The International Student Practice took place at JINR from 21 September to 9 October 2026, bringing together 60 students from Vietnam, Egypt, Serbia and South Africa. Under the supervision of Institute staff, they worked on 23 research projects, explored JINR laboratories and presented their results at the final conference.
Dubna welcomed 24 students from South Africa, 14 from Vietnam, 13 from Egypt and nine from Serbia. For the Egyptian and South African participants, the practice built on preparatory training undertaken during the winter: the Egyptian students completed their training online, while the South African students attended the SAINTS Summer School, traditionally held at iThemba LABS.
At the opening session, the participants were welcomed by Dmitry Kamanin, Director of the JINR University Centre, and representatives of the national groups of the participating countries. Afterwards, the students met their research supervisors and began working on their projects.
One day of the programme was devoted to laboratory visits. The students explored the supercomputing infrastructure at the Meshcheryakov Laboratory of Information Technologies (MLIT), visited the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions and the DC-140 accelerator, and toured the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, where they learnt about research at the EG-5 and TANGRA facilities, among others.
On 25 September, International Day was held at the JINR Blokhintsev Library. Participants tested their knowledge of Russian culture in a team quiz and gave creative performances showcasing their countries. Through music, traditions and stories about everyday life, they introduced one another to their cultures. The programme also included the traditional trip to Moscow.
On 8 October, the final conference took place in the MLIT conference hall, where the students presented the results of their project work. The event concluded with a review of the practice and the presentation of certificates.
Reflecting on this year’s practice, Dmitry Kamanin, Director of the University Centre, said: “This session of the International Student Practice brought together the largest number of students in at least ten years. Among the participants are students from South Africa and Egypt, brought together through the ‘Practice for Africa’ initiative launched last year. We are seeing increased activity at the JINR Information Centre in Hanoi, which is expanding its competitive selection of participants. We are also pleased to welcome a sizeable group of Serbian students, reflecting the efforts being made to develop cooperation with the Republic of Serbia. As a result, for the first time, we used the main hall of the International Conference Centre for the opening of the practice. This is where the Institute’s most important events take place, including sessions of the Scientific Council and meetings of the Committee of Plenipotentiaries. Today, it has brought together people who may, in the near future, help to carry out our ambitious research projects.”
Some participants have already expressed an interest in continuing to work with their supervisors through the START and INTEREST programmes. Applications for both programmes remain open until 16 October. For participants in the International Student Practice, this offers a practical opportunity to apply through a competitive selection process, continue the research they have begun and maintain the scientific connections established during the practice.
