The traditional "The 21st Century Themis" Olympiad for schoolchildren took place at the St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. It annually brings together pupils from city schools interested in the field of legal and forensic issues. The event was organized by the Faculty of Forensics and Law in Construction and Transport.

Dmitry Ivanov, PhD of Juridical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Dean of the Faculty, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that the Olympiad has become an important university tradition and allows students to become familiar with the professions of lawyers and forensic experts.

"We hope you'll discover many new things today and get your first glimpse of the legal profession. If you're interested in learning more about our faculty, we look forward to seeing you at the Open Day on 6 December," noted Dmitry Valerievich.

Elena Ivanova, PhD of Juridical Sciences, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, spoke to the students about the opportunities the university offers applicants. She presented the "Become a Student for a Day" program, which allows participants to immerse themselves in a real student atmosphere, attend classes, and learn about the Jurisprudence field of study and the specialties of the Faculty of Forensics.

Schoolchildren also received informational materials about the university's fields of study, faculties, and educational programs.

Daria Meleshina, a student and a member of the faculty's youth team, spoke about the faculty's students project activities. She noted that young people under 35 can participate in grant competitions offered by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs by creating socially significant projects. One such project, "InfoShield," formed the basis for this year's Olympiad theme: combating online fraud.

"These days, everyone spends a lot of time online and, unfortunately, encounters online dangers. At all five Olympiad stations, we'll examine specific cases of online fraud," Daria explained.

Anna Kruzhevnikova, PhD, Associate Professor at the Faculty, presented the organizational part. She clarified that each school would represent its own team, regardless of its size.

Participants completed interactive stations prepared by faculty students. The tasks included:

• crime scene examination,
• analysis of cases of internet fraud,
• drawing up a photofit,
• working with fingerprints,
• mini-quests on legal knowledge.

The Olympiad winners received commemorative gifts and diplomas.

After completing all the competitions, participants took photos in a special photo zone at the Faculty, which resembled a real courtroom, where you could step into the "defendant's cage" and try on a judge's robe.

The Faculty of Forensics and Law in Construction and Transport invites all high school pupils to an Open Day on 6 December, where applicants can learn more about admissions rules, educational programs, student life, and more.