussions, Alexey Likhachev stated:

“Today, we met with young nuclear professionals and discussed our flagship project in global education. By 2030, Obninsk Tech aims to capture at least 20% of the global nuclear education market. This year, participants proposed a bold idea - to declare June 26, the date of the world’s first nuclear power plant launch, as International Peaceful Atom Day. We support this initiative and are committed to advancing it globally.”

The forum concluded with the results of the international Atomic Quiz competition. The ten winners will be invited to participate in World Atomic Week, to be held in Moscow at VDNH in late September.

Obninsk NEW is an annual international youth nuclear forum that brings together students and postgraduates from Russia and around the world who are studying nuclear and related fields. The event serves as a platform for dialogue on the future of the nuclear industry and related technologies.