Smolny Readings

Eleventh International Student Conference "Smolny Readings" (58–60, Galernaya Street).

Smolny Student Conference is an annual interdisciplinary conference which brings together young scholars from around the world. The program of the conference traditionally includes not only sectional reports, but also lectures of renowned scientists, leading teachers and artists, as well as round tables and workshops.

The name of the conference refers to the "Esc" button on the keyboard. This key is used to exit one state and enter another one or to return to the previous step. Last year, we discussed the idea of eternity in the context of the modern world. This time we encourage our participants to explore the concept of "eternity" by pressing "Esc".

This year's theme is about an exit in the broadest sense of this word. "Esc" is a change. "Esc" is about interdisciplinarity. "Esc" is about research, which goes beyond the boundaries of one field. "Esc" is about communication and evolvement.

The concept of "Esc" is also connected to the popular idea of escapism, which is relevant in our changing reality that may be difficult to comprehend.