On 31 October, AYSS-2025, the 29th International Scientific Conference organized by the Association of Young Scientists and Specialists, finished at JINR. As always, this was a remarkable event for the Institute. This year, the conference brought together more than 160 young scientists and specialists. Participants from Kazakhstan, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Vietnam spent five days listening to lectures by the Institute’s leading researchers, presented results of their own studies, and discussed the issues of modern world science.

Chair of the conference’s Organizing Committee, Group Head at the Laboratory of Neutron Physics at JINR Meir Yerdauletov emphasised the international status of the event: “Many guests from different countries and institutes came to AYSS once again this year, and the atmosphere was cordial. I am sure that in the future, we will welcome participants from even more of the world’s countries. We are always open for new ties. We look forward to new connections and collaborations”.

This year, the AYSS-2025 Organizing Committee updated the conference’s topics in accordance with the current research directions of the Joint Institute. Young scientists and specialists gave presentations in the following sections:

• theoretical physics;
• particle physics and high energy heavy ion physics;
• condensed matter physics;
• nuclear physics;
• instruments and methods of experimental physics;
• accelerator technologies and neutron sources;
• information technologies;
• applied innovation activities;
• radiobiological studies in life sciences.

Another new feature was the strict selection of talks and careful work with annotations. This significantly reduced the number of conference participants compared to last year, but increased the quality of presentations. After the review, the best entries were included in the programme: 128 scientific talks and 34 poster presentations.

Leading JINR scientists and specialists delivered nine plenary talks on areas of studies, research infrastructure, and the long history of the Joint Institute. A useful experience for the participants was a Q&A with University Centre Director Dmitry Kamanin, which took place on the last day. The participants got answers to their questions about the activities and educational programmes of the UC for students from different countries.

At all AYSS scientific events, young people have the opportunity not only to broaden their horizons and share the results of their work, but also to communicate with colleagues in an informal setting, with no strict regulations. After fruitful afternoon sessions at AYSS-2025, participants competed in erudition and resourcefulness at a scientific quiz and a chess tournament. This helped them learn more about each other and network.

At the closing ceremony, the results were summarised, and the authors of the best talks and poster presentations were awarded. Students who are just starting their way in science shared their impressions of the conference.

Sofya Sakharova, the Laboratory of Radiation Biology at JINR (studying the behavioural reactions and physiological parameters of laboratory animals after ionising radiation exposure): “AYSS is one of the most anticipated events of the year for me. What I appreciate about this conference is the high quality of organization, interdisciplinarity, international communication, the opportunity to present my own results, and insights into the scientific community. Participation in the AYSS-2025 was especially significant for me because it was the first time I spoke publicly in English. I am glad that the audience showed keen interest and asked thoughtful questions. I am especially pleased that my talk was recognised as the best one in the section – moments like this are highly motivating”.

Elizaveta Konstantinova, Dubna branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University (working on her master’s dissertation on the analysis of hypernucleus production in the BM@N Experiment at the NICA Collider): “This is the second year in a row that I participate in the AYSS conference. I like its unique atmosphere and wonderful format, which brings together young scientists from different cities of Russia and other countries. The conference creates a favourable environment for young researchers, combining rigorous science with live communication. I really liked that this year, the talks were given in different buildings, which allowed participants to get to know the JINR laboratories better. I would like to see even more laboratories involved in this format in the future”.

Rethabile Phokojoe, the University of the Free State, South Africa (made a presentation about the study of fluorescent materials and the effect of gallium doping on the properties of lithium-containing silicate used as LEDs): “This is my third time at AYSS, and I can say that each and every year I’ve been attending, the conference develops and becomes more diverse. The best part about attending this type of international events is that participants have the opportunity to meet many people of different specialties from all over the world and exchange fresh ideas”.

The event officially ended, but work continues: the conference materials are being collected for publication in the Particles and Nuclei, Letters, and feedback analysis for the participants is underway.

The Organizing Committee thanks the Scientific Advisory Board and the jury members for their expert support and fruitful work, the lecturers for their fascinating presentations, and the participants for their dedicated efforts and eagerness to learn. We hope that the 29th AYSS conference inspired and energised young scientists and specialists, serving as a platform for generating new ideas for future research collaborations. See you at the anniversary AYSS conference!