Malehul Salehin Prottoy, a Class Ten student of Rajshahi Cadet College, has returned to Murmansk, Russia, after successfully completing Rosatom’s seventh International Scientific and Educational Expedition, “Icebreaker of Knowledge.”
Prottoy spent more than 10 days aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, travelling with talented high school students from around the world along the route Murmansk–North Pole–Franz Josef Land–Murmansk.
The expedition marked a historic milestone as the 200th expedition by a surface vessel to reach the North Pole.
.jpg)
“From a dream to the top of the world, my journey aboard the Icebreaker of Knowledge was unforgettable,” Prottoy said. “I met people from 22 countries, experienced 22 different cultures and heard 22 languages. I also learned from experts in marine biology, nuclear physics, artificial intelligence and many other fields. The Arctic gave me knowledge, friendship and memories that I will cherish forever.”
The expedition brought together talented students aged between 14 and 16. Prottoy has previously earned recognition in several international competitions, including the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition, The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, the International Youth Math Challenge and the Bangladesh Artificial Intelligence Olympiad.
A comprehensive scientific and educational program was arranged aboard the icebreaker, giving participants opportunities to learn from experts and take part in practical activities. The ship also featured a real aerospace laboratory where the students conducted hands-on scientific experiments.
During the expedition, participants worked alongside scientists on two unique projects. They launched a radiosonde designed to support communications in remote areas of the Arctic and along the Northern Sea Route. They also participated in testing the world’s first recoverable stratospheric platform.
“Such voyages truly contribute to the development of the next generation. The brightest and most talented young people take part in these expeditions,” said Ruslan Sasov, captain of the 50 Let Pobedy. He added that many participants had dreamed of visiting the North Pole and seeing polar bears, and expressed satisfaction that the expedition helped make those dreams possible.
Yegor Plakhotnyuk, project manager at NIITFA, part of Rosatom’s Scientific Division, said the expedition demonstrated how technologies that once appeared to belong to science fiction are becoming reality.
Upon reaching the North Pole, the young participants took part in a symbolic and highly international event—a circle dance around the 90-degree North Pole point. The event featured a live performance by AY YOLA, a musical group from Bashkortostan.
The expedition also included a creative component. During the voyage, participants collaborated with science fiction writer Sergey Lukyanenko to develop a science fiction story. The story is scheduled to be published later on the social media platforms of the Icebreaker of Knowledge project.
The Icebreaker of Knowledge is a scientific and educational initiative organized with the support of Rosatom. The program seeks to inspire young people to explore natural sciences and nuclear technologies, identify and support talented students, develop their skills and provide career guidance.
Across its seven editions, the project has brought more than 470 talented school students from different countries to the Arctic and the North Pole.
Russia is currently the only country in the world operating a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers. Through initiatives such as the Icebreaker of Knowledge, the country is providing young people with opportunities to experience the Arctic firsthand while gaining practical exposure to science, technology and emerging fields.
