ASU News

The 11th shift of 2026 has begun at the All-Russian Children’s Center “Orlyonok.” Adyghe State University, in collaboration with the center and leading Russian universities, is hosting the third session of the thematic supplementary general education program, “Lomonosov Educational Project,” at the Olympic Village children’s camp.

The program brings together eighth-grade students who passed a competitive selection process and demonstrated an interest in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, research, and popular science projects. Participants have come from nine regions of Russia and the Republic of South Ossetia. Orlyonok welcomed teenagers from the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics; the republics of Adygea, Buryatia, and Kalmykia; the Republic of South Ossetia; Krasnodar and Stavropol Krais; and Oryol and Rostov Oblasts.

The Lomonosov Program is designed for students beginning to explore the natural and exact sciences, particularly those living far from major scientific and educational centers.

A key feature of the program is its interdisciplinary approach. Rather than treating science as a collection of separate school subjects, it shows participants how mathematical methods can be used to investigate phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology. It also demonstrates how questions that connect different fields can lead to meaningful discoveries

Over the course of three weeks, students will attend classes in their chosen fields, participate in developmental clubs and hands-on activities, and conduct experiments.

The program also includes meetings with young scientists and science communicators, science-themed stand-up comedy, educational podcasts, and intellectual games. This varied format helps students gain new knowledge and feel part of the scientific community while developing their ability to ask questions, find solutions, and work collaboratively.

On October 17, camp participants will visit the venues of the “Science Around: Season Three” festival. Scientists from Adyghe State University, along with invited researchers and science communicators, will speak with the students.

At the Science Workshop’s interactive stations, children will conduct chemistry experiments, examine the microscopic world, try their hand at controlling drones and robots, explore virtual reality, and solve math puzzles. The festival program will also feature a Science Film Lab with screenings of popular science films, the “Elements of Science” intellectual games championship, and the “World of Science Through the Eyes of Children” photography competition.

“A strong educational program not only imparts knowledge but also broadens a child’s horizons. The Lomonosov Project creates an environment where eighth-grade students can explore how school subjects connect to real-world scientific challenges, gain hands-on research experience, learn from scientists, and meet like-minded peers. It is especially important to us that a child’s path into science is not determined by their proximity to a major university or educational center. Equally important, our work does not end when a student’s rotation concludes. Participants are offered continued educational pathways and opportunities to pursue their interests through partner programs. In this way, we help nurture a generation of young people equipped to address the challenges of the country’s technological development,” said Daud Mamiy, Rector of Adyghe State University.

The autumn phase continues the project’s evolving model. In spring, the “Lomonosov” program was held at Orlyonok in two sessions. In September, its interdisciplinary approach was further developed as part of the 22nd All-Russian Specialized Session, “Young Mathematician,” with new tracks in Mathematics for Physicists, Mathematics for Chemists, and Mathematics for Biologists.

This is what makes the project distinctive: it goes beyond a one-off intensive educational program to create a longer-term development pathway for students. Upon completing the session, each participant will receive a Lomonosov Project certificate, which provides priority access to partner programs, along with recommendations for further development in science and the Olympiad movement.

The Lomonosov educational project is implemented by Adyghe State University and the Orlyonok All-Russian Children’s Center, in partnership with Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The project is supported by the Russian Ministry of Education and the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.