Here’s your chance to join an Arctic science expedition
Icebreaker of Knowledge programme
Students from Namibia, Ghana, South Africa, and Egypt are among those eligible for the 2025 “Icebreaker of Knowledge” programme.Schoolchildren between 14 and 16 years old from these countries have been invited to take part in this international educational project. The most outstanding participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a scientific expedition to the North Pole aboard the nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory in Russian), operated by Rosatom.
The selection process, which opened in late April, is part of the sixth edition of the Icebreaker of Knowledge project. This year’s expedition holds special significance as it coincides with the 80 years of the Russian nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route — two milestones that highlight humanity’s ongoing quest for exploration and technological advancement.
Schoolchildren from 20 countries across Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America are participating in the competition. Besides embarking on the scientific journey, the selected learners will also take part in lectures, master classes, quizzes and collaborative research activities. For some students, it may become a historic experience, as they will be the first representatives of their countries ever to reach the geographic North Pole.
“The Icebreaker of Knowledge project gives young people in Africa a platform to show their potential on a global stage,” Ryan Collyer, chief executive of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa said. “Science knows no borders, and the Arctic expedition is a unique chance to meet peers from different countries, work together on real scientific challenges and see firsthand how innovation is shaping the world’s future.”
The final selection will be announced in June 2025, after which the expedition team will be finalised. Since its launch six years ago, Icebreaker of Knowledge has enabled more than 350 students to participate in Arctic expeditions arranged by Rosatom. The project is organised by the Nuclear Industry Information Centres (NIIC) with the support of Rosatom, one of the world’s leading nuclear technology companies.
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