The Atom Project with a Woman's Face" Photo Exhibition Grand Opening in Sarov

The highlight of the "Women Changing the World" urban forum held on 21 March in Sarov was the grand opening of Rosatom Women's Community photo exhibition "The Atom Project with a Woman's Face_Sarov". The exhibition honors women who contributed to establishing and developing the nuclear industry in Sarov while enhancing urban living standards.

Russia's nuclear industry takes pride in its numerous outstanding female scientists who found their calling in atomic technology development. Pioneers like Anna Gelman, Zinaida Ershova, Angelina Guskova spearheaded nuclear research, performed critical mathematical calculations, developed new materials, and became trailblazers in nuclear facility management.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Aleksandra Riabykh, Head of Rosatom Women's Community and Alexander Tikhonov, Advisor to RFNC-VNIIEF Directorate and Head of "People and Cities" Project Office.
From its earliest days as Arzamas-16, Sarov has been a cornerstone of Russia's nuclear program. The city continues this legacy with exceptional female scientists like Ekaterina Feoktistova and Natalya Karbolina – pioneers in nuclear research whose material innovations remain crucial for nuclear facilities today. Veterans Nina Alexandrova, Tatyana Kudryashova, Svetlana Tikhonova, Olga Tatsenko, and Tatyana Shestakova from RFNC-VNIIEF laid foundations without which Russia's nuclear industry wouldn't exist in its current form.

In her opening speech, Aleksandra Riabykh noted:
"As our industry evolves, women's names are heard more frequently – their dedication, determination, and leadership continue to inspire awe. Today, women contribute at all levels across nuclear medicine, icebreaker fleets, and beyond. For decades, they've shaped Russia's technological sovereignty, becoming the face of our nuclear industry while exemplifying patriotic labor for our nation's benefit. I'm honored to launch this first exhibition marking Russia's 80th nuclear industry anniversary in the very city where our atomic journey began."

The opening was attended by featured heroines – current RFNC-VNIIEF employees, industry veterans, and distinguished scientists whose lifelong work became part of nuclear history: Nina Borisovna Lavrovskaya (90), still actively mentoring youth while participating in social initiatives; Tatyana Ivanovna Klochkova; Irina Adolfovna Strabykina.

Through 2025, Rosatom Women's Community will host this exhibition series across nuclear industry cities, culminating in a grand display at the Federation Council this autumn, showcasing the collective portrait of Russia's extraordinary nuclear women.