09.02.2026

Winter School on Composite Materials at IKBFU: A Bridge between Science and Culture for Students from All Over the World

On February 9, 2026, the IKBFU hosted the grand opening of the Winter School on Composite Materials for International Students. This intensive educational course served as a thematic track of the III International Winter School "Obninsk Tech" and was implemented as part of the large-scale project of the Rosatom State Corporation for the development of international nuclear education. The initiative was supported by the Rosatom Project Office and the leading manufacturer of composites in Russia, JSC “UMATEX”.

The IKBFU brought together 15 talented international students from the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, RUDN University, HSE, ITMO, TPU, MPEI and UrFU. The project demonstrates an impressive international coverage. Representatives of 13 countries have arrived in Kaliningrad — Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Namibia, Indonesia.

Ilya Samusev, Acting Vice-Rector for Scientific work:
Dear colleagues! I am pleased to welcome the students of the 3rd International Winter School "ObninskTech" on composite materials at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. I am sure that the participants will enjoy fascinating lectures and practical work on the study of the structure, properties, methods of production and application of modern polymer composite materials.The participants will have the opportunity to fabricate polymer compounds with their own hands, experimentally study the properties of polymer fibers and carry out technological cycles of processing polymer composites. Under the supervision of my colleagues from the "SmartTextiles" Polymer and Composite Materials Scientific and Educational Center, the Winter School participants will visit enterprises of the polymer industry of the Kaliningrad region and see the application of the acquired competencies in real production.I sincerely wish everyone productive work, new knowledge, and ideas!

Ilya Samusev, Acting Vice-Rector for Scientific work:

Dear colleagues! I am pleased to welcome the students of the 3rd International Winter School "ObninskTech" on composite materials at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. I am sure that the participants will enjoy fascinating lectures and practical work on the study of the structure, properties, methods of production and application of modern polymer composite materials.The participants will have the opportunity to fabricate polymer compounds with their own hands, experimentally study the properties of polymer fibers and carry out technological cycles of processing polymer composites. Under the supervision of my colleagues from the "SmartTextiles" Polymer and Composite Materials Scientific and Educational Center, the Winter School participants will visit enterprises of the polymer industry of the Kaliningrad region and see the application of the acquired competencies in real production.I sincerely wish everyone productive work, new knowledge, and ideas!

Anastasia Minina, Head of the "Obninsk Tech" Project:
This project is part of the activities of the Obninsk Tech International Science and Education Center, and we are proud that “Rosatom” State Corporation and “UMATEX” are it’s key partners. The main program of the school in Obninsk was completed just a few days ago and today we are welcoming students from 13 countries here, in Kaliningrad, at the site of our partner — IKBFU. Kaliningrad is an important industrial and scientific center of Russia, where key organizations in the field of composite technologies are located. In addition to the rich curriculum, I hope you will enjoy participating in the cultural events which have been prepared specifically for you. We believe, the Obninsk Tech school will be an inspiration for you, allowing you to not only delve into the study of materials of the future but also develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in the nuclear industry.

Anastasia Minina, Head of the "Obninsk Tech" Project:

This project is part of the activities of the Obninsk Tech International Science and Education Center, and we are proud that “Rosatom” State Corporation and “UMATEX” are it’s key partners. The main program of the school in Obninsk was completed just a few days ago and today we are welcoming students from 13 countries here, in Kaliningrad, at the site of our partner — IKBFU. Kaliningrad is an important industrial and scientific center of Russia, where key organizations in the field of composite technologies are located. In addition to the rich curriculum, I hope you will enjoy participating in the cultural events which have been prepared specifically for you. We believe, the Obninsk Tech school will be an inspiration for you, allowing you to not only delve into the study of materials of the future but also develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in the nuclear industry.

The school's program focuses on practical skills and the development of advanced technologies. Under the guidance of experts, participants will delve into the structure and properties of modern polymer and composite materials. In the university's high-tech laboratories, students will have the opportunity to create polymer compounds, test the strength of fibers, and conduct complete processing cycles for polymer composites.

Olga Molokanova, Director of the SEC “Polymer and Composite Materials "Smart Textiles":
I am glad to welcome the participants of the Winter School at our university. You are in one of the most interesting centers of IKBFU, where we not only study theory, but also create real products. We develop polymer composites using a wide range of technologies, and this is crucial, as these materials are used in various fields, from aerospace and special protective textiles to medicine. Our goal is to learn how to design composites that meet specific requirements. During the course, you will gain fundamental knowledge about the classification of polymers and matrices, but most importantly, you will understand how to control their properties. Whether you need high strength, electrical conductivity, anti-static effects, or antibacterial properties combined with elasticity — we will teach you how to achieve it. In our laboratory and practical classes, you will create unique samples and study their characteristics using high-tech equipment.

Olga Molokanova, Director of the SEC “Polymer and Composite Materials "Smart Textiles":

I am glad to welcome the participants of the Winter School at our university. You are in one of the most interesting centers of IKBFU, where we not only study theory, but also create real products. We develop polymer composites using a wide range of technologies, and this is crucial, as these materials are used in various fields, from aerospace and special protective textiles to medicine. Our goal is to learn how to design composites that meet specific requirements. During the course, you will gain fundamental knowledge about the classification of polymers and matrices, but most importantly, you will understand how to control their properties. Whether you need high strength, electrical conductivity, anti-static effects, or antibacterial properties combined with elasticity — we will teach you how to achieve it. In our laboratory and practical classes, you will create unique samples and study their characteristics using high-tech equipment.

