30 October marked the start of the 27th International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists (AYSS-2023). This year’s event is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Bruno M. Pontecorvo, an outstanding JINR physicist who played a crucial role in shaping and advancing modern neutrino physics. The conference is taking place in person at the Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems and the Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics. All interested employees are invited to listen to the reports.

JINR Assistant Director for the Development of Biomedical Projects Grigory Shirkov welcomed the participants on behalf of the JINR Directorate. He discussed the history of the event. “Originating from the first councils of young JINR researchers in the 70s and 80s, this conference serves as a prime example of generational continuity. It was established in the 90s, a hard time for the Institute and for all scientists. It is all the more gratifying to see that this event is not only held annually now, but also attended by more and more people each year. It encourages young people to engage in scientific activities, giving them the opportunity to learn about the main directions of the Institute’s research and showcase their own projects. What’s especially important is that there are more and more participants coming from different cities and countries every year,” Grigory Shirkov stressed.

This year, the conference is hosting a record number of young researchers, more than 240. About 150 of them are giving talks, and 80 are making poster presentations. International participants represent many different countries. Researchers from Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, and Syria came to present their work and get acquainted with the activities of their colleagues.

The conference programme includes summarising lectures by leading experts on the work and life of Bruno Pontecorvo, the Standard Model in modern science, dark matter research, accelerator development and technology, astronomy, and cosmology. A large part of the reports will be devoted to neutrino research and related experiments.

Young researchers will present papers in nine thematic sections of the conference: theoretical physics; mathematical modelling and computational physics; high energy physics; particle accelerators and nuclear reactors; experimental nuclear physics; information technology; condensed matter physics; applied research; and life sciences. The participants will also be introduced to Dubna through various cultural and social events.

A balanced programme of plenary lectures reflecting Bruno Pontecorvo’s fundamental contribution to physics and the current state of research in this field, with an emphasis on the work carried out at JINR, was compiled by the Scientific Advisory Board under the leadership of JINR Director Grigory Trubnikov and DLNP JINR Deputy Director Dmitry Naumov.

Co-Сhairs of the AYSS-2023 Organizing Committee Liudmila Kolupaeva and Alexander Nezvanov: “The Organizing Committee of the conference consists mainly of young JINR employees, AYSS members. The Association, however, is not the only one to thank for the event. It is the result of the coordinated work of the Scientific Advisory Board, the Organizing Committee, and JINR laboratories and departments. DLNP, VBLHEP, FLNP, and FLNR offered their assistance to external participants of the conference, and colleagues from the International Cooperation Department, the Financial Planning Department, and the UC assisted us in solving emerging issues. For us, the organization of such a large-scale scientific event is, above all, a great responsibility. Like all maximalist youth, we want everything to go perfectly! When challenges emerged, we always hoped for the understanding of our senior colleagues and always gratefully accepted their support and guidance.”

Anastasia Kruglyak (an AYSS-2023 Committee member): “This is the first time I have joined the organizing committee, and this experience was such a stroke of luck right away. The AYSS-2023 Conference is set to be the largest, multinational, and full of activities to suit all tastes! I am grateful to my colleagues for trusting me enough to invite me to take part in organizing such a momentous event in the life of all the young scientists! The organization process brings many positive emotions thanks to the active and harmonious teamwork. Everyone contributes a lot of interesting ideas, trying to come up with the best and most exciting options that will make the event memorable for each and every participant. I am nervous but looking forward to getting started. I wish everyone to successfully present their reports and to have a great time!”

The conference programme and more details are available via the link.

The working language of the event is English. The AYSS-2023 will last until 3 November.