An Arctic polar expedition featuring talented schoolchildren and young experts from various countries, including Russia, China, Hungary, India, South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and others, journeyed to the North Pole. There, they raised their national flags and explored the landscapes of the Franz Josef Land archipelago.
The project offered the participants an extensive educational program that included lectures, master classes, scientific games, film screenings, and various other activities.
Rosatom’s International Arctic Expedition, named Icebreaker of Knowledge, was the fifth of its kind and took place on August 13, 2024. The expedition set off from Murmansk to the North Pole aboard Atomflot’s nuclear icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, carrying a team of talented schoolchildren and experts from 15 countries. These experts were selected during the World Youth Festival held in Sochi in 2024.
At the ceremonial start of the expedition, Leonid Irlitsa, Director General of Atomflot, expressed Rosatom's delight in welcoming the international participants. He noted that it was especially meaningful for the expedition to gain international status in the year marking the 65th anniversary of the nuclear icebreaker fleet. The Arctic Century recently reported on this milestone.
The Icebreaker of Knowledge initiative is a scientific and educational project aimed at popularising natural sciences and nuclear industry technologies, identifying and supporting talented children, developing their skills, and providing career guidance. Since the project's start, over 300 gifted schoolchildren have participated in Arctic expeditions aboard the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory.
The nuclear icebreaker fleet consists of seven icebreakers: the lead universal nuclear icebreaker Arktika, the first serial universal nuclear icebreaker Sibir, the second serial universal nuclear icebreaker Ural, and the nuclear icebreakers Yamal, 50 Years of Victory, Taimyr, and Vaigach.
On August 13, the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory departed from Murmansk with the expedition team on board. The team reached the North Pole on August 17, where they planted their national flags. The expedition returned to Murmansk on August 22.
During their voyage, the participants of the Icebreaker of Knowledge travelled 2,979 miles aboard the 50 Years of Victory. For many, including the young participants, this was their first trip to the North Pole.
“We saw icebergs, walruses and whales. Sailors, scientists, engineers, researchers, the Arctic is waiting for you! The Icebreaker of Knowledge 2024 returned to Murmansk ready to reach the top of the planet again next year,” said Ruslan Sasov, Captain of the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, upon the expedition's return.
“It was an incredible adventure! I think I am the first child from India to visit the North Pole on a nuclear icebreaker. On the voyage, we learned a lot about science and technology, actively communicated with experts and discussed various issues. It was a very valuable experience. I really enjoyed travelling on a nuclear icebreaker – it is fast and powerful, and very comfortable,” said Neeven Ved, an expedition participant from India.
A documentary series was also filmed during the expedition, showcasing the experiences of the international team of schoolchildren.
Additionally, Rosatom and a Russian society Znanie (Knowledge) organised the northernmost lecture series during the expedition. Scientists and science communicators delivered lectures both on board the icebreaker and at the North Pole. The society plans to release the Icebreaker of Knowledge lecture series to the public.
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