Events

Results of AYSS-2025 International Conference

On 31 October, the 29th International Scientific Conference of Young Specialists and Scientists (AYSS-2025), organized by AYSS, concluded at JINR. The event brought together over 160 young scientists and specialists and once again became a highlight of the Institute's life. During five days, participants from Russia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Tunisia and South Africa attended the lectures by leading JINR scientists, presented the results of their own investigations and discussed current issues in global science.

Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee and Head of Group of FLNP JINR Meir Erdauletov emphasized the event's international status: "This year, AYSS once again welcomed a large number of guests from various countries and institutes and we created a very friendly atmosphere. I am confident that the geographic reach of the Conference will only expand. We are always open to friendship and welcome new relations and collaborations."

This year, the AYSS-2025 Programme Committee updated the topical content of the Conference to reflect the current research areas of JINR. Young scientists and specialists were invited to present their papers in the following sections:

• Theoretical physics;
• Elementary particle physics and high-energy heavy-ion physics;
• Condensed matter physics;
• Nuclear physics;
• Instruments and methods of experimental physics;
• Accelerator technologies and neutron sources;
• Information technologies;
• Applied innovation;
• Radiobiological research in the life sciences.

Another innovation was a strict selection process of papers and meticulous work with abstracts. It significantly reduced the number of Conference participants compared to last year but increased the quality of reports. Following peer review, the programme included the best scientific reports: 128 oral and 34 poster reports.

Leading JINR scientists and specialists delivered nine plenary lectures on the Joint Institute's research areas, scientific infrastructure and long history. The participants benefited from an interactive discussion on the final day of the Conference, headed by Director of the JINR University Centre Dmitry Kamanin. The participants were able to answer their questions about the JINR's activities and educational programmes for students from around the world.

Traditionally, all JINR scientific events offer young people the opportunity not only to broaden their horizons and to share the results of their investigations but also to communicate with colleagues in an informal, unstructured setting. Following the fruitful afternoon sessions of AYSS-2025, the participants competed in erudition and resourcefulness at a science quiz and chess tournament. It allowed them to learn more about each other and to exchange contacts.

At the closing ceremony, the results were summarized and the authors of the best oral and poster reports were awarded. Students just beginning their scientific careers shared their impressions of the Conference.

Sofia Sakharova, LRB JINR (studies the behavioral responses and physiological parameters of laboratory animals exposed to ionizing radiation):

"AYSS is one of the most anticipated events of the year for me. I'm drawn to this conference for its high level of organization, interdisciplinary approach, international networking and the opportunity to present my own results and to see what the scientific community is all about. Participating in AYSS-2025 was especially meaningful for me because it was my first time speaking publicly in English. I'm delighted that the audience showed keen interest and asked insightful questions. I'm especially pleased that my paper was recognized as the best in the section. Moments like these are very motivating."

Elizaveta Konstantinova, Lomonosov Moscow State University branch in Dubna (working on her master's thesis on the analysis of hypernucleus production in the BM@N experiment at the NICA collider):

"This is my second year participating in the AYSS Conference. I enjoy its unique atmosphere and excellent format that brings together young scientists from across Russia and around the world. The Conference creates a supportive environment for young scientists, uniting rigorous science with lively communication. I really liked that the oral reports were held in different buildings this year, allowing participants to get to know the JINR laboratories better. I hope to see even more laboratories involved in this format in the future."

Retabile Pokozhe, University of the Free State, South Africa (at the Conference, she reported on the investigations of the luminescent materials and the effect of gallium doping on the properties of lithium-containing silicate for use as LEDs):

"This is my third time attending AYSS and I can say that the Conference is evolving and becomes more diverse each year. What I enjoy most is that at such international events, participants have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from all over the world and exchange interesting ideas."

The event has officially concluded, but work is underway, the Conference materials are currently compiled for publication in the journal "Electronic Chemistry Letters" and feedback from participants is analyzed.

The Organizing Committee thanks the Programme Committee and the jury members for their expert support and productive work, the lecturers for their engaging reports and the participants for their openness to knowledge and hard work. We hope the 29th AYSS Conference inspired and energized young scientists and specialists, sparking new ideas for future scientific collaborations. See you at the AYSS anniversary conference!

Dinara BULATOVA,
Grigory GELENIDZE