Today, September 5, the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus became the country's main popular science venue. The large-scale "Science Festival 2026" is taking place there, bringing together scientists, students, and everyone interested in modern technology.
The festival's opening ceremony took place at 12:00 PM, attended by BNTU Rector Sergei Kharitonchik. After the official launch, the university's rector personally visited the Polytechnic University's thematic sites to evaluate the sites and support the participants.
This year, the university's educational and entertaining locations were located in the "University of the Future" thematic zone. The Faculty of Mining and Environmental Engineering, the Automobile and Tractor Faculty, the Council of Young Scientists, and the Confucius Institute for Science and Technology of BNTU presented their cutting-edge developments and interactive activities to guests.
Representatives from the faculties emphasized visualization and applied science. At the FSME stand, visitors were able to no only see an impressive collection of minerals but also experience the thrill of being real researchers during master classes on identifying them. A unique exhibit—a genuine rhinoceros tusk—generated particular excitement among guests.
Furthermore, significant student innovations were on display at the BNTU venue. For example, FSME students presented a specialized roof management module to festival guests—a project that reached the finals of the prestigious national competition "100 Ideas for Belarus" in 2025.
The ATP location was equally exciting, featuring the faculty's students' latest developments. Members of the student design bureau "Advanced Vehicle Design" presented their projects using visual information stands. The young engineers gave guests a detailed account of the Leafada 2114e project—the development of a universal electric propulsion system for automobiles—and were happy to share technical details of the concept and answer questions from interested audience members.
For those looking for a break from studying complex mechanisms, the BNTU Confucius Institute for Science and Technology prepared a rich cultural program. At the venue, everyone could pick up a brush and try their hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy, color in themed drawings, and even try their hand at twirling a famous Chinese dance shawl.
The open-air festival format, where visitors could touch any development and interact with scientists in an informal setting, was a warm welcome. Anna, who visited the BNTU booth and tried her hand at traditional calligraphy, shared her impressions:
"I came here with my class and, honestly, I never thought it would be so interesting. It's great that you can make something with your own hands; I had a fantastic time here!" I'm sure these formats attract both children and adults, help them learn about another country's culture, and show that science isn't boring at all.
Festival visitor German also emphasized the importance of live interaction between innovation creators and the audience. He praised the diversity of BNTU's locations.
"These interactive spaces are absolutely essential for fostering interest in science among young people. I think this is a great opportunity to see everything up close, talk to the project creators, and spend a productive weekend," he remarked.
Festival volunteer Arseniy also visited the university's site and noted how the venues bring together completely different people:
"The festival brings together a huge number of people of all ages who are genuinely interested in science. Such interactive formats should be held as often as possible, as they clearly demonstrate to young people how exciting the world of research can be."
The festival has traditionally proven that science can be understandable, accessible, and truly engaging. The interactive format at BNTU allowed visitors not only to see cutting-edge developments from the faculties but also to experience the world of engineering firsthand.
For those who don't have time to visit the Botanical Garden today, the festival will continue tomorrow, September 6. Come for exciting experiences and new knowledge!
