From 2nd to 6th December 2024, the first Scientific school for teachers from the Republic of Belarus was held at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. Sixteen teachers of physics in engineering classes familiarised themselves with the Institute’s research and facilities, gaining new knowledge applicable in their lessons.
The school opened with a traditional welcome speech by the Director of the University Centre, Dmitry Kamanin, who highlighted the unique features of the science city and noted the research areas in which JINR is a world leader. The introduction to the Institute continued with a visit to the JINR Main Facilities Exhibition and the Museum of the History of Science and Technology. In the Blokhintsev Universal Library, the teachers learned about the outreach and educational projects implemented by staff and volunteers, while a city quest around Dubna allowed them to better understand the city’s history and cultural features.
The teachers were introduced to the new teaching and methodological complex “Physics 7–9. Engineers of the Future,” approved by the Russian Ministry of Education and aimed at in-depth study of the subject, and to the textbook for advanced-level schools “Nuclear Physics. Grades 10-11,” by its authors Yuri Panebratsev, Natalia Vorontsova, and Ivan Lomachenkov.
The school participants also learned about a Virtual laboratory for studying nuclear physics and other educational e-resources from the University Centre staff. The teachers visited the V.G. Kadyshevsky Lyceum, where they met with the director, Yuri Kurlapov, explored the school’s infrastructure, and participated in a physics laboratory experiment masterclass.
Participants visited the Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, including the NOvA experiment control room and the photomultiplier testing hall. At the Laboratory of Information Technologies, the teachers were introduced to the JINR Multifunctional Information and Computing Complex and received a lecture on the role of computer calculations in modern physics. They also visited the Laboratory of High Energy Physics, seeing the NICA accelerator complex, the Superheavy Elements Factory, and the Nanocentre at the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions.
A lecture entitled “JINR and the Path to Big Science,” delivered by Alexander Verkheev, Head of the Human Resources and Records Management Department, summarised the school, providing teachers with a roadmap for attracting young people to the Institute. Elena Kokouilina, a staff-member from Belarus and Head of a group at VBLHEP, shared her experience working with Belarusian students and outlined the opportunities available at JINR.
The school participants shared their impressions.
Elena Kurilova, School No. 9, Zhlobin: “I really enjoyed the school. I’m glad to be a pioneer among Belarusian teachers here. Engineering classes have been operating in our country for several years now, and we’re all teachers in these classes, teaching physics at an advanced level.
The experience is beyond words; it’s truly fascinating here. We especially liked the book created by the University Centre team, the teaching and methodological complex for grades 7–9. It’s genuinely interesting and productive work by your scientists.
The scale of the Institute itself was impressive, as we had no idea how many scientists are working on nuclear physics problems. We’ll return home and share the experience gained here with our colleagues – everyone’s waiting for us to come back with new knowledge.”
Andrey Khvalinsky, Lyceum No. 1, Baranovichi: “Of course, I had some prior knowledge of accelerators: cyclotrons, colliders, but seeing them in person is very impressive. It’s always interesting to experience how such installations work.
We have students who know nothing about nuclear physics. In Belarus, in my opinion, theoretical physics is more developed. The Joint Institute for Power and Nuclear Research – Sosny of NAS of Belarus, is closely linked to nuclear physics. I understand that the connection between Dubna and our “Sosny” will be strengthened. I also liked Dubna itself, it’s a very green city.”
Konstantin Petrov, Academy of Education, Republic of Belarus: “It should be noted that physics teachers mostly stick to their own group when communicating, but now we have a rare chance to interact with scientists engaged in big science. For us, this is an exceptional opportunity to see the work of research physicists in real time, to observe their work on real objects.
Secondly, this school raises our motivation level and, above all, makes us start thinking about how to popularise science, how to attract more children to the physics and mathematics field, because this is also extremely important for us.”
Veronika Shapoval, Gymnasium No. 3, Soligorsk: “I’m a young specialist, still gaining experience after university. The education authority offered me this trip, promising it would be interesting. I’m very glad I came – I’m gaining a lot of useful information, especially for the children. I’ve been teaching in engineering classes for two years; the children are motivated, but we lack a variety of learning materials. Here, they offer workbooks, multimedia resources, and an interactive laboratory – it’s all much more engaging.
We have contracts with some Belarusian universities: students receive slight advantages upon entry. Using the materials obtained at the school will help us prepare students for entry to specialist higher education institutions.”
The JINR University Centre has been organising schools for physics teachers at the Joint Institute annually since 2009. The aim of the programmes is to bridge the gap between schools and fundamental science, and to promote the dissemination of modern scientific knowledge to a wider audience.
The University Centre plans to hold schools for teachers from JINR member states, including those in English. A pilot school, “Teacher of the Future,” for students selected by the Institute’s information centres across Russia, is planned for February at JINR. The practice of holding scientific and practical school-seminars for teachers will also be implemented at the information centres.
