Saratov Hosts VYZOV Prize Roadshow. Our science tour is over, but we’re not saying goodbye

The VYZOV Prize for Future Technologies’ series of roadshows culminated in a popular-science lecture delivered by a Laureate of the award, the world’s most cited biophotonics expert Valery Tuchin at the Saratov State University on May 15th. 

Dr Tuchin spoke about the optical properties of tissues and the relevant research methods. He particularly focused on optical illumination, which suppresses light diffusion, thereby improving image quality and increasing diagnostic accuracy. The VYZOV Prize laureate explained how this method helps distinguish healthy tissues from pathological ones, deliver drugs to tissues and combine optical technologies with traditional imaging techniques.

“A scientific achievement may take years, sometimes decades. And, of course, getting feedback is very important for a scientist. Projects such as the VYZOV Prize Roadshow give us an opportunity to tell people what we do and receive feedback from both the scientific community and the wider public. I believe this project may have an interesting future and a broad geography. There is growing interest toward science in society today, including young people," said Dr Tuchin.

The event featured a welcoming speech from Aleksey Chumachenko, Rector of the Saratov State University, and a presentation by Aleksey Fedorov, Deputy Chairman of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee. 

“When we came up with the idea of a roadshow done by scientists, we had two objectives in mind. Number one, organize lectures delivered by scientists to introduce regional audiences in Russia to the scientific achievements that will change every person’s life for the better. Number two, tell scientists about the VYZOV Prize in order to attract an even greater number of strong submissions than we did last year, and provide an impetus for the development of promising research projects. After all, our award is about more than merely getting prize money: It also offers recognition, publicity and an opportunity to present what you do to a vast audience,” Aleksey Fedorov said. 

Anna Shangina, Vice President of the VYZOV Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations, described its activities for the public, and summarized the 2025 VYZOV Prize Roadshow. 

“Saratov is the final location for our roadshow, our science tour organized to promote this year’s VYZOV Prize selection and awards. Valery Tuchin's lecture at the Saratov State University has attracted a packed house. We also received a warm response and noted great interest from very diverse audiences in other cities. We have enjoyed support from heads of regional governments, university rectors and the business community. The roadshow format has proven to be effective, and we plan to expand our project’s geography next year," Mrs Shangina said. 

Scientists and engineers of the Volga Federal District have traditionally shown great interest for the VYZOV Prize. Last year, they submitted a total of 56 submissions, making up almost 10 percent of all nominees. Eight of the submissions came from the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.