On September 1, 2026, a celebratory event marking the Day of Knowledge took place at the Sarov Technopark. MSU Sarov welcomed a new cohort of first-year master’s students.
A grand opening ceremony for the new academic year took place at the campus of the National Center for Physics and Mathematics.
In 2026, MSU Sarov (a branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University) opened its doors to 80 new master’s students from 21 Russian cities. As part of the educational program in the fields of Applied Mathematics and Informatics and Physics, students will study the capabilities of mathematical modeling, supercomputing, laser and plasma technologies, nuclear physics experimental methods, and much more.
Leaders of Rosatom State Corporation, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the National Center for Physics and Mathematics (NCPM), and the Russian Federal Nuclear Center congratulated the early-career scientists on the occasion.
In a video address, Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Corporation, emphasized that MSU Sarov trains a select group of specialists and a new generation of researchers: «This academic year holds special significance for MSU Sarov, as the branch marks its fifth anniversary. Established by a decree from our country’s President, it has secured a unique place in the system of training scientific personnel. It is gratifying and valuable that the vast majority of MSU Sarov graduates go on to work at Rosatom enterprises. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the faculty of MSU Sarov and the university as a whole. Your noble work and deep dedication lay the foundation for training the next generation of scientists. I am confident that your students will time and again make us all proud of their achievements and discoveries. To the students, I wish you energy, high spirits, and strength for the year ahead. And most importantly—never be modest in your plans. Set the boldest, most ambitious goals for yourselves; dream big. With that mindset, you can scale any peak and achieve true success in both science and life.»
Oleg Shubin, First Deputy Director General and Director of the Nuclear Weapons Complex Directorate at Rosatom State Corporation, spoke about the unique window of opportunity opening up for MSU Sarov master’s students in his welcoming address: «I envy you—in a good way. Your mentors will include, on the one hand, the elite of Russian science, and on the other, the elite of the nuclear weapons complex. Crucially, the professors here will be able to devote far more time to you than at the main MSU campus in Moscow. Scientists from the nuclear weapons complex will also give you a great deal of attention. Seize this window of opportunity! Then, some of you will join the scientific elite, while others will join the nuclear weapons elite. And the lucky ones among you will join both! Good luck!»
Eduard Boos—Director of the MSU Sarov branch, Director of the Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences—welcomed the students and read a congratulatory message from the Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Academician Viktor Sadovnichy: «This day marks the fifth anniversary of the MSU branch in Sarov. Established on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin through a joint effort with Rosatom, the branch has become the educational core of the National Center for Physics and Mathematics. A unique training system has been created here, combining theory with practice using state-of-the-art facilities and world-class laboratories. Dear students, you have the distinct honor of studying in a place where fundamental disciplines serve to address cutting-edge challenges in ensuring the country’s scientific and technological sovereignty. Absorb knowledge, seek unconventional approaches, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. It is you who will carry forward the finest traditions of Russian science.»
On the eve of the new academic year, an informal meeting took place at the MSU Sarov campus between Academician Alexander Sergeev—Scientific Director of the National Center for Physics and Mathematics (NCPM)—and the incoming master’s students. He spoke to them about the NCPM’s large-scale projects and opportunities to participate in its scientific program. During the ceremony, the mentor noted that achieving their goals would require tackling several important tasks: «Yesterday, I was struck by the forest of hands raised in response to the question: ‘Who among you truly wants to become a scientist?’ The vast majority did so. To be honest, I hadn’t expected that. This places a huge responsibility on us. And for us to succeed, there are many challenges to address. First, you need to be hardworking—arguably, the only field that requires more study than ours is medicine. Second, be curious—this is vital, as many discoveries lie at the intersection of different scientific disciplines. And third, you need to join a scientific school as soon as possible and start working within a team that is genuinely invested in you. Sarov is linked to great scientific schools, and MSU boasts a vast number of them. So, look around and try to join a scientific school quickly—one that will propel you into the realm of high-level science as fast as possible, where you will learn to find happiness in your achievements.»
In keeping with tradition, during the final part of the celebratory ceremony, MSU Sarov graduates handed the keys to the NCFM campus over to the first-year students, while the newly minted master’s graduates—now the rightful masters of MSU Sarov for the coming years—wrote letters to the first-year students of the future.
The Day of Knowledge continued with a screening of the film Sakharov Asks for the Floor, which focuses on the USSR’s nuclear program and the Soviet nuclear physicist and Academician Andrei Sakharov. Konstantin Ruder, Director of the Communications Department at Rosatom State Corporation, reminded the master’s students that it was in Sarov, back in the 1940s, that the country’s nuclear industry began to take shape. Scientists, engineers, and military personnel—many of whom were not much older than the current MSU Sarov students—were the driving force behind the creation of the nation’s nuclear shield. Immediately following the screening, a discussion on the past, present, and future of Russian science took place, featuring Alexander Sergeev.
For reference:
The National Center for Physics and Mathematics (NCPM) was established in Sarov at the behest of the President of the Russian Federation and with the support of the Rosatom State Corporation to achieve world-class scientific results, train highly qualified scientists, cultivate new leaders in science and technology, and enhance the appeal of Russian science to young researchers.
The educational core of the National Center for Physics and Mathematics (NCPM) is the Sarov branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), established in 2021. Drawing on global best practices, MSU faculty and specialists from the Rosatom State Corporation have developed unique master’s and doctoral programs designed to train highly skilled professionals in promising fields such as physics, mathematics, computer science, and supercomputing technologies. Another distinctive feature of the educational process at MSU Sarov is the integration of the research infrastructure of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center (RFNC-VNIIEF) with world-class scientists from the faculty of MSU’s main campus and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). Today, lectures are delivered and student research is supervised by academicians, corresponding members, and professors of the RAS, as well as Doctors and Candidates of Science from leading research centers. Young researchers come to MSU Sarov from across the country—from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. The campus offers excellent conditions for comfortable living, study, and the launch of serious research careers. Master’s students receive a monthly stipend of 55,000 rubles, while doctoral students receive 75,000 rubles. Students and doctoral candidates reside in townhouses and an apartment complex situated near a coniferous forest and a lake.
The Decade of Science and Technology in Russia (2022–2031), launched by Presidential Decree, is a large-scale program of initiatives, projects, and events aimed at accelerating economic and social development by strengthening the role of science and knowledge-intensive technologies in the country. The Decade’s primary goals are to attract young people to the fields of science and technology, engage researchers and developers in addressing challenges of national and societal importance, and raise public awareness of Russian scientific achievements. Further information on the Decade’s initiatives, events, and projects is available at наука.рф. The Decade is administered by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization «National Priorities.»
Russia aims to establish technological leadership across a range of scientific and technical sectors. Major domestic state-owned corporations continue to expand their range of solutions.