This large-scale and spectacular event brings together schoolchildren, students, young scientists, engineers, specialists and anyone interested in science.

The theme of the festival, "The Science of Winning," reflects significant events in 2025, including the Year of Defender of the Fatherland, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and the 110th anniversary of the SFedU. The slogan of the event is: "Science is the foundation of victories, the key to the country's technological leadership."

The opening ceremony of the Science Festival was attended by Tamara Shevchenko, Minister of General and Vocational Education of the Rostov Region, Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU, Marina Borovskaya, President of the Southern Federal University, Kirill Tremasov, Adviser to the Chairman of the Bank of Russia, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Vasily Vysokov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Center-Invest Bank.

Tamara Shevchenko, Minister of Education of the Rostov Region, opened the 16th Southern Russian Science Festival, which annually becomes one of the main communication platforms for outstanding and aspiring scientists:

"Southern Federal University acts as the main organizer of the event, demonstrating its projects and achievements. The volume of research at the university currently stands at more than two billion, and it receives significant support at the federal and regional levels.

The Science Festival coincides with City Day and the approaching 110th anniversary of SFedU in October. I am sure that the festival will become a powerful incentive for the further development and development of scientific achievements for schoolchildren of the region and students."

Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU, noted that the 16th Southern Russian Science Festival is being held in Rostov-on-Don, providing an opportunity for universities and scientific organizations in the region to reveal their scientific achievements:

"The main goal of the festival is to inspire young people and a wide audience to take an interest in science. We want to show how fascinating and diverse the world of Russian science is, to present unique developments and technologies. All departments of the Southern Federal University actively participate in this event, demonstrating their contribution to the development of education, science and technology. The festival opens the doors for creative and curious people, allowing them to see the latest scientific achievements that help the country cope with modern challenges," said Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU.

Kirill Tremasov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Bank of Russia:

"Now it is important for our economy how to develop faster, how to grow faster. High growth rates are primarily productivity growth, technological progress, and increased economic efficiency. Without investments in science, without prioritizing this development, we will not achieve high sustainable growth, we will not become world leaders."

Marina Borovskaya, President of the Southern Federal University, said that the Rostov Arena hosted a festival that brought together representatives of various educational institutions in Southern Russia. The main purpose of the event is to inspire young people to study science and demonstrate its importance for professional and personal growth. The speaker noted that even the youngest schoolchildren can feel the truth and truth that science brings.

"We hope that our exhibitions dedicated to the achievements of universities in the South of Russia will inspire each of you, regardless of age, to think about science as an important part of life. Today, we offer a variety of digital solutions that will help you get closer to research and education. We want this research activity to warm your hearts and inspire faith in the success of Russia, Russian scientists and educational systems. I congratulate you on this wonderful day full of happiness, well-being and success!"

Vasily Vysokov, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Center-Invest Bank, presented a certificate for a grant of 10 million rubles for the implementation of AI training programs to Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU.

Vasily Vysokov, during his speech at the festival, the speaker stressed the importance of victories in various fields, including science. He cited the example of his former rector, Georgy Ivanovich Razdorsky, who, despite severe injuries, achieved significant success in his scientific career. The speaker highlighted the importance of modern technologies, noting the success of the Southern Federal University in teaching artificial intelligence methods.

"Today we can also be proud of our achievements. Among the many proposals for the development strategy of the Rostov region, a proposal on the digitalization of public administration was chosen, which indicates our commitment to innovation. Southern Federal University has won a competition to teach modern artificial intelligence methods, opening up new horizons for us.

However, it is important to remember that the HYPE around artificial intelligence has already passed, and we will have to focus on its creative aspects. Even when traditional methods don't work, there is still room for creativity — this is our competitive advantage. Finally, I want to emphasize that striving for victory is important in all spheres of life," Vasily Vasilyevich emphasized.

The festival will feature leading scientists and company representatives, as well as advanced scientific developments from SFedU and its partners in seven thematic sections: energy, medicine, agriculture, cybersecurity, transport and communications, ecology, and education. Participants will be able to get acquainted with innovative technologies, ask questions to experts and discuss the prospects for the development of science.

The business program of the festival includes four blocks: "Science and Youth", "Science and Partners", "Science and Society", "Science and Education". It is a platform for sharing experiences, establishing professional contacts and finding new areas for cooperation.