Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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A meeting of the National Coordinating Committee of the BRICS Network University (NCC BRICS NU) was held at RUDN University. The event brought together representatives of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, and the heads and representatives of 22 Russian universities participating in the BRICS Network University project.
Strengthening academic positions
At the beginning of the meeting, Albina Kutuzova, Deputy Head of Department of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. She noted the significant contribution of Russia and RUDN University to the development of the Network University, emphasizing that Russia laid the foundation for its modernization during its BRICS Presidency in 2024.
"Today, the Network University unites 178 leading universities from 10 countries, including new members—Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion makes the network more diverse and simultaneously places new demands on the quality of interaction. We must not only maintain but also strengthen Russia's academic position in this space, offering new program formats, joint research, and scientific initiatives," says Albina Kutuzova.
At the meeting, participants reviewed the results of the BRICS Network University International Governing Council meeting held in the summer of 2025 and discussed the action plan for 2026. Particular attention was paid to enhancing the work of Russian universities within international thematic groups, expanding academic exchanges, and implementing mechanisms for joint ranking of educational programs. Larisa Efremova, Director of the Center for Initiative Projects and Intersectoral Partnerships at RUDN University, presented a report on the results of international cooperation, emphasizing that the Network University's activities are reaching a new level of integration.
"Over the 10 years of the BRICS Network University's operation, Russia has built a sustainable model of coordination and collaboration. Our task is not only to preserve the accumulated experience but also to develop new areas—mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, sustainable agriculture, and health sciences. These are areas where Russia can and should strengthen its presence within BRICS," said Larisa Efremova.
Key topics of discussion also included the development of new educational programs, the use of digital tools, the expansion of training areas, and the involvement of new partners from countries of the Global South.
Digital tools and double degrees
Vera Zabotkina, Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the Russian State University for the Humanities, presented a project for joint master's programs in digital humanities, while Anastasia Mashkova, Director for Integration Policy Development at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, spoke about the development of a thematic group on energy. Tatyana Polutina, Vice-Rector of the Kuban State Agrarian University, shared her experience of inter-university collaboration in the field of "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security."
Alexander Chupin, Deputy Dean for Research at RUDN University's Faculty of Economics, presented the international scientific journal "BRICS: Current Agenda," founded by our university. The journal aims to become an interdisciplinary platform for publishing research articles by researchers from BRICS universities, promoting their research and providing open access to relevant works in economics, politics, international relations, and education.
Following the meeting of the BRICS Network University's National Coordinating Committee, a decision was approved to retain RUDN University's status as the national coordinator for the Russian part of the BRICS Network University. The university was tasked with preparing a consolidated plan for the activities of Russian participating universities for 2026, including the development of joint programs, research projects, and academic mobility.
The committee also recommended that participating universities intensify their efforts to implement dual degree programs and strengthen their interactions with partners in BRICS countries and new members. A key area of focus will be the development of international thematic groups in 11 fields of knowledge—from energy and computer science to ecology, food security, and social sciences. Russian universities act as coordinators and coordinators in most areas, demonstrating the country's high scientific and educational potential within the BRICS NU.
"We understand that managing such a vast space and coordinating areas of work requires more than just exchanging letters; it requires ongoing collaboration to align interests, programs, and initiatives. But it is precisely thanks to this interaction that BRICS universities remain a unified academic ecosystem," says Larisa Efremova.
Concluding the meeting, participants noted the importance of the Network University as a tool for strengthening international ties in higher education and science, emphasizing that, in the context of global transformation, it is precisely such platforms that create a sustainable educational space based on the principles of equality, openness, and academic trust.
About the Network University
BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) is an association of higher education institutions from the BRICS countries. It was established in 2015 at the initiative of the Russian Federation during Russia's BRICS Presidency. The consortium comprises 178 leading universities from 10 countries. The international coordinator of the BRICS Network University is the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
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