Nornickel and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science signed an agreement today at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to launch a new thematic initiative of the Decade of Science and Technology – "Metals for Progress." Nornickel will conduct educational courses and engineering competitions for schoolchildren and students, as well as create unique educational content.
"Launching this thematic initiative of the Decade of Science and Technology together with Nornickel will help us strengthen the human resources potential of knowledge-intensive and high-tech industries. Joint educational and outreach projects will clearly demonstrate to schoolchildren and students the prestige of the professions of scientist and engineer, demonstrating their real role in the development of the economy and technological progress of the country," noted Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
The "Metals for Progress" initiative aims to popularize science, particularly materials science, and foster interest in engineering and scientific professions among young people. It includes the "Arctic Fest" festival of scientific discoveries and inventions in Norilsk, Chita, and Monchegorsk, as well as IMAKE project sessions for schoolchildren. The company will also host engineering competitions for schoolchildren and students, such as the IMAKE engineering marathon, the IMAKE inventors' competition, and the "Solved!" case championship.
"The "Metals for Progress" initiative is an investment in the future of Russian science, technology, and engineering education. Interest in engineering professions is fostered through practice and personal experience, and Nornickel creates an environment for schoolchildren and students where science becomes understandable and engaging through research and project work, competitions, and exposure to real-world production processes. "We help young people see the potential of technical professions and make informed career choices," noted Dmitry Pristanskov, State Secretary and Vice President for Federal Government Relations at Norilsk Nickel.
The project also includes educational projects dedicated to palladium and its role in the development of future technologies.
Exclusive
Diamond market crash is Africa’s opportunity, not its crisis – M'zée Fula Ngenge
Global natural diamond supply is forecast to fall below 95 million carats this year, the lowest since 1987. For Dr. M'zée Fula Ngenge, chairperson of the African Diamond Council (ADC), this is not a death knell but a clarion call. In an exclusive...
Today
Tracr passes 5 million rough diamonds milestone as De Beers expands provenance push
De Beers Group's blockchain-enabled traceability platform Tracr reached a significant milestone in 2025, with more than 5 million rough diamonds individually scanned and registered, up from 2.8 million cumulative registrations reported in 2024. The...
28 september 2026
South African diamonds head to Hong Kong: SDT partners with BRINKS for JGW 2026
South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT) has confirmed the country's participation in Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong (JGW) 2026 through a partnership with BRINKS. SDT marketing and communication manager Tsholofelo Gopolang Tselapedi...
14 september 2026
David Benderly: PermaScribe seeks to put trust mark on diamond table, not just girdle
In this interview with Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa, PhotoScribe Technologies president and chief executive David Benderly explains how PermaScribe differs technically from conventional laser inscription, its potential to strengthen security, and...
31 august 2026
The great reset: Paul Zimnisky on supply catharsis, De Beers' bargain and the case for natural diamonds
The natural diamond industry is in the throes of its most profound reset in a generation. Supply is plunging to its lowest level since 1987 and De Beers—once valued at over $9 billion—is reportedly being sold for as little as $1 billion.
Lab-grown...
10 august 2026
