August 6, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin, by a decree issued on August 6, awarded Ekaterina Yatsishina, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the National Research Center `Kurchatov Institute,` with the Order of Friendship. The decree, which was published on the official legal information portal, acknowledges her significant contributions to the advancement of science and her many years of dedicated service.
Concurrently, by the same decree, Yulia Dyakova, the Director of the Kurchatov Institute, was honored with the Medal `For Merit in the Development of Atomic Energy.`
The origins of the National Research Center `Kurchatov Institute` trace back to April 12, 1943. On this date, a directive was signed to establish a `scientific headquarters` for the Soviet atomic project, initially known as Laboratory No. 2 of the USSR Academy of Sciences, under the guidance of Igor Kurchatov. Over time, this institution underwent several transformations and name changes, including the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy of the USSR Academy of Sciences, before becoming the `Kurchatov Institute` as it is known today.
Throughout its distinguished history, the Kurchatov Institute has played a crucial role in safeguarding national security. Its work included the development and creation of Russia`s nuclear weapons, as well as advancements in atomic submarine and surface fleets, and atomic energy. In the current century, the Institute has reportedly continued its involvement in the creation of new strategic Russian armaments.
Despite its initial focus on nuclear weapons development, the Kurchatov Institute has also been a pioneer in numerous unique peaceful technologies and scientific disciplines. Its scientists have consistently addressed and resolved critical problems in fundamental physics. In 2010, the Kurchatov Institute was granted the prestigious status of a National Research Center.
Today, the Kurchatov Institute is recognized as one of the world`s foremost scientific centers, operating as a multidisciplinary Russian national laboratory. It serves as the leading scientific organization for several federal scientific and technical programs, including those dedicated to the development of synchrotron and neutron research and related infrastructure, as well as genetic technologies. Furthermore, the Kurchatov Institute provides scientific leadership for the comprehensive national program `Development of Equipment, Technologies, and Scientific Research in the Field of Atomic Energy Use in the Russian Federation.`
