OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2009. TVEL OJSC, jointly with its subsidiary, Mashinostroitelny Zavod OJSC (Elemash), and the Education Department of the Administration of Elektrostal, held the first municipal scientific-practical conference for schoolchildren “The First Step into the Nuclear Industry” in the framework of the “A Step into the Future: Elektrostal” scientific-social program.

In May 2009 TVEL is planning to implement intellectual-educational programs “The First Step into the Nuclear Project” in Novosoborsk (Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrate Plant OJSC) and Glazov (Chepetsk Mechanical Plant OJSC).

The conferees summed up the results of a contest among pupils of secondary schools and colleges for the best research and development projects concerning nuclear energy and nuclear technologies. Over 400 children took part in the contest.

They presented both individual and collective works.

The preparations for the conference consisted of several stages.

The first stage was the conduct of thematic lectures for seniors at the Information Center of Elemash. Over 1,000 children visited the center from Oct 2008 till Apr 2009.

At the second stage 45 pupils of 8th-11th forms from 15 secondary schools presented 30 works.

While speaking at the opening of the conference First Deputy Head of the Administration of Elektrostal Vladimir Kostromitin said: “Today, we have heard very interesting and informative reports on nuclear energy. “The First Step into the Nuclear Project” is supposed to help school-leavers to choose their future professions. I hope that the participants will continue our glorious traditions and will choose professions related to our wonderful company, Elemash, one of the guarantors of social stability and successful development of Elektrostal.”

Technical Director of Elemash Igor Petrov said: “I would like the children to choose the professions that will help us to develop our nuclear industry. You are welcome at our company. Elemash is an innovative enterprise with modern high-tech technologies, stable income and high social status. By choosing the profession of nuclear power engineer you will choose stability, success and prestige.”

Director of VNIINM Alexander Shikov said that “The First Step into the Nuclear Project” was a very important initiative: “On behalf of the scientific community, I would like to say that we are very much interested in attracting children into science. Quite recently, our institute joined TVEL’s management system. Elemash is also there. This company, just like the administration of Elektrostal, gives high priority to the work with the youth. “The First Step into the Nuclear Project” is also an excellent opportunity for all residents of Elektrostal to learn more about the work of Russian nuclear companies and to see that the peaceful use of nuclear energy is crucial for the development of our country. It is quite symbolical that the organizers have awarded not only the children but also their teachers. The latter play decisive role in children’s professional orientation.”

“Nuclear power engineering is the most advanced, innovative and technological sector not only in Russia but worldwide. We need leaders, clever and active boys and girls. Such conferences offer excellent start-up opportunities and usher young people into their future. Think, decide and take your first step into the Nuclear Project. It is the future of our country, it is your future,” Executive Director of TVEL Sergey Ivannikov said.

Yekaterina Pavlyuk (school № 16) with a work concerning nuclear renaissance has won the first prize.

Daria Olkhovich (school № 16) and Alexander Batalichev (vocational school № 14) have won the second prizes, Alexandrina Shevchenko, Olga Ukhovotova (school № 13), Polina Olshevskaya, Anna Lukshina (vocational school № 8) and Margarita Karaseva (college № 21) – the third prize.

Artur Shelekhov, Tatiana Ushakova and Valentina Zhukova (vocational school № 8) have been granted a special prize for computer game “Voyage into the World of Nuclear Physics.”

The winners were presented with communicators and notebooks provided by Elemash and TVEL.