School children aged 14 to 16 from Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, and Egypt have been invited to participate in the prestigious “Icebreaker of Knowledge” educational project. The most exceptional students will have the rare chance to join a scientific expedition to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker, 50 Let Pobedy (“50 Years of Victory”), operated by Rosatom, a leading global nuclear technology company.
The initiative, which opened for applications in April 2025, marks the sixth edition of the Icebreaker of Knowledge project. This year’s expedition is particularly significant as it coincides with two monumental anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route. These milestones emphasize the ongoing pursuit of exploration, scientific research, and technological advancements.
The project invites schoolchildren from 20 countries across Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America to engage in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants will embark on a scientific journey to the Arctic, where they will engage in a series of activities, including lectures, masterclasses, and collaborative research. These activities will give them firsthand experience of the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of the world.
For many of the participants, this expedition will be a historic achievement, as they will be among the first from their countries to reach the geographic North Pole. In 2024, a student from South Africa was one of the winners of the program, becoming one of the first African representatives to reach the North Pole aboard a nuclear icebreaker.
Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “The Icebreaker of Knowledge project provides African students with a platform to showcase their potential on a global stage. It offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from different countries on real scientific challenges.”
The final selection of participants will be announced in June 2025, after which the international expedition team will be finalized. This exciting project continues to inspire young minds, fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators.
