JINR reached an important milestone in the implementation of the NICA Megascience Project. On 18 December, a heavy xenon ion beam was injected into the collider ring for the first time. This event marks the accelerator complex entering a key phase of commissioning, which precedes the start of physical experiments.

The Laboratory of High Energy Physics at JINR is commissioning the key components of the CC3 Cooling Centre and the WC3 Water Cooling System at the NICA Accelerator Complex. Putting this equipment into operation leads to the final stage of preparing the complex for a physics run with circulating heavy ion beams.

On 15–17 December, the NICA 2025 workshop organized by JINR and MEPhI took place. The event was dedicated to discussing current theoretical and experimental aspects of the physics of relativistic collisions of heavy ions, sharing experiences, and searching for new ideas to improve the effectiveness of future research.

Scientists of JINR and the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences are participating in joint experiments on the Bion-M No. 2 biosatellite. The main goal is a comprehensive study of the risks associated with increased radiation levels in polar orbit.

More than 40 students, young researchers, and teachers from six countries participated in the event. The school is supposed to become a platform for new connections and ideas for cooperation, showing participants the opportunities of the unique research infrastructure of JINR and the University’s laboratories.

During the educational meetings with Dubna schoolchildren, JINR’s English-speaking scientists and specialists talked about their homeland, culture, career path, and answered questions from the audience. The initiative continued the tradition of active cooperation between the Institute’s employees and schools.

The programme included an introduction to the JINR research and achievements, visits to laboratories and main facilities, lectures by JINR scientists, and workshops. The aim of the school was to give 11 participants from South Africa opportunities to adapt and use the gained experience at home.

On 18 December, the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics held a seminar dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Albert Tavkhelidze, a JINR founding father, an organizer of scientific activities, and one of the outstanding researchers who shaped the image of the Institute.

The Joint Institute is conducting an annual employee satisfaction survey. Results are shared with the Directorate and published online. Take part anonymously and help make JINR better.

The State Chamber Orchestra of Jazz Music led by the People’s Artist of Russia, conductor Boris Frumkin performed the Memory of Heart programme marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the World War II. Mariam Merabova performed solos.

JINR is hosting a giveaway of branded T-shirts this year. You can find the participation terms in the Institute’s Telegram channel. The winners will be announced on 26 December. Don’t miss your chance to win JINR merch!

The researchers got acquainted with opportunities for experiments and discussed cooperation in neuroscience and radiobiology. Special attention was paid to the technical equipment and current projects of the Brain Centre, the Centre for Morphological Research, and the Laboratory of Nutrition and Sports Physiology.

Seminar recordings

We invite you to watch recordings of the seminars “Inclusive cross sections of direct generation of J/ψ and J/ψ(3686)”¹ by Olga Bakina, “Gamma radiation effect on the scintillation properties of an inorganic BaF2 scintillator”² by Ilya Vasilyev, and “Formation of the cyclotron magnetic field for particle dynamics”³ by Ivan Lyapin.

A new issue of the Weekly JINR Newspaper, #49, has been published. Please note that you can read an English version on the JINR Newspaper’s website.

On Saturday, a JINR team won a volleyball tournament dedicated to an anniversary of Nikolay Tamberg. In addition, the medalists and prize-winners of the JINR championship in air rifle shooting, which took place in November, were awarded. Congratulations to our colleagues on the accomplishment!

A team of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research took first place based on the year’s results. We congratulate the athletes and wish them further success!

Seminars

• 25 December. 11:00 AM. DLNP. “Hybrid modules for the ATLAS HGTD detector: setup and calibration. Radiation resistance of electronic components for experiments at high luminosity colliders” by Nikolay Atanov
• 25 December. 2:00 PM. DLNP. “JUNO Experiment: 10 years later” by Dmitry Naumov
• 26 December. 12:00 PM. MLIT employee meeting. Results of 2025
• 26 December. 3:00 PM. LRB. Seminar on the results of the laboratory’s activities in 2025

Culture

• 11 December – 11 January. Daily from 1:00 to 7:00 PM (except Monday). JINR Mir Cultural Centre. Painting and handicraft exhibition
• 25 December. 6:00 PM. JINR Universal Public Library. English speaking club
• 25 December. 7:00 PM. JINR Universal Public Library. Hairpin book club
• 25 December. 7:00 PM. JINR Mir Cultural Centre. New Year concert of choir of Danilov Monastery
• 26 December. 6:00 PM. JINR Universal Public Library. JINR Cinema Club
• 27 December. 6:00 PM. JINR Universal Public Library. Guttenberg’s Smoking Room meeting
• 29 December. 7:00 PM. JINR Universal Public Library. Genealogical club’s meeting

Sports

• 27 December. 3:00 PM. JINR Sports Club. Open New Year’s weightlifting competition in memory of A. M. Weinstein