A key feature of the training will be the close integration of education with real production: participants will visit the enterprises of the Kaliningrad region's polymer industry. The educational block will be complemented by an introduction to the innovative infrastructure of the IKBFU, including a visit to the neocampus Kantiana. To help guests get to know the Kaliningrad region better, a rich cultural program has been prepared for them, including a tour of the World Ocean Museum and a walk through Zelenogradsk.

Daria Gerber, Director of the International Office:
We began exploration of our unique region with a walk through Zelenogradsk yesterday. Although it was cold, we admired the winter Baltic Sea and visited an environmental site where students created their own souvenirs using composite materials. In the coming days, we will continue exploring Kaliningrad and visiting places associated with the great philosopher Immanuel Kant.

During the opening ceremony, the participants of the Winter School shared their expectations for the upcoming training. The international students shared their hopes of discovering new professional horizons at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University.

Karel Tyr, Czech Republic, student at the Institute of Applied Energy Sciences at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI:
I am the Head of the Department of International and Student Cooperation at the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy. We decide how students will participate in projects, make suggestions for the content of programs, and collect feedback. We discuss the results of this work at meetings of the Megacouncil, which is attended by Alexey Evgenievich Likhachev, General Director of the Rosatom State Corporation. While last week in Obninsk, the main focus was on nuclear technologies, here in Kaliningrad, the focus is on composite materials. A large-scale project is being implemented here, which brings together the interests of “Rosatom”, MEPhI, and the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy. Other strong universities, such as the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, are also being involved in the project. I expect that we will be able to establish a close connection between the new partner universities and “Obninsk Tech”. This will open up great opportunities for the future of all students. I would like to say that this is not the first time I have visited Kaliningrad. As a Czech citizen, I find this city very familiar and truly European. I feel at home here, with the only difference being that my hometown does not have a sea.

Karel Tyr, Czech Republic, student at the Institute of Applied Energy Sciences at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI:

I am the Head of the Department of International and Student Cooperation at the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy. We decide how students will participate in projects, make suggestions for the content of programs, and collect feedback. We discuss the results of this work at meetings of the Megacouncil, which is attended by Alexey Evgenievich Likhachev, General Director of the Rosatom State Corporation. While last week in Obninsk, the main focus was on nuclear technologies, here in Kaliningrad, the focus is on composite materials.

A large-scale project is being implemented here, which brings together the interests of “Rosatom”, MEPhI, and the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy. Other strong universities, such as the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, are also being involved in the project. I expect that we will be able to establish a close connection between the new partner universities and “Obninsk Tech”. This will open up great opportunities for the future of all students. I would like to say that this is not the first time I have visited Kaliningrad. As a Czech citizen, I find this city very familiar and truly European. I feel at home here, with the only difference being that my hometown does not have a sea.

Vasti Maldrid Mantedo, Namibia, TPU student:
I am currently studying applied geology at Tomsk Polytechnic University, specializing in mining and the oil and gas industry. I am completing my degree in nuclear physics at the University of Namibia. My journey involves two different universities and two different countries, but I am here, in Kaliningrad where I want to fill an important gap and deepen my knowledge in the field of materials science. My motivation has deep personal roots. Recently, a massive uranium deposit was discovered in Namibia, just 10 kilometers from my hometown. I aspire to become an expert who understands the entire nuclear fuel cycle. I have already started with the basics, studying mining technologies and applied geology in Tomsk. Realizing that it is impossible to pursue three degrees simultaneously, I am actively participating in conferences and educational programs. The Winter School at IKBFU is an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge about modern composite materials.

Vasti Maldrid Mantedo, Namibia, TPU student:

I am currently studying applied geology at Tomsk Polytechnic University, specializing in mining and the oil and gas industry. I am completing my degree in nuclear physics at the University of Namibia. My journey involves two different universities and two different countries, but I am here, in Kaliningrad where I want to fill an important gap and deepen my knowledge in the field of materials science. My motivation has deep personal roots. Recently, a massive uranium deposit was discovered in Namibia, just 10 kilometers from my hometown. I aspire to become an expert who understands the entire nuclear fuel cycle. I have already started with the basics, studying mining technologies and applied geology in Tomsk. Realizing that it is impossible to pursue three degrees simultaneously, I am actively participating in conferences and educational programs. The Winter School at IKBFU is an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge about modern composite materials.

Astagina Pramesti Jawakrisna, Indonesia, Ural Federal University student:
I am a final-year undergraduate student in the field of “Nanotechnology and Microsystems Engineering”, which is very close to materials science. My research mainly focuses on ferroelectric materials. However, I do not want to limit myself to studying only the electrical properties of materials. My goal is to go beyond this and explore other promising materials and their wide applications. That is why I am here.

Astagina Pramesti Jawakrisna, Indonesia, Ural Federal University student:

I am a final-year undergraduate student in the field of “Nanotechnology and Microsystems Engineering”, which is very close to materials science. My research mainly focuses on ferroelectric materials. However, I do not want to limit myself to studying only the electrical properties of materials. My goal is to go beyond this and explore other promising materials and their wide applications. That is why I am here.

The students will have a week of intensive work, unique experiments, and pleasant acquaintances. The Winter School at IKBFU will conclude on February 14, and it is designed to serve as a springboard for each participant's successful international career.