On 8-12 July, 2024, the XIII Scientific School for Physics Teachers was held at JINR. 24 teachers participated in the event, representing various regions of the Russian Federation, including Samara, Saratov, Orenburg, Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Kaluga, Novosibirsk, Ulyanovsk regions, Yamal, Crimea, Udmurtia, Bashkortostan, Saint Petersburg, and Stavropol.
The event aims to bridge the gap between schools and fundamental science, to bring scientific knowledge to a broader audience, and to draw attention to JINR’s research areas.
As part of the school’s programme the participants attended the interactive exhibition “JINR Main Facilities”, had introductory lectures and tours to the Laboratory of High Energy Physics, the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, and the Laboratory of Nuclear Problems; there were masterclasses on working in the Virtual Research Laboratory Workshop and the Virtual Laboratory for Nuclear Physics Studies, and a visit to the University of Dubna. The participants explored the city going through a quest game. A spectacular demonstration of physics experiments was the finishing touch of the programme.
The participants shared their experience of the week spent in Dubna.
Olga Pukit, Noyabrsk
I would like to express my immense gratitude to the organisers of the Scientific School for Physics Teachers for the opportunity to touch the world of modern science and visit the laboratories where discoveries are made. I felt so proud of our national science and the scientists who have made significant contributions to nuclear physics and the discovery of 10 new elements of the Periodic Table. After the warm welcome from the staff at the University of Dubna and the tours to the university's laboratories I will certainly be recommending this university to my students. I believe that this university is an excellent alternative to Moscow universities and the city of Dubna is a wonderful place for nurturing highly qualified specialists and fostering creative young people.
Marina Kutina, Protvino, Kaluga Region
The school left a lasting impression and inspired me to achieve new heights in teaching physics. The presenters are professionals with extensive experience and enthusiasm, who shared their knowledge and helped us understand complex issues. The atmosphere was really pleasant, great working conditions and a highly convenient organisation of the educational process.
Ella Roshchina, Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region
The five days of the school provided an opportunity to get introduced to the achievements of modern science, attend lectures given by highly qualified researchers, and connect with like-minded colleagues.
Irina Varenikova, Chernozemnoye, Republic of Crimea
The time just flew. Each day was filled with fascinating events – lectures, excursions, and interactions with colleagues gave a powerful burst of energy to continue my teaching career. I made new friends and gathered numerous ideas for my students' research projects. Perhaps, thanks to this experience, they will continue to advance science. I would like to thank the organisers for providing the accommodation at the Dubna Hotel. Everything was top-notch. The city itself impressed me with its beauty and tranquillity. It's a place you want to return to. A deep appreciation to all the organisers of the school.
Marina Yavtushenko, Ulyanovsk
At the school, teachers feel valued, needed, and significant, surrounded by attention and care. I’ll try to return in a couple of years, just when the new NICA collider is in full swing!
Natalia Kalugina, Noyabrsk
We have seen that science is not standing still; it is in safe hands – the hands of intelligent, talented, and passionate people with a keen sense of humour. Despite their modest role in society, teachers possess tremendous guiding and inspiring power. Now, 24 more teachers from different parts of the country are fascinated by nuclear physics and will inspire their students with stories about accelerators and the creation of new chemical elements. Most importantly, this work is done by humble people in a small, cultured town that honours the memory of those who contributed to science. The organisation of the event deserves special gratitude. Great care was taken of every aspect; everything was thought out and well-prepared. Lots of appreciation – it was hard to say goodbye. Now, the word ‘Dubna’ brings warmth to my heart and floods me with fond memories.
