Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Among the large number of scientific events, the Second Scientific and Practical Conference “Modern Problems of Physics, Energy and Heat Engineering”, held recently at the Tashkent branch of NRNU MEPhI (TF NRNU MEPhI) attracted special attention. 

The main feature of the conference was the large number of participants among undergraduate students who spoke on equal terms with experienced scientists. According to experts, the conference showed that the country is growing a worthy succession of young scientists and engineers to solve energy problems.

The event brought together more than 120 young scientists from Uzbekistan, Russia, India and Vietnam, about 28 research organizations. The organizing committee received more than 100 abstracts, 70 of which will be published in the collection of conference abstracts. Experts who assessed the quality of works and presentations noted the relevance of the issues being studied, the innovation, consistency and modernity of the research methods used.

Oleg Nagornov, First Vice-Rector of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow), welcoming the conference participants, noted: “The decision to build a nuclear power plant undoubtedly gave a new impetus to the development of nuclear physics research in the Republic of Uzbekistan. As a matter of fact, this is precisely why our branch was organized. The decision to build a nuclear power plant is not only a step in achieving energy independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, but also an impetus for the development of new high technologies. This year, the graduation of bachelors at the Tashkent branch was successful, and we see that the scientific generation is growing. The conference will undoubtedly contribute to the professional growth of young scientists of the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

Valery Karezin, director of educational programs of the HR Department of Rosatom State Corporation, drew attention to the warm, friendly atmosphere, which also contributes to the development of the scientific component of the branch. “It is very important for students to understand not only the formulas of nuclear physics, but also to understand how the energy industry as a whole is developing. It is very important to understand why we are working, what scientific problems we are solving, and how they are then translated into technological solutions. In my opinion, we are now experiencing a turning point in the development of nuclear energy. New technologies are being born: this is the technology of fast neutrons at nuclear power plants, this is the technology of a closed fuel cycle. The nuclear industry is experiencing a renaissance, and I am absolutely sure that nuclear technology is the future,” concluded Valery Karezin.

Shavkat Abdukamilov, executive director of the TF NRNU MEPhI, commenting on the active participation of bachelor students, noted: “I would like our graduates to be not just engineers, but research engineers. We strive to create all conditions for students to obtain basic competencies in conducting research activities, so that they can continue this work in production, introducing new solutions, improving technological processes, implementing new ideas that would become a technological breakthrough. Therefore, we involve children in scientific activities already at the stage of undergraduate studies.”

The international scientific and practical conference on physics, energy and thermal engineering has been held on the basis of the TF NRNU MEPhI since 2022 to promote the exchange of experience and knowledge, improve the scientific and technical potential and professional qualities of young scientists and engineers in the field of nuclear physics and energy. As part of this mission, on the eve of the conference, on the basis of the TF NRNU MEPhI, a new student scientific society “Young Energy” was established.

This year, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Faculty celebrated the first graduation of 62 bachelors in four areas. Of these, exactly half are currently studying for a master’s degree at universities in Russia, France and Uzbekistan. In addition, this year NRNU MEPhI took 6th place in the global Round University Ranking - an international university evaluation system that measures the effectiveness of 1,100 of the world’s leading universities from 82 countries.