Journalism and AI Take Centre Stage at BelSU Media Conference

The 15th All‑Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation, titled “Journalism, Mass Communications, and Media: Young Researchers’ Views,” took place at Belgorod State University’s Institute of Social Sciences and Mass Communications.

This year’s conference was organised jointly with leading Russian schools in the field, including the Faculty of Journalism at Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Faculty of Creative Industries at HSE University. The three‑day programme featured breakout sessions on a wide range of topics, from the language of modern media and digitalisation trends to the sociology of mass communications and contemporary art in new media.

Participants particularly enjoyed the practice‑oriented formats, including a media pitching session where student editorial teams presented their projects, as well as masterclasses on using artificial intelligence to adapt educational materials and create video content. The highlight was a science battle between students and faculty on the question “Who Knows AI Better?”

“Over its 15 years, the conference has evolved from a small faculty event into one of the country’s flagship forums for young media and communications researchers,” said Professor Evgeny Kozhemyakin, coordinator of the HSE School of Communications. “Its impressive scale, geographic reach and diversity of events demonstrate that this is a landmark conference for the country.”

Professor Andrey Polonsky of the BelSU Department of Journalism noted that media today not only reflect the scientific agenda but actively shape it, setting new meanings in the interpretation of culture and communication.

Svetlana Ushakova, Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism, added:

“Our conference has become a unique intellectual platform for those beginning their research careers. The ideas and discoveries that participants share, along with their engagement in the scientific process, create a truly fruitful atmosphere.”