The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation has become a partner of the international science fiction literary award "History of the Future"

      Moscow, October 22. — The International Literary Award in the field of science fiction "History of the Future" and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation announce the start of a partnership. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia and is intended to strengthen the role of science fiction as a tool for understanding technological progress and popularizing science.

      The goal of the partnership is to integrate the "History of the Future" award into Russia’s scientific and educational space, raise the project’s recognition among scientists, researchers, educators and students, and promote the idea of the scientific grounding of science fiction.

      As the organizers of "History of the Future" emphasize, the main areas of cooperation are information exchange, mutual coverage of the award’s key events and of significant initiatives of the Ministry in the field of science and higher education, as well as the popularization of scientific knowledge. The joint partnership will be aimed at demonstrating the connection between current scientific research and the themes that are important to raise in works of science fiction.

      "Science fiction is ceasing to be merely entertainment. It is becoming a laboratory of ideas, a bridge between today’s science and tomorrow’s technologies," stressed Andrey Gelasimov, writer and screenwriter, Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation, and chairman of the jury of the "History of the Future" award. "The task of the award is to encourage authors whose works not only astonish with vivid imagination but also rely on real scientific knowledge and deeply consider emerging technological trends and their impact on individuals and society. The partnership with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education is an important step toward realizing this mission."

      The partnership between "History of the Future" and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia underscores recognition of the cultural and educational significance of quality science fiction as part of the modern scientific and educational landscape.

      The ceremonial presentation of the award took place in December 2024 in Moscow at the non/fictioN26 intellectual literature fair. From February to July 2025 submissions were accepted, and to date the organizers have shortlisted 27 best stories out of more than 2,400 applications. The geography of the finalists highlights the scale of the award and the widespread interest in the science fiction genre. Writers from Russia, countries in Africa, Asia, South America, China and Europe submitted their works.

      ABOUT THE "HISTORY OF THE FUTURE" AWARD:

      The "History of the Future" award, established by the ATOM Foundation for the Promotion of the Development of Scientific, Educational and Communication Initiatives under the auspices of the state corporation ROSATOM, is an important platform for discovering fresh ideas and voices in the science fiction genre, with an emphasis on stories filled with technological optimism. It is intended to inspire authors to create worlds where science and progress become drivers of positive change, and where bold ideas resonate in the hearts of readers. The award contributes to the popularization of science fiction that reveals the possibilities of the future not as a threat but as an opportunity for the harmonious development of humanity and technology.

      The total prize fund is more than 5 million rubles. The award is presented in three categories: "Best Short Story," "Best Short Story for Children and Adolescents," and "Best Short Story in a Foreign Language."

      More information is available on the award’s website https://fhistory.ru/.