Researchers from St Petersburg University speak at the Congress of Young Scientists about science integration and new scientific issues
The Congress of Young Scientists has finished at the Sirius Science and Arts Park. Experts from St Petersburg University spoke there about state-of-the-art research at the University and presented their own developments.
On the closing day of the Congress of Young Scientists, Tatiana Chernigovskaya, Director of the Institute for Cognitive Studies at St Petersburg University, Acting Head of the Department of the Problems of Convergence in Natural Sciences and Humanities, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Education, spoke at the 'Sociology and Humanities Studies' panel.
The participants of the discussion paid attention to the key results and prospects of science integration development: the convergence of humanities with natural technologies and methods. The development of civilisation today is largely driven by the rapid development of technology, but the question of human consciousness is even more acute, including through the use of artificial intelligence.
Without high technology and the use of artificial intelligence, current brain research simply isn't possible. However, our task is not to see every neuron. We need to understand how the human brain generates meanings.
Tatiana Chernigovskaya, Director of the Institute for Cognitive Studies at St Petersburg University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Education
'The human brain, unlike other living beings on the planet, does not just process incoming information, it also creates it. And what it creates is the humanities knowledge that embraces all the history of our thought and our civilisation. It is truly unique,' said Tatiana Chernigovskaya during the discussion.
According to Professor Chernigovskaya, it is the humanities that enable us to pose the right questions and find the answers. However, another important task for scientists in today's world is to attract young professionals.
'I am glad that already in their first years of study my students get involved in real research, including grant projects. We have to “infect” the younger generation with science. It should become terribly interesting for them. This will provide the constant development,' added Tatiana Chernigovskaya.
The congress also concluded with a lecture by Stanislav Smirnov entitled ‘Where is mathematics going?’. Stanislav Smirnov is Academic Supervisor of the Chebyshev Laboratory at St Petersburg University and Professor at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology.
The Congress of Young Scientists was the final major event of the Year of Science and Technology. It brought together: representatives of leading scientific schools from different regions of Russia; academic and research organisations; government agencies; industrial partners; leaders of national science; early-career researchers; winners of grant competitions; students; and schoolchildren who have achieved significant results in their research. The full programme of the event and recordings of expert speeches can be found on the congress website.
The event featured round tables, plenary sessions, lectures, and the 8th Annual National Exhibition 'Vuzpromexpo 2021', which presented the latest research results of St Petersburg University scientists.
From 6 to 14 July 2022, St Petersburg will host the International Congress of Mathematicians, one of the oldest and most important scientific congresses summing up the development of mathematics over the last four years. Stanislav Smirnov talked about the development of mathematics over the 128 years since the first congress. During that time, many crucial problems had been solved, but just as many new interesting directions had emerged. Particular attention was paid to the connection of mathematics with other sciences, such as physics and biology, and its importance for technological progress.
During the lecture, Professor Smirnov also noted the importance of the participation of young specialists in the research on contemporary scientific problems. 'I believe that we should be involved in current issues that are of interest to the broader mathematical community. This will enable us to share knowledge with leading experts and make our contribution to the development of scientific knowledge. Science is moving forward, and every brick here is very important. It is necessary to be part of this common movement. That is why it is important to integrate into global science and to hold events such as the International Congress of Mathematicians. Here in St Petersburg, we are looking forward to our colleagues from all over the world and from all over Russia, especially young people,’ added Stanislav Smirnov.