Business programme 2023

Growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics could become one of the most serious threats to humanity. The number of local outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections is on the rise. By 2040, mortality from antibiotic-resistant pathogens is projected to exceed the total mortality from all other diseases. With this in mind, developing methods to prevent and overcome antibiotic resistance is one of the most important applied tasks we face today. What kind of problems exist with the spread and emergence of antibiotic resistance? How are new drugs being developed to overcome this problem?

Genetic and breeding technologies ensure that the agribusiness industry can function in a highly efficient manner in a wide variety of agro-climatic conditions and help us preserve our planet’s resources. For Russia, as one of the world’s leading suppliers of agricultural products, the development of its own genetic and breeding technologies is particularly important. Unfortunately, Russian producers remain highly dependent on imported technologies, and in order to develop their own genetics, they need a class of specialists who are motivated to pursue a career in the agribusiness industry and ready to create critical solutions in this area. This problem could be quickly resolved with the help of agricultural universities, and also by establishing seamless interdisciplinary collaboration between research centres, business, and education. What are the prospects for research centres to support the development of domestic genetics? How will cooperation between business and universities help solve the problem of a lack of expertise in breeding and genetics? What is the best way to develop and introduce tools and training programmes in genetics and breeding? How can we attract young people to agricultural genetics and breeding, and retain them in the industry? How does business see its role in the development of agricultural education and training for genetics?

On 26 October 2023, the Russian President approved an updated version of the Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation, which is based on fundamental and applied scientific knowledge in climate and related disciplines. How important is it for the development of Russia’s territories, and what role do science and education play in it?

The environmental and climate changes caused by human activities that we are seeing are global in nature, and many of them are already irreversible. Rising air temperatures, stronger storms and droughts, natural disasters, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, the extinction of plant and animal species, as well as food and water shortages are all some of the main consequences of climate change on the planet. While some scientists are sounding the alarm bell and warning about the dangers of ignoring these problems, others are highly sceptical. Which environmental changes are already irreversible, and which ones are greatly exaggerated? How does climate warming affect not only the Earth’s surface, but also the processes that occur in the Earth’s crust? What should we fear more: global warming or cooling? What are the consequences of slowing ocean currents? How are ecosystems changing today and what is threatening the planet’s biological diversity?

Understanding global processes and the modern world order, and preparing responses to the challenges facing humanity are among the key tasks that humanities and social sciences are attempting to tackle. How is the scientific community approaching their analysis?

One of the most important and, perhaps, peaceful consequences of the evolution of the atom was the rapid development of nuclear technologies in medicine. Today, short-lived radionuclides, stable isotopes, and the use of ionizing radiation help to identify oncological, cardiological, neurological, and infectious diseases at an early stage. Nuclear technologies help to transition to fundamentally new methods of treating numerous diseases and are of great importance in terms of increasing the longevity and quality of life. This evolution in the use of nuclear technologies for medicine not only brings together doctors and nuclear physicists, but is also an important area of international scientific and technological cooperation. After all, there should be no borders in the desire to help people! What are the most recent trends in the use of nuclear technologies in medicine in different countries? How can we build mutually beneficial cooperation?

The new Concept of Technological Development of the Russian Federation until 2030 views quantum communications and computing as priority cross-cutting technologies. Quantum communications are unique due to the high degree of security of the transmitted information, which is particularly important in the context of cyberattacks and the creation of powerful quantum computers. At present, the quantum communications industry is essentially ready for practical application. The company Innopraktika estimates that the market had expanded by nine times as of the end of 2022 and was worth RUB 2.5 billion. The Inter-University Quantum Network based at Moscow State University’s Quantum Technology Centre is in the process of launching a quantum communications project, which is being implemented with the support of Russian Railways (using Russian Railways backbone networks) and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science (access to the National Research Computer Network for data transmission). This makes it possible to conduct pilot projects to ensure the maximum protection of transmitted information, as well as the further development of quantum technologies. The development of quantum communications will help to create communication lines for the transfer of quantum states and, in doing so, will combine quantum computers with each other and with quantum sensors into a single information and communication infrastructure – the quantum Internet. The evolution of quantum technologies provides unique opportunities for developing the careers of young scientists. Several landmark events in this regard are planned for 2024: Moscow State University’s traditional International Quantum School and a competition of quantum Internet projects. What are the prospects for the development of quantum technologies and the quantum Internet? What opportunities do participation in the quantum school and the quantum internet competition create for young scientists?

Scientific support for the provision of social, psychological, and medical assistance to people with disabilities, including disabled children, is taking on particular importance and relevance. How are innovative scientific methods for diagnosis, correction, rehabilitation, and habilitation being used? What are the prospects and main focuses of the system for the development of an inclusive society using scientifically based approaches?

Leading Russian scientists and researchers will speak about the contribution of artificial intelligence technologies to Russia’s development and what benefits they bring to people. The session participants will learn about the latest trends and examples of the development and introduction of neural networks in various fields, and will also have a chance to discuss issues related to the development of generative artificial intelligence and AI for the benefit of society with the session’s speakers.