From April 23 to 26, 2026, Samara University hosted “The Person of Our Time”—a landmark educational forum and one of the key gatherings of the year for the student psychological community. Bringing together over 100 participants, primarily students from the Faculty of Psychology, the event blended academic rigor with hands-on practice, fostering dialogue, insight, and professional growth.
Designed to promote psychological science, enhance students’ professional literacy, and strengthen academic ties, the forum featured an impressive lineup of 30 speakers—including leading faculty members and invited practitioner-experts from across Russia.
The program was carefully structured to guide participants on a journey from theoretical reflection to real-world application:
- Opening Ceremony & Scientific Kickoff
Held at the university’s “Tochka Kipeniya” (Boiling Point) innovation hub, the forum launched with a series of interdisciplinary mini-lectures. Speakers offered multifaceted perspectives on “The Person of Our Time,” analyzing contemporary challenges and human adaptive capacities through lenses of cognitive science, social psychology, neuroscience, and cultural studies.
- Lecture Intensive & Poster Session
The first full day featured a dynamic mix of in-person and online lectures, complemented by a poster session where psychology students presented their original research projects—showcasing emerging talent and innovative thinking.
- Offsite Practical Immersion
The final stage unfolded at the “Raduga” (Rainbow) retreat center, where participants fully immersed themselves in an intensive learning environment. Attendees selected from a curated menu of masterclasses, workshops, and practical training sessions aligned with their professional interests. Interactive formats and a rich cultural program fostered camaraderie, turning the retreat into a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange and community building.
Evenings filled with creative performances, informal conversations with speakers, and collaborative team activities created a warm, supportive atmosphere—where inspiration flowed freely and new friendships took root. For many, the forum became a catalyst for personal breakthroughs and meaningful connections.
The event reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for live dialogue between students and established professionals. Participants left equipped with practical skills, expanded horizons, and actionable tools for their future careers in psychology.
Organizers emphasized that this is only the beginning: the project will continue to evolve. Plans include refining educational formats, integrating cutting-edge teaching methodologies, and expanding the pool of experts to include specialists at both regional and federal levels. Future editions will address timely societal and scientific questions, ensuring the forum remains at the forefront of psychological discourse in Russia.
Text: Angelina Schneider
