On 20 – 22 April 2021, a working visit of the delegation of the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics JINR to the Institute of Physics of Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University took place.

At a meeting with the Directorate of the Institute of Physics, a vector of further development of the JINR-based department of Nuclear Physics Materials Science (Head of Department: A.V. Belushkin, DSc in Physics and Mathematics) was outlined. The establishment of an interdisciplinary research programme at KFU is one of the priorities of the Department for the near future. For this purpose, it is planned to involve students of various disciplines (physicists, geologists, ecologists, chemists, etc.) in joint research activities.

A group photo in front of the building where the great chemist Karl Ernst Claus discovered the chemical element Ruthenium in 1844. Standing from left to right: D. A. Tayursky (Vice-Rector for Education of KFU, Director of IP KFU), A. V. Belushkin (Head of Department of Nuclear Physics Materials Science, Head of FLNP Division of Condensed Matter Research and Developments), Yu. E. Gorshkova (senior researcher of FLNP NICM Department), V. N. Shvetsov (FLNP Director), M. R. Gafurov (Deputy Director for Science of IP KFU)

During the visit, a scientific seminar was held for 3d-4th year students majoring in physics, radiophysics, nanotechnology, astronomy at IP KFU. This year, in addition to the traditional report on the scientific activities and educational programme at JINR (Yu. E. Gorshkova), the seminar programme included a report by FLNP Director V. N. Shvetsov “Neutrons in the laboratory and on board the spacecraft” and a video lecture by LRB Director A. N. Bugay “Lecture on the problems of ensuring radiation safety during interplanetary flights and the search for evidence of life in space” dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the first manned flight into space.

At a meeting with the Directorate of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of KFU including IIR Director R. R. Khayrutdinov, IIR Deputy Director for Science R. M. Valeev and Head of IIR Department of Archeology and Ethnography A. G. Sitdikov, the current results of the study of objects of cultural heritage and plans for the further joint development of this research area using the FLNP infrastructure were discussed. An agreement was reached to hold the Second International Workshop on the Use of Nuclear Physics Methods for the Study of Objects of Cultural Heritage in Kazan this autumn.