VYZOV Prize Roadshow Arrives in St Petersburg

Leonid Fershtat, Laureate of the VYZOV Prize in the Future category, Doctor of Chemical Sciences and Head of the Laboratory for Nitrogen-Containing Compounds at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, delivered a lecture "There is No Such Thing as Too Much Nitrogen: Why Do We Need Nitrogen-Rich Heterocycles?" on April 21 and 22. The lecture was presented at two universities in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) and ITMO University, as part of the VYZOV Prize Roadshow. 

Leonid Fershtat. Photo: Bibars Bara, SPbPU press service

Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences: "I firmly believe that we must put a word out about the achievements of scientists, and we must to it loud and clear in order to inspire young people to pursue science. I closely follow the VYZOV Prize. I am glad that SPbPU, the center of scientific knowledge and innovation for over 125 years, hosted a lecture by one of the winners of this award. Universities play an essential role in popularizing science, and it is our pleasure and honor to provide a platform for initiatives that engage more people in the scientific community and contribute to progress and a better future. I recall the words of Igor Kurchatov, alumnus and professor of our university: "Science and knowledge transcend the boundaries of centuries!"  

"Such projects carried out together with universities help build bridges between science and society. This is more than just education; it's an investment in a future where scientific thinking is the norm and researchers get their deserved recognition. Scientists become role models, especially for younger generation, demonstrating that science is an exciting and esteemed occupation. ITMO University is a perfect platform for popularizing science, since we have always supported interdisciplinary projects and unconventional educational formats like open lectures, science slams, and festivals. These initiatives foster the culture of public discussions of science," said Ekaterina Skorb, director of the School of Life Sciences, head of Infochemistry Scientific Center at ITMO University.

Photo: Photo: Dmitry Grigoryev, ITMO press service

Leonid Fershtat shared insights into his work in developing new organic compounds based on nitrogen-oxygen heterocyclic structures. These compounds can be used to create medicines and high-performance materials for aerospace and mining industries.

"Scientists use every opportunity to share their work with a new audience. This is incredibly valuable. While we may not yet fill stadiums like rock stars, the very existence of projects like the VYZOV Prize Roadshow reflect the increasing public interest in scientists and our work. I am always delighted to see and feel the feedback from the audience, to answer questions about my research," said Leonid Fershtat, laureate of the VYZOV Prize for Future Technologies.

Photo: Bibars Bara, SPbPU press service

The event was also attended by Artem Oganov, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the VYZOV Prize, Professor at Skoltech and Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He touched upon the specifics of applying for the VYZOV Prize and explained makes it different from other scientific awards.   

"The scientific roadshow offers brilliant scientists the opportunity to discuss their latest work in various cities. At the same time, people in these cities have a chance to gain firsthand knowledge of the groundbreaking discoveries and talk to the people whose research and inventions affect millions of lives. Saint Petersburg is home to a great number of talented researchers, and we are looking forward to their applications for the VYZOV Prize this year," said Artem Oganov, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the VYZOV Prize.

Photo: Photo: Dmitry Grigoryev, ITMO press service

The event at SPbPU featured Vitaly Sergeev, vice-president of the university, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The lecture at ITMO was attended by rector Vladimir Vasiliev. It is worth noting that scientists and engineers from the Northwestern Federal District consistently show a strong interest in the VYZOV Prize. Last year, 59 applications were submitted from this region, or roughly one tenth of all applications. St. Petersburg is one of the leading regions in terms of the number of applications (49), trailing only behind Moscow. 

The VYZOV Prize Roadshow is organized by the Vyzov Foundation for Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations in support of the applications campaign of the VYZOV Prize. In 2025, the event will tour four Russian cities: St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, and Saratov. The project aims to showcase scientific breakthroughs not only in Moscow but also in other Russian cities, demonstrating that scientists are the heroes of our time and deserve public attention, recognition, and admiration. 

Applications for the award can be submitted at the vyzovprize.com website until May 21.

Nauka Mail is information partner of the VYZOV Prize.