Science in Faces: A Portrait Exhibition of Leading Russian Scientists to Open at SPIEF

Plasma rocket engines and atomic batteries, Russian technologies for the production of special components for the petrochemical industry, radiation safety technologies and rare-earth metal extraction, new alternatives to antibiotics, medicines for cancer and rare diseases, new materials, megascience-class projects, and human-centered artificial intelligence — advanced Russian scientific developments have the potential to change the world and improve people’s lives. The Science in Faces exhibition will once again bring together Russian scientists, the creators of breakthrough domestic technologies that are shaping the future. The opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on 5 June at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko. 

The fifth season of the project will feature portraits of 32 scientists from 15 regions of Russia whose inventions and developments have been recognized with prestigious awards in the field of science: recipients of the Russian Government Prize in Science and Technology for Young Scientists Alexander Anikin, Gleb Belozerov, Dmitry Butylsky, Viktoria Vedyushkina, Artyom Isaev, Vladislav Kibkalo, and Pavel Moseev; recipient of the Government Prize of the Russian Federation in Science and Technology for Young Scientists Mikhail Shandov; recipients of the Moscow Government Prize for Young Scientists Pavel Vorobyov, Maria Deryabina, Evgeny Knyazev, Anastasia Lipatova, and Anastasia Sosnovtseva; recipients of the Sber Science Award Mikhail Medvedev and Dmitry Penzar; recipients of the National Award in Future Technologies "VYZOV" Vera Vil and Stepan Kalmykov; as well as scientists who presented their developments to the President of the Russian Federation at the Congress of Young Scientists, winners of Russian Science Foundation competitions, and employees of leading Russian scientific organizations and high-tech companies, including SIBUR, Sber, and Rosatom. 

“Young scientists play a key role in achieving the country’s technological leadership in the most important sectors, which is why our task is to ensure a constant inflow of talented personnel into research and development. Projects that promote science, such as Science in Faces, actively contribute to this goal,” noted Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. 

The exhibition is being held with grant support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, as well as with the support of the Roscongress Foundation and Sber. For the third consecutive year, the project’s General Partner is SIBUR, the leader of the Russian petrochemical industry. The project is part of the “Science Nearby” initiative within the Decade of Science and Technology. 

“Today, the real rock stars are the people who create the technologies of the future and stand at the forefront of progress. Among this year’s exhibition participants are two SIBUR teams working on domestic technologies for the production of hexene and catalysts for basic polymers — materials that surround us in everyday life. These are highly complex scientific developments that form the basis for the first Russian production facilities for these special components. Thanks to them, new materials for medicine, transport, construction, and other high-tech sectors of the economy are emerging. At the same time, behind every development stand talented researchers whose ideas have the power to transform industries and improve the quality of life for millions of people. I am confident that thanks to projects such as Science in Faces, young scientists and engineers become more visible, recognizable, and inspire new generations to pursue careers in science and technology,” said Daria Borisova, Member of the Management Board and Managing Director for R&D and Innovation, Business Development and New Technology Engineering at SIBUR. 

“Supporting science and research is one of Sber’s strategic priorities. We support scientists across the country through our Scientific Prize, as well as through Sber’s internal R&D Prize for the strongest researchers. Young scientists hold a special place here, as they ensure continuity of scientific schools and create the talent pool on which the science of tomorrow will be built. The active use of artificial intelligence in various areas of their daily work significantly accelerates research and enables the creation of truly unique projects. Supporting such scientists today means investing in Russia’s technological leadership tomorrow. This exhibition is yet another way to showcase the faces of those who are already shaping the future of Russian science,” said Albert Efimov, Vice President and Director of Research and Innovation at Sber. 

The concept of the exhibition in 2026 is “Scientists Are the New Rock Stars.” The concept was developed together with the creative partner, the CHTIVO project. The exhibition presents scientists as bold, daring, energetic, and true rock stars. Scientists are no longer reclusive figures in white lab coats, but bright, creative, and passionate people, modern heroes seeking answers to intellectual challenges and ready to change the world. In June 2026, a special project dedicated to the exhibition participants will be published in the print edition of CHTIVO magazine. 

The project photographer is Olga Tuponogova-Volkova, a renowned advertising and fashion photographer, multimedia artist, and director. Over the years, she has shot covers for Russia’s leading glossy magazines, including Vogue, Glamour, Tatler, AD, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, and Marie Claire. Her photographs have been published in Vogue Portugal, Vogue Mexico, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler, InStyle, and other publications. She has participated in numerous exhibitions in Russia and abroad, including solo exhibitions at the VKHUTEMAS Gallery, Agency Art Ru, and the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art. 

“The concept developed by Victoria Morozovskaya, Art Director of CHTIVO magazine, immediately captured my attention and inspired me. At first glance, what could scientists and rock stars possibly have in common? In reality, quite a lot: a spirit of intellectual freedom, their own unique language, the ability to communicate with future generations, and ultimately the opportunity to remain in history forever. I was delighted that our participants enthusiastically embraced the photoshoots, became deeply involved in the process, and, most importantly, were pleased with the results. For me, this is an excellent sign — it means viewers will certainly feel the atmosphere and energy of these photographs. As an author, I greatly enjoyed working on the project. We had a wonderful professional team and truly inspiring participants,” shared Olga Tuponogova-Volkova.  

Throughout the year, portraits of the distinguished scientists will be displayed in some of Moscow’s largest public spaces, including VDNH Exhibition Centre, Sokolniki Park, and Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, as well as in the Moscow Metro. The exhibition will also be presented at federal universities across Russia’s regions. The project participants will give lectures for students and take part in scientific events. Science in Faces will conclude its season at the VI Congress of Young Scientists, which will be held at Sirius University of Science and Technology from 25 to 27 November 2026. The scientists will participate in the Congress discussions.