School children from Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, and Egypt have been invited to participate in an extraordinary international Arctic science expedition scheduled for 2025, as part of the “Icebreaker of Knowledge” programme, led by Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom.
A Voyage to the North Pole
The initiative targets students aged 14 to 16 and offers them a rare opportunity to join a scientific journey aboard the 50 Let Pobedy (“50 Years of Victory”), a nuclear-powered icebreaker. The vessel will carry the selected students to the geographic North Pole, making it a potentially historic experience for many African participants.
Selection Process Underway
The call for applications opened in late April, and finalists will be announced in June 2025. The most outstanding students from 20 participating countries across Africa, Eurasia, and Latin America will form an international expedition team.
During the expedition, students will engage in a rich educational programme including scientific lectures, quizzes, hands-on workshops, and collaborative research activities with peers from around the world.
Rosatom CEO Encourages African Participation
Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of African involvement.
> “The ‘Icebreaker of Knowledge’ project gives young people in Africa a platform to show their potential on a global stage. Science knows no borders,” he said. “We encourage students from Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, and across the continent to seize this opportunity.”
Historical Significance
This year’s expedition marks two major milestones: the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route. These anniversaries highlight the programme’s broader mission to foster international scientific exploration and technological advancement.
In 2024, a South African student joined the expedition, becoming one of the first African participants to reach the North Pole on a nuclear vessel.
About the Programme
The “Icebreaker of Knowledge” programme is organised by the Nuclear Industry Information Centres (NIIC) with support from Rosatom. Since its inception six years ago, it has enabled over 350 students to experience Arctic expeditions. Rosatom is known globally for advancing nuclear technology and supporting educational, scientific, and cultural development across continents.
