On August 5, 2026, an agricultural seminar was held at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Agrophysical Research Institute" (FGBNU AFI), organized by the Council of Young Scientists (CYS) of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the CYS of FGBNU AFI. Academician Vladimir Dmitrievich Popov, a representative of the Joint Scientific Council on Agrobiotechnology and Food Security and a member of the CYS Bureau, coordinated the meeting. He noted the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the exchange of experience. The event brought together young scientists and specialists from relevant institutes to discuss key areas of agricultural technology development and the contribution of scientific research to ensuring the country's food security.
Presentations were given by Petr Kusakin from the All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Microbiology, who spoke about the institute's work in the field of plant-microbe interactions and his research into the mechanisms of nodule bacteria development; Fyodor Berensen and Aidar Nigamadyanov from the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources presented data on one of the largest and richest collections of cultivated plants in the world and shared their experience working with breeding material; Inna Grushevaya from the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection spoke about modern methods of phytosanitary monitoring and integrated plant protection; Tatyana Kuleshova from the Agrophysical Institute highlighted the results of research in the field of intensive light culture and plant bioelectrochemical systems; and Maria Ignatyeva from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fats shared data on the processing of agricultural raw materials and the development of new formulations. A representative of the Institute of Agroengineering and Environmental Problems of Agricultural Production and young scientists from the St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation also participated in the meeting. The discussion focused on adapting agricultural technologies to the region's climate and improving the sustainability of agricultural production. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of combining classical agronomic approaches with innovative solutions, including the use of biopreparations, digital monitoring tools, and precision farming methods.
The seminar concluded with a roundtable discussion, during which scientists identified promising areas for joint research and outlined plans for coordinating work between institutes.
Following the meeting, a decision was made to further organize offsite sessions at specialized institutes. The seminar confirmed the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and the role of fundamental science in solving practical problems in the agro-industrial complex. The results presented and the exchange of experience will form the basis for further joint projects aimed at strengthening food security and the country's technological sovereignty.
