On February 13, 2026, the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (INSM) at Samara National Research University opened its doors to all those passionate about science. The event, held in celebration of Russian Science Day, brought together approximately 1,000 schoolchildren and their teachers, university students and faculty, as well as residents and guests of the city. This tradition has deep roots: more than 15 years ago, the celebration originated at the Faculty of Biology, and since last year it has evolved into a large-scale interdisciplinary event uniting representatives from all INSM faculties—physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology.
The Rector of the University, Vladimir Bogatyrev, and its President, Viktor Soifer, attended as honorary guests, showing keen interest in the exhibits and engaging in conversations with participants.
The lobby of the department on Street Akademika Pavlova was transformed into a vibrant scientific cluster. Physicists presented the “Made by Physics” exhibition, illustrating the nature of light through a barely visible slit and showcasing the remarkable properties of glass. Mathematicians and mechanics used the high-precision VIC-3D system to demonstrate in real time how materials deform under load. They also invited guests to play chess and solve the mysteries of the “Black Box” challenge. Future nanoengineers introduced visitors to the operation of a chromatograph, revealing the intricacies of modern substance analysis.
The biological section stood out for its diversity. Attendees had the opportunity to view the unique scientific and educational herbarium of Samara University, which houses over 50,000 specimens of plants from the Middle Volga region and other parts of Russia. Particular interest was drawn to the display of Red Data Book lichens, mosses, and fungi, as well as an exhibit dedicated to cutting-edge seed quality assessment technologies. Visitors could learn to identify animals by their teeth and explore the microscopic world of bacteria through a microscope.
Students from the Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioengineering organized an engaging quest titled “My Inner World,” where participants assembled a 3D puzzle of human internal organs. Nearby, the “Health Passport” training station allowed guests to measure blood pressure, muscle strength, blood oxygen saturation, and undergo basic neurological testing. The most curious attendees, guided by students, even extracted DNA from an ordinary banana—demonstrating that molecular biology can be both accessible and fascinating.
The Zhiguli State Nature Reserve named after I. I. Sprygin also presented its own exhibit. Enthusiastic visitors deciphered the secrets of animal tracks and explored ancient marine life through fossil specimens.
Chemistry students from the InLab student laboratory staged a captivating science show. Colorful chemical transformations, vividly tinted flasks, and unexpected reactions captivated both children and adults alike, offering a fresh perspective on a science many have known since childhood.
The highlight of the day was the interactive “Smart Butterfly House.” In this extraordinary space, guests could observe live tropical butterflies in flight, examine preserved specimens from the collection of Professor Sergey Sachkov, and even don virtual reality headsets to immerse themselves in a digital world where butterflies fluttered all around them. In the lecture hall of the Smart House, Anastasia Grisyak, Director of the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, along with faculty members and students, delivered informative talks on topics ranging from how mathematics drives artificial intelligence development to the sleeping habits of the fat-tailed dwarf lemur, as well as the secrets of nanotechnology and chromatography.
Summing up the event, Anastasia Grisyak remarked: “Science Day has become a true celebration of knowledge—a place where everyone could touch science, ask a researcher a question, and make their own discovery. Science is not only about formulas and laboratories; it is also about living curiosity that unites people of all ages and professions. We are delighted that a tradition born many years ago at the Faculty of Biology now brings together our entire institute and attracts so many guests.”
Photo by Sofya Kalita
