VYZOV Prize Roadshow in Nizhny Novgorod

Sergey Taskaev is Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy at Novosibirsk State University, and Chief Researcher at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He shared the story of creating a new type of small, high-intensity source of neutrons, a task that was deemed technically unfeasible. This device, dubbed VITA, is perfectly suited for boron-neutron capture therapy, a technique that precisely targets tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. VITA makes neutron technologies more accessible and effective while pushing the boundaries for research across various fields.

"Science is an art, and scientists need feedback, much like artists, writers, and musicians. When people show interest in your work, it gives you an opportunity to discuss what you have been doing for many decades, which is incredibly valuable. The scientific roadshow is an exciting project with a promising future," says Sergey Taskaev, winner of the VYZOV Prize for Future Technologies.

"The Nizhny Novgorod region has always been the home, the school and even the scientific laboratory to outstanding scientists. Rostislav Alekseev, Alexander Andronov, Alexander Popov and other great minds have laid a strong scientific and engineering foundation for our region and set a high standard for future generations. By holding an event organized by the Vyzov Foundation, we continue this tradition of scientific excellence of Nizhny Novgorod. We are honored to host a gathering of our nation's brightest scientists and promising young talents," said Ekaterina Solntseva, Deputy Chair of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and a Candidate of Technical Sciences. These events, she noted, inspire young researchers, elevate the status of science as a cornerstone of regional and national development, and symbolize the rise of a new generation of scientists who are ready to carry forward the legacy of Andronov and Popov in terms of global scientific leadership.

The event was also attended by Aleksey Fedorov, Deputy Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the VYZOV Prize, Head of the Quantum Information Technologies research group at the Russian Quantum Center, Head of the Quantum Information Technologies Laboratory at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS. He touched upon the details of applying for the VYZOV Prize and explained what sets it apart from other scientific awards.

"It is very important that scientists become the heroes of our time, with society recognizing their accomplishments and their knowledge being applied to current economic needs. It is a great joy for each scientist to see their work appreciated by both the economy and the people. This requires a two-way relationship: scientists must focus on solving practical challenges posed by the industry, while businesses must pay more attention to the achievements of our scientists," said Alexey Fedorov, Deputy Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the VYZOV Prize.

Scientists and engineers from the Volga Federal District have been actively submitting applications for the VYZOV Prize. For instance, last year the award received 56 applications from the district, representing nearly one in ten entries. The Nizhny Novgorod region, in particular, has been demonstrating a steady increase in engagement. In 2024, the region submitted eight applications.