Russian teens compete for Arctic expedition aboard nuclear icebreaker in 2026

The Atom Museum has kicked off the seventh season of Icebreaker of Knowledge, an educational project by Rosatom. Aimed at students aged 14 to 16, the competition offers a chance to join an Arctic expedition to the North Pole in August 2026.

This year’s event aligns with Russia’s Year of National Unity, marking the first time participants from all eight federal districts will take part in the polar voyage.

The competition begins with online registration on the project’s website. Applicants must complete intellectual challenges and creative tasks across three tracks: Seeker, Creator, and Master. The top 96 students will then advance to in-person regional semifinals.

For the second consecutive year, these semifinals will run simultaneously in youth centres across all eight federal districts. This ensures equal access for young people nationwide. In June 2026, two teams from each district will compete in the final selection round. The 16 winners will join a global team aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker *50 Years of Victory*. Alongside them will be students from 22 countries, as well as winners of major youth competitions and olympiads. The expedition aims to introduce participants to modern science, engineering, and cutting-edge nuclear technology. The 2026 voyage holds special significance. As part of the Year of National Unity, it will include representatives from every federal district, highlighting the contributions of all Russia’s peoples to domestic science.

The selected students will embark on an Arctic expedition in August 2026. They will experience firsthand the work of a nuclear-powered icebreaker while engaging with advanced scientific fields. The project continues to expand, offering more young people the chance to explore polar research and innovation.