Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Artyom Kozlov, a first-year master's student at the RUDN University Law School, won the A.A. Sobchak Scholarship. It is awarded for outstanding academic achievement.
Artem's portfolio includes over 40 scientific publications in Russian and English in journals of the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK) and the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), and he co-authored a monograph. He is a winner and participant in over 40 scientific and practical conferences, the organizer of eight international and all-Russian scientific and practical conferences, and the winner and runner-up of ten scientific competitions and olympiads.
We spoke with Artem to find out why he completed four continuing education programs in different fields, what topics in science interest him, and where his achievements are leading him.
What was your first feeling when you learned you'd won the scholarship? Who did you share the news with first?
My feelings were somewhat mixed. I learned about it back in December, when I went to the website where award orders are published and saw myself on the order. At the time, I was feeling unwell due to illness, but seeing this really cheered me up and realized that if I could make it into the top 10 law students in Russia, I could overcome anything. The first people I called were my parents—we always share any news with them.
Last year, you became the top graduate of the RUDN University Law School's 2025 bachelor's degree program, with an average GPA of 97. What's the secret to such a high academic performance?
On the one hand, it's a good environment. I was always told that good academic performance is the key to a successful future, not in terms of knowledge, but in the skills and abilities that will serve you well in life. Secondly, it's an inner drive for knowledge. Even at an early age, I understood that the world is accelerating and that we'll be learning for the rest of our lives. And if you instill this understanding, then further learning becomes a fascinating experience, not a boring necessity. Thirdly, it's hard work. I strive to make my life rich, interesting, and engaging. I strive to make sure it's not just about studying, but rather, that it becomes even more exciting with its addition.
You also completed four advanced training programs: in law, programming, project management, and foreign languages. Why was it important for you to gain interdisciplinary skills?
I agree, the choice was quite unexpected, but it stems from the fact that my field of work is not highly specialized. It might seem that if you're studying to be a lawyer, you should choose a field, develop your competencies in it, and work in it constantly. But nowadays, that's nearly impossible—you need to be flexible, proactive, and able to move around. That's what interdisciplinary training is for. It helps you avoid getting stuck in one field and learn new things so you can work in a variety of fields, no matter what your career path. The programming course was the most interesting for me. I'm implementing the skills I learned there into my work, using code to speed up certain processes.
Your victories include the "I Am a Professional" Olympiad, the RUDN-ON Universiade, the "Lomonosov" Universiade, the "Digital in Law" Moot Court, and other competitions. Which competition is the most memorable and why?
The most memorable was the RUDN-ON Universiade. I took the Olympiad in several subject areas, but I won the prize in law. I was surprised by the level of difficulty and originality of the problems. In addition to my knowledge of law, I needed a good command of Russian—to answer the question of how a misplaced comma can completely change the essence of a contract and make it more favorable for the other party than for you. I also remember the All-Russian Student Law Olympiad, where I became a finalist, because of their unconventional approach to the tasks. There, you answer questions on the exam papers without preparation. It's quite challenging and unusual, but I was even more impressed by how interesting and intelligent my colleagues are in my field. Their intelligence and desire to share their knowledge inspired me to further improve myself.
Your portfolio includes over 40 scientific publications. Is your research focused on a single area of law, or have you explored various fields? What attracts you most to science?
My publications are diverse: I write not only in the field of law, but I'm also currently exploring economics and related fields. In law, my research has touched on municipal, criminal, medical, and civil law. My cross-disciplinary approach is partly due to the fact that it's not always possible to publish what I want. I have to adapt to the journal or academic conference, but now I'm gradually understanding what I want to study. What appeals to me about academia is the opportunity to contribute to my country and society by addressing and explaining complex topics and issues. I'm currently exploring the topic of conciliation procedures in Russia and how this pre-trial dispute resolution mechanism can be revitalized. I believe it's important to address the underdevelopment of this institution and emphasize its necessity for the further development of civil society in the country.
You not only write and present your research papers, but you also actively participate in organizing international and national conferences. What does this experience offer a future scholar and practicing lawyer?
Events help me see things from a different perspective. They also help me understand the approval, implementation, and reporting processes at a large enterprise, which will be useful in my work. They also provide experience interacting with people of varying social and scientific backgrounds and the opportunity to make important academic and professional contacts. And this, in my experience, is one of the most important acquisitions for career and academic development.
Which conferences you've organized have been the most memorable and why?
My most memorable experience was hosting the 2023 conference "Jurisprudence 2.0: A New Perspective on Law." As a second-year undergraduate student, I gained new knowledge and skills in event organization while meeting people with whom I still maintain academic relationships.
Did you have any academic advisors or mentors at RUDN who influenced your development as a researcher? Who would you like to thank?
I wasn't able to find a single person with whom I could co-author all my scientific papers. But this led to my acquaintance with various people in the scientific community, helping me acquire various skills and competencies. I would certainly like to thank them for recognizing my potential and actively engaging with me. These are Stanislav Valerievich Odintsov, Alexander Alexandrovich Galushkin, Evgeny Yuryevich Komlev, Victoria Sergeevna Kalinovskaya, Diana Myadkhatovna Mustafina-Bredikhina, Sergei Borisovich Zinkovsky, and Nikolai Viktorovich Antsiferov. I would like to thank them all for accepting my request for scientific collaboration and for actively supporting me in my academic and scientific journey.
Among other things, you're a multiple winner of creative festivals and competitions: "Orange Birch," "Christmas Stars," "Winged Leopard," and "Karelian Chimes." Do you continue to develop your talents?
This is one of the main pillars of my life. For 10 years, I studied at the Melpomene theater group with my theater teacher, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation and Honored Worker of General Education of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Alekseyevna Sokolova. She became a guide for me. She advised me on how to approach certain situations, supported my endeavors, and actively participated in the ideas we were able to implement. Now, due to the demands of academic and professional work, it is very difficult to find time for creativity, but it will always be something I can return to during difficult times. I keep in touch with my teacher and, whenever possible, we continue to study together.
Does creativity help in the legal profession? Is there anything in common between performing on stage and speaking in court or at an academic conference?
Interesting question. Let's say it helps, but only partially. Speaking in court, unfortunately, has little in common with what we see in the movies. There's no opportunity to spout beautiful words; you need to clearly present your side of the case within a strictly limited time while simultaneously refuting your opponent's. By contrast, speaking at an academic conference requires winning over the expert panel and the audience. Here, not only knowledge of the material but also the ability to present it effectively helps you succeed. You're currently a first-year master's student.
Do you see yourself more in academia, legal practice, teaching, or public service? Where do your achievements lead you?
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure yet what field I want to fully pursue. I definitely don't want to go into government service just yet. I see myself more in a synthesis of research, legal practice, and teaching, pursuing an interdisciplinary approach, as well as the desire to ensure a decent living. All my achievements are the result of very hard and arduous work, aimed at specific goals related to admission to or the possibility of applying for various grants. At the same time, I believe that all of these achievements will form the foundation of my future success. After all, I've already achieved much at the age of 22, and, building on this, I can achieve even more and benefit not only myself but also my loved ones, society, and my country.
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