Nearly 3,000 students from across the Rajshahi Division participated in the fourth edition of the ‘Precise Energy’ Olympiad, an annual science competition aimed at inspiring young minds to explore nuclear power engineering and advanced technologies.
The event, held from October 15 to 26, 2025, was organized by Atomstroyexport, the Engineering Division of Rosatom, with support from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Russia’s National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. This year’s Olympiad also marked the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry.
Targeted at school and university students from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) region, the competition drew participants from 47 educational institutions across Pabna, Kushtia, Natore, and Rajshahi districts. Participation has increased sharply over the years—from around 1,200 students in 2023 to nearly 3,000 this year.
The Olympiad featured two categories—Junior (school students) and Senior (college and university students)—testing participants’ knowledge in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering (team-based challenges). More than 600 students qualified for the final round, where they demonstrated their problem-solving and analytical skills.
An award ceremony was held at a community center in Ishwardi, attended by students, teachers, and representatives from BAEC, MEPhI, Atomstroyexport, and other partner organizations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Engr. Md. Ashraful Islam, Director of the Rooppur NPP construction site, congratulated the winners and praised the initiative for encouraging young talent in science and technology.
“We are proud to see so many young people showing interest in science and technology. Some of these bright minds may one day contribute to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project,” he said.
Nina Dementsova, Head of the Communications Division at Atomstroyexport, noted the growing enthusiasm among Bangladeshi students:
“It is inspiring to see how the ‘Precise Energy’ Olympiad continues to expand each year, attracting more talented young people. This initiative reflects the deepening cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh in education and science. We hope today’s participants will be tomorrow’s ambassadors of the peaceful atom.”
Alexander Nakhabov, Deputy Head of the Department of Nuclear Physics and Technology at MEPhI’s Obninsk Institute, observed significant improvement in students’ knowledge and motivation:
“Since the inception of this Olympiad in Bangladesh, we’ve seen remarkable progress in students’ understanding of science. Their growing enthusiasm is a very positive sign.”
The 2025 Olympiad coincided with the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry, established on August 20, 1945. Over the decades, the Russian atomic program has achieved major milestones—developing the nation’s first atomic bomb (1949), launching the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk (1954), and introducing the first nuclear-powered icebreaker “Lenin” (1959)—pioneering the peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide.