At the project laboratory, program participants can autonomously create real, and most significantly, feasible projects in addition to using their theoretical knowledge in practice. To that end, Spark Lab has set up all the necessary elements, including cutting-edge equipment and knowledgeable team leaders who will channel the students' skills in the right directions.
"We will continue to test innovations in the student laboratory's second season in an effort to address pressing issues in our region. Students are anticipating engaging projects."
Timur Alekseyev, Spark Lab team leader
How participants were selected
Applications for the second season of Spark Lab Yakutia were accepted from early September to October 14. There were two ways to submit applications:
- project participation
- participation with a completed (own) project
In the end, 72 applications were received, and 67 of them were approved. 8 additional applications were filed with already completed projects. According to a predetermined timetable, individual groups and entire courses participated in face-to-face sessions and one online meeting. Following a brief interview with the team leaders and consideration of each application, students were assigned to various areas with consideration to their preferences, interests, and skills.
Areas available this year
Four areas will be covered as part of the second season of Spark Lab in Yakutsk:
Permafrost thawing
Development of projects aimed at enhancing knowledge of the permafrost processes and evaluating the dangers connected to this phenomenon.
Forest fires
These yearly natural occurrences that people of Yakutia have to deal with frequently endanger their lives and health. Participants study cutting-edge technology for taiga fire prevention at Spark Lab.
Quality food
Participants in this area perform trials that involve cultivating vegetables and berries in the harsh climate of Yakutia, and also studies targeted at enhancing food quality.
Recycling
A new area intended to identify and create strategies for lowering the volume of industrial and food waste dumped in municipal landfills.
Team leader Ivan Gavrilyev, claims that participating in Spark Lab projects can motivate students to work for the good of all of Yakutia: "Participation in our projects gives students the opportunity to gain new practical knowledge, deal with issues of interest, and solve problems affecting all residents of our republic."
The work has begun
Second season of Spark Lab Yakutia participants have already been split into project teams. This week saw the initial meetings. Students are currently engaged in discussing the scope of issues at hand over Telegram, as well as generating and pitching new ideas. Everyone is looking forward to the chance to begin implementing the projects. Once the schedule is created and approved, classes will start.
Team leader Vyacheslav Argunov says: "The primary focus in recruiting students was put on offline meetings where the outcomes of the first season and plans for the second one were announced. This was done in light of our past experience. Separate meetings were held with the departments and institutes of the NEFU as well as with other educational institutions. The guys had the chance to submit their proposed projects this year and receive assistance from Sinet Spark. The Sinet Spark team was shown a total of 8 intriguing projects."
An introductory training in soft skills will be given on October 30 for students from all Spark Lab Yakutia areas under the direction of an accomplished instructor, Irina Ulyanova. An interview with Arsen Tomskiy, the founder and CEO of the multinational corporation InDrive, is scheduled for early November. We wish our participants the best of luck in their endeavors and are eagerly awaiting the first outcomes of their exciting new projects!
