RUS | 🇷🇺 Composites, Rosatom, and Sunsets in Nizhny: An Interview with a PhD Student from Indonesia 🇮🇩

Our guest today is Teguh Imanullah, a PhD student at SPbPU, finalist of the "Leader of People's Diplomacy" international competition, and Chairman of Indonesian National Union SPbPU and Head of Russian Representative of Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI). He recently attended the grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry in Nizhny Novgorod and shared his impressions and plans with us.

❓ Teguh, is your studies at SPbPU related to nuclear energy?

▶️ Indirectly, but very importantly! I study composite materials, which is one of the key areas for Rosatom. For example, the corporation has a whole division called "Rosatom Composite Technologies" that creates the most advanced materials, even for consumer goods. So my work will definitely find application in the nuclear industry.

❓ Why did you choose this particular field?

▶️ It was a very conscious decision. First, I wanted to continue my research from my Master's degree—many new questions had emerged. As they say, if there are no questions after defending a thesis, it means science has stopped!

Secondly, I see huge potential in hybrid metal-polymer composites. They are the future: strong, light, and efficient. And thirdly, it's a bridge between Russia and Indonesia! Russia has a powerful school of materials science, and we in Indonesia have vast resources of natural fibers for creating biodegradable polymers. Our partnership can create unique materials for the whole world.

❓ What impressed you the most at the festival in Nizhny?

▶️ The city itself — the sunset capital of Russia! It's very beautiful, calm, and fast-developing. And the concert itself was grand. I was particularly struck by the narrative — from the history of the industry, which was born here at Polytech with Kurchatov, to the modern "Era of Dreamers."

And, of course, the performance of Rosatom's Director General Alexey Likhachev with the band "Umaturman"! Seeing the head of such a giant corporation singing from the heart on stage is very cool and inspiring.

❓ Do you plan to connect your life with the nuclear industry?

▶️ Definitely! Indonesia is very interested in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), and Russian experience is perfectly suited for archipelagos. I really want to understand this and contribute to developing materials for the reactors of the future.

❓ What advice would you give to future students?

▶️ "Live and learn." It's good to have doubts; it's a sign of intelligence. But don't let it become a barrier to your self-realization. Develop yourself, be braver, and think critically. Everything around you is a platform of opportunity—don't miss it. Remember: youth is not just the future of a country, it is its present. Good luck, good luck!

We thank Teguh for the interesting conversation and wish him great success in his research and people's diplomacy! ❤️