Russia’s nuclear industry is marking its 80th anniversary this year with a series of large-scale events highlighting both its historic milestones and future ambitions.

On August 20, 1945, the Soviet Union established the Special Committee on Atomic Energy in response to U.S. nuclear developments.

Within four years, it had created its first atomic weapon, successfully testing the RDS-1 bomb in 1949. The achievement cemented the USSR’s position as a pioneer not only in defense but also in peaceful nuclear energy.

Soviet scientists went on to build the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk in 1954 and launched the nuclear icebreaker Lenin in 1959 to aid Arctic exploration.

The 80th anniversary is being marked under the theme “pride, inspiration, and dreams,” with events celebrating past achievements while showcasing new technologies.

On Tuesday, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the “Era of Dreamers” gala concert, directed by Igor Krutoy, at the city’s main stadium.

The performance, blending theatrical elements with celebrity performances, drew an audience of about 30,000, including 20,000 Rosatom employees. Soloists from the Bolshoi Theater performed the music piece Era of Dreamers.

Beginning August 21, the city will also host Atom. Future, a scientific and art exhibition featuring installations, multimedia projects, and large-scale models of next-generation nuclear technologies, including icebreakers, power units, and space rockets.

Exhibits also include cutting-edge devices such as a bioprinter and a spacesuit designed for Mars missions.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate in November with the World Atomic Week international forum in Moscow.

Running from November 25 to 28, the forum will include an exhibition of Rosatom’s achievements and a scientific and educational marathon organized by the All-Russian Society “Znaniye.”

The event is expected to draw political leaders, business representatives, and scientists from across the CIS, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In addition, a series of concerts marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry are taking place across the country’s “nuclear” cities.

Organized under the Rosatom Culture Territory program, the events feature performances by renowned Russian musicians alongside local talents from these cities.

The local performers were selected through an online music and dance competition held between November 2024 and January 2025.

—