On March 13, 2025, the commemoration of renowned physicist Zhores Alferov is set to begin at his memorial office located within the St. Petersburg National Research Academic University, which was founded under his guidance back in 2002. This exhibition reveals the process of crystal growth, drawing attention to Alferov's significant contributions to semiconductor technology and the way his discoveries propelled recent technical advancements.
Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, emphasized Alferov's enduring influence on scientific progress by stating, "Zhores Ivanovich was an active public, state, and political figure... He sincerely cared about the fate of the Fatherland and left behind a legacy which will serve Russia for many years." This statement affirms Alferov's not only scientific brilliance but also his commitment to national development.
The exhibition is not the only way St. Petersburg will pay tribute to Alferov's memory. On March 14, flowers will be laid at his bust within the university, and several days later, on March 18, the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences will hold a solemn meeting to mark the 95th anniversary of Alferov's birth. This meeting is expected to incorporate various cultural and educational activities, including the screening of films, presentations of books detailing his life, and exhibitions of photographs highlighting his extensive career.
Alferov's scientific achievements included the advancement of semiconductor technologies, which have fundamentally transformed various industries today. It was highlighted by Konstantin Kotlyar, who remarked, "The Nobel Prize of Zhores Alferov triggered the development of semiconductor technologies and opened the door for future Nobel laureates like Alexei Ekimov and others for their contributions to quantum dots and blue light-emitting diodes."
Reflecting on Alferov's impact on solar energy technologies, Anastasia Kravchenko from the university commented, "Without Alferov's inventions, we would hardly have efficient solar panels." These contributions not only define the present but also pave the way for future innovations. The laboratory at the university is currently researching gallium nitride crystals on silicon carbide substrates, which may soon lead to new transistors capable of powering 'smart city' systems, as they transition from 5G to eventual 6G implementations.
The celebration of Alferov's life will continue with various cultural gatherings. On March 19, the Academic Chapel—one of Alferov's favorite places—will host a concert featuring the literary and musical piece 'Metel' based on Alexander Pushkin’s narrative and set to music by Georgy Sviridov. This concert marks yet another meaningful synonym to Alferov's love for art and science intertwined, and demonstrates the respect his peers and successors have for his legacy.
Among the anticipated events is the XXXV International Scientific Conference of Schoolchildren, known as the 'Sakharov Readings,' which will also pay homage to Alferov’s work. This respected conference brings together approximately 200 participants annually, integrating discussions across numerous fields, including physics, mathematics, biology, and literature.
Alferov's memorial events are reflective of the intense respect and admiration he garnered, not just for his academic achievements, but also his holistic contribution to society. The commemoration serves not only as remembrance but as inspiration for the next generation of physical science enthusiasts, who might follow the trail blazed by Alferov.
To conclude, the upcoming series of events will honor the tremendous impact Zhores Alferov had on both science and education. With his memorial exhibition serving as the focal point, these activities encapsulate the spirit of innovation and the lasting influence of his legacy—a true patriarch of modern physics whose ideas continue to resonate within the scientific community and beyond.