Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Shakhzoda Yokubova, a graduate of the Tashkent branch of MEPhI (National Research Nuclear University), has embarked on the 5th Arctic expedition "Icebreaker of Knowledge – 2024" aboard a nuclear icebreaker.

As a researcher and expert, she will study cosmic rays and give lectures on elementary particles to the expedition participants during the northern journey.

The Arctic expedition "Icebreaker of Knowledge," supported by the state corporation Rosatom and the Russian Knowledge Society, has become international for the first time this year, hosting a team from 15 countries aboard the nuclear icebreaker "50 Years of Victory." Shakhzoda was selected for the expedition as part of the World Youth Festival held in Sochi in March this year.

"Since spring, I have been eagerly anticipating this trip. Perhaps the full realization of being at the North Pole will come once I am there. My main mission is to study cosmic rays, give a lecture to schoolchildren, and meet new people. I am going there as an expert in nuclear physics and technology and will be sharing knowledge about elementary particles. Cosmic rays are one of the fundamental natural phenomena. Studying their characteristics can provide valuable insights into the nature of elementary particles, which is crucial for science," Shakhzoda said before her departure.

The expedition will commence on August 13 from Murmansk. Over the course of 10 days, the icebreaker will travel to the North Pole, accompanied by experts, scientists, mentors, and science popularizers.

Shavkat Abdukamilov, Executive Director of the Tashkent branch of MEPhI, expressed in his farewell speech:

"Our graduate Shakhzoda Yokubova is the first citizen of the Republic of Uzbekistan to embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard a nuclear icebreaker. This is an event that not only our university branch but the entire country can be proud of. This is a grand voyage. I am confident that you will achieve excellent results and collect vivid experiences and memories for a lifetime. We are proud of you! We wish you great success in your scientific endeavors and in your journey."

Ruslan Sasov, Captain of the nuclear icebreaker "50 Years of Victory," stated before the voyage:

"The crew is ready for the voyage from Murmansk to the North Pole and back. You are in for one of the brightest journeys of your life. We will show you the Arctic as we, the sailors of the icebreaker fleet, see it. The icebreaker will cover twelve hundred miles to the North Pole. We plan to reach the top of the planet on August 17."

During the expedition, participants will experience a rich educational program onboard the nuclear icebreaker, including lectures, workshops, scientific games, film screenings, and more. The participants will deliver their national flags to the North Pole and learn about achievements and technologies in the nuclear industry, including solutions for developing the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.