“Young Physicist 2026” Summer School

From June 15 to 19, the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the “Young Physicist – 2026” summer school for 50 eighth to tenth grade students. 

During the five-day program, students learned the fundamentals of modern physics and participated in hands-on activities, laboratory experiments, and themed field trips.

The packed program combined lectures by leading National Nuclear Center experts with tours of the facility's unique research sites. Students learned about thermonuclear fusion and gained an understanding of the nature of radiation and its impact on the world around us. They also explored the characteristics of the Earth’s magnetic field.

They were particularly fascinated by tours of the Hydrogen Energy Technology Competence Center, the SIP History Exhibition Hall, the nuclear test monitoring facility, and the Kazakhstani materials science tokamak (KTM). Participants saw how scientific knowledge is applied in practice and took part in laboratory research.

The program devoted special attention to radiation safety issues. During a lecture and hands-on session, the students gained a basic understanding of radiation and learned about protective measures and the use of personal protective equipment.

The summer school concluded with an intellectual quiz competition in which the students demonstrated their knowledge, attentiveness, and erudition. 

At the closing ceremony, all participants received Summer School completion certificates, and the quiz competition winners and runners-up were awarded commemorative diplomas and prizes.

The “Young Physicist” Summer School continues to introduce schoolchildren to the world of science, helping them unlock their research potential and fostering their interest in natural sciences, engineering, and technical fields.