On April, 7th results of the competition of the best research works executed by students “Rosatom basis” (AtomBase-2016) have been announced in Moscow International Trade centre. The contest has been held by the state atomic energy corporation and has been aimed at the creation of conditions for young people’s self-actualization through scientific and innovative activity. The final stage of the contest was held as a part of III international forum «NDexpo-2016» – “High technologies for sustainable development”.

MEPhI students represented research works on optimization of systems and technologies which could be used in future in perspective projects of atomic energy.

In the final part 8 participants have made a presentation of their projects for the scientific jury which consisted of representatives from the Block on innovations control and Block on the development of international business of Rosatom state corporation, and from MEPhI. The jury under the supervision of corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences L.N. Ponomarev has evaluated the represented students’ works according to several criteria: scientific validation, the importance of the result for the branch and the prospect of the result usage (commercialization).

Every topic, without exception, linked, among other things, to the nuclear fuel research, coolant purification, radioactive waste handling, has been acknowledged as important and perspective. That is why it was difficult for the jury to choose one winner. During the summing up of the results participants have shared their impressions about AtomBase-2016 contest. For some of them it was the first experience of showing their work to atomic community, and they were excited. All the participants highlighted the usefulness of such contests. There one can learn about leading developments in other directions of nuclear industry which are conducted.

The work of Milena Penyaz, first year student getting her Master’s degree at the MEPhI Department of Physical Problems of Material Sciences, has been acknowledged as the best one. It is considering brazing for creation of nondetachable connections of energy intensive elements of nuclear power facilities and thermonuclear reactors. Answering the jury’s questions, the author of the report said that the developed technology is unique and can be applied in other spheres of industry like rocket production and aircraft engineering where welding can be inapplicable.