The issues of popularization of science were discussed at the Forum of Future Technologies

At a separate session of the Future Technologies Forum, scientists, cultural figures and journalists discussed methods and formats for promoting science to the general public. When asked by Andrey Reznichenko, moderator and head of the editorial staff of the Nauka News Agency of Russia TASS, about how the audience treats science stars in the media, almost 70% replied: "Excellent: the more scientists on the air, the better."

Vera Wil, winner of the National Prize in the field of future Technologies "Challenge" in the "Perspective" nomination in 2025, head of the Laboratory of Chemistry of Industrially Useful Products at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, believes that it is necessary to talk about scientific achievements, especially to a "young" audience. Moreover, it should be done clearly and interestingly, for which it is often necessary to simplify some concepts. Wil noted that "scientific popularization should motivate young people to take up science and show them the scientific world in a way that any student can enter."

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, listed the tools for popularizing science and spoke about the significant increase in interest in scientific activities among Russian youth.

"According to VTsIOM, 74% of parents want their children to study science," she said.

The Deputy Minister also noted the comprehensive support of the scientific sphere from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, mentioned the existence of personal scholarships and the support of student scientific societies.

Writer, playwright, screenwriter Alexander Tsypkin believes that in order to make science "fashionable", especially among young people, it is necessary to get rid of some stereotypes about Russian scientists, and he called the creation of "cool science series" the most effective way to popularize science.

Sofiko Shevardnadze, a journalist, author and presenter of the Challenge of Sofiko project, author and presenter of the Just about Complicated project, spoke about her programs, a kind of dialogue between "physicists and lyricists." She believes that the topic of science is in demand in the media, and it is ahead of sports and economics in popularity.

According to the Distinguished Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Materials Design at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) Artyom Oganov, the task of popularizing science is to help people find their place.

"Only science can provide answers to the challenges faced by humanity," he stressed.

"The popularization of science is important, first of all, for the scientists themselves," says Natalia Tretyak, General Director of the Challenge Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations.

"Scientists are people who change our lives for the better every day. They are bright personalities, but little is known about them. If we want information about scientists to be perceived, we need to do it emotionally. Popularization of science is important for young people, as it is an area where they can express themselves. It is also important for the country's image," Tretyak said.

The Future Technologies Forum is supported by the Government of the Russian Federation and organized by the Roscongress Foundation.