On July 12, 2025, Skoltech will host What?! Fest, a breathtaking fusion of science and art. For one day, the campus will metamorphose into a laboratory of mind-blowing discoveries and captivating experiments for children, adults, and anyone eager to unlock the secrets of the world.

We exclaim “What?!” countless times daily − in surprise, curiosity, or when faced with the unknown. “What?!” is also the name of the Skoltech Lecture Hub, where scientists explain their research, discoveries, and groundbreaking technology in simple terms.

This year, the festival is traditionally stepping beyond the mere lecture format to offer more than 50 events ranging from lectures and master classes to skeptic shows, exhibitions, and science-themed performances. To organize the event, Skoltech partnered with over 25 leading universities, museums, and research institutes, including the Polytechnic Museum, Zaryadye Park, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, MISIS, HSE, Gutenberg’s Smoking Room, and Alpina publishers.

This time, the theme is Science. Art. Resonance. Science and art are two distinct lenses through which we perceive the world. One is based on rigorous logic, calculations, algorithms, and empirical data, while the other is inspired by metaphors, images, improvisation, and sensation. New ways of embracing reality emerge exactly where these two seemingly disparate domains converge. Astronomy meets painting, biology meets dance, and experiment meets intuition. What?! Fest explores these intersections to show how different ways to understand the world can amplify and complement each other.

The festival’s rich program will include lectures by top Russian scientists, who will talk about serious science and the beauty of our world. Solar physicist Tatiana Podladchikova will explain how the Sun creates order and chaos. Astronomer Vladimir Surdin, a special guest of the festival, will talk about how people learned to measure time. Biologist Ilya Gomyranov will show how animals can “see” beauty.

Along with attending lectures, participants will have an opportunity to:

• Assemble a satellite dish together with experts from the Lorette company;

• Discover the chemical composition of odors at a master class from Mendeleev University;

• Take and develop a photograph using century-old technology;

• Create a sci-comic book about school superheroes;

• Participate in public talks and business games and listen to scientific fairy tales;

• Enjoy science-themed performances and art installations.

The festival kaleidoscopic program is designed to resonate with each participant regardless of age, interests or occupation, leading them to experience revelations, curiosity and inspiration and to contemplate the ultimate enigma: What?!

You can find the complete program and register on the website. Participation is free.