Science Battle at Gubkin University
On October 7, 2026, Gubkin University hosted a "Science Battle" as part of its "Science Week" festival. The event was organized by the Student Scientific Society in collaboration with the "Science Slam" association—a group dedicated to popularizing science and innovation—with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
During the event, five young scientists presented their research in the unique format of a science show, incorporating humor, metaphors, and visual aids. This approach made complex topics both accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Participants in the Science Battle included:
– Kristina Baklazhenko, an assistant in the Department of Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), who presented on "Assessing Industrial Safety Culture in Oil and Gas Enterprises Using Neural Network Algorithms";
– Alexey Dukin, a postgraduate student in the Department of Construction and Repair of Oil and Gas Pipelines and Storage Facilities (Faculty of Design, Construction, and Operation of Pipeline Transport Systems), who presented on "Developing Neural Network-Based Methods for Identifying Pipeline Defects";
– Anton Mitchenko, an assistant in the Department of Oil and Gas Industry Economics (Faculty of Economics and Management), who presented on "An Approach to Justifying Risk-Mitigation Measures for Preventing Delays in Arctic Offshore Construction Projects";
– Vitaly Pshenichny, Acting Dean of the Faculty of International Energy Business, Associate Professor in the Department of Strategic Management of the Fuel and Energy Complex, and Candidate of Economic Sciences, who presented on "AI: A Boom or a Bubble?" “How can one distinguish artificial intelligence that creates genuine economic value from AI that generates nothing but hype and unproven business efficacy?”
– Maria Rubtsova, Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry (Faculty of Chemical Technology and Ecology), PhD in Chemistry, presented on the topic: “-50°C Outside: How Nanomaterials Keep Diesel from Freezing.”
Students at Gubkin University witnessed a spirited intellectual duel. Beyond learning something new about science, they also had the chance to support the participants with their applause—as the volume of the cheering was the deciding factor in determining the winner.
Based on the audience vote, the winner of the science battle was Maria Rubtsova, whose presentation style and topic resonated most strongly with the crowd.
This event was held as part of the “Strategy for New Discoveries” development program for the Gubkin University Student Scientific Society.
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