Icebreaker of Knowledge Expedition Returns from North Pole with 66 Students from 21 Countries

The sixth edition of the Icebreaker of Knowledge international Arctic expedition has successfully returned to Murmansk after a 10-day journey to the geographic North Pole.

The expedition, organized with the support of the Rosatom State Corporation, coincided with the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the first recorded exploration of the Northern Sea Route.

A total of 66 talented students from 21 countries — including Egypt, Turkiye, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, China, Ghana, and South Africa — took part in the scientific and educational voyage aboard the 50 Let Pobedy nuclear icebreaker. The program featured lectures from top nuclear and space scientists, hands-on scientific experiments, and opportunities to explore the design and operation of the nuclear-powered vessel.

In a unique highlight, Rosatom and Roscosmos conducted joint trials of simplified models of advanced mobile space rover platforms under North Pole conditions, simulating potential future missions for geological exploration on other planets.

One symbolic moment came from Chinese participant Alisa Li, who carried a three-meter-long traditional scroll depicting the 50 Let Pobedy and messages of international friendship. Participants also joined the ship’s captain, Ruslan Sasov, in unfurling Russia’s national flag in honor of National Flag Day.

Egyptian participant Mahmoud Said Morsi, from the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, described the voyage as “a huge opportunity” to learn about nuclear technology. “Egypt is just entering the era of peaceful nuclear applications with the El Dabaa NPP project, and being part of this expedition was both educational and inspiring,” he said.

Promoting Science and Global Friendship

The Icebreaker of Knowledge project is spearheaded by the Nuclear Industry Information Centers (NIIC) with Rosatom’s backing. It aims to promote natural sciences, inspire young talent, and provide career guidance in nuclear and related technologies. Since its inception, more than 400 students worldwide have joined its Arctic expeditions.

This year’s journey followed the route: Murmansk – North Pole – Franz Josef Land – Murmansk, reaching the North Pole on August 17, 2025.

Russia’s Nuclear Legacy

The event also spotlighted Russia’s leadership in nuclear innovation. Russia remains the only country with a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, operated by FSUE Atomflot under Rosatom. Today, eight such vessels support Arctic exploration and logistics along the Northern Sea Route — the shortest shipping link between Eurasia and Asia-Pacific.

The USSR was a pioneer in the peaceful use of atomic energy, commissioning the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk (1954) and launching the first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin, in 1959. Eight decades later, Rosatom continues to advance nuclear energy, logistics, new materials, and nuclear medicine.

The 80th anniversary celebrations of the nuclear industry will culminate this fall with the World Atomic Week international forum in Moscow under the theme: “Pride. Inspiration. Dreaming.”