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The educational exhibition "Russian Universities – The Best Choice," organized by the Rossotrudnichestvo office, was a successful success at the Russian Center for Science and Culture (RCSC) in Hanoi and a number of leading Vietnamese educational institutions. SPbPU was one of the participants in this large-scale event, which aimed to provide career guidance and present the opportunities offered by Russian higher education to Vietnamese applicants and partners