From July 20th to 25th, Artem Kalinin, a young researcher at Altai State University, completed an internship in Moscow at one of Russia's oldest enterprises, the State Research and Design Institute for the Rare Metal Industry, Giredmet (part of the Rosatom State Corporation).

Artem Kalinin is a graduate of Altai State University's postgraduate program in physical chemistry. He is currently preparing to defend his candidate’s dissertation and has already applied for a position as an assistant in the Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. His supervisor is Vladimir Smagin, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor in the Department of Technosphere Safety and Analytical Chemistry. His research topic is "Synthesis, Electrophysical, and Luminescent Properties of Composites Based on Lanthanide Gallates." This focus made the internship especially valuable, as Giredmet specializes in the development of new materials based on rare metals, their compounds, and alloys.

For the second year, Altai State University’s Institute of Chemistry and Chemical-Pharmaceutical Technologies has been participating in the federal program Advanced Training and Retraining of Qualified Personnel in New Materials and Chemistry under the national project New Materials and Chemistry. For the first time it also participated in the Academic Mobility at Chemical Industry Enterprises competition for postgraduate students. This program offers postgraduate students the opportunity to receive a grant of up to 400,000 rubles for an internship, which is the support Artem Kalinin received.

Artem shares his internship experience:

"My internship at JSC Giredmet lasted almost a week. The company assigned me a mentor and organized a fascinating tour that introduced me to its operations, staff, and the latest research. When you first enter the institute building, you're greeted by displays showcasing the company's breakthrough developments from previous years and the materials it produces—it feels almost like a museum... It seems as though not only history but also the future is hidden behind the glass. I was impressed that the institute employs many young scientists alongside experienced staff." This reflects the company’s commitment not only to new developments but also to passing on the knowledge accumulated over years of research to future generations. The people working there are true specialists, dedicated to the study of pure rare earth metals and their compounds. Solutions developed by the Giredmet Institute are used at dozens of Russian and international enterprises in the nuclear power industry, microelectronics, instrumentation, aircraft and rocket engineering, as well as in mineral extraction and processing. They have years of experience, instruments, and expertise. And I had a lot to learn. It's gratifying that the government is creating such enterprises and bringing together talented people from across the country to shape our future.

My research focuses on powder composites based on lanthanide gallates. My internship was very intensive and productive: I analyzed the IR spectra of the materials I synthesized, conducted X-ray phase analysis, and examined the particle size and morphology of the powders using an electron microscope. These materials are used to create gas sensors, phosphors, and solid oxide fuel cells.

The global transition to environmentally friendly energy sources will not be impossible without a technological breakthrough. The manufacture of electric vehicles, energy-storage systems, and transmission infrastructure urgently requires new materials. Rare-earth elements, which Artem studies, form the foundation of these technologies. Their development presents considerable challenges, but they are strategically essential for the advancement of modern energy systems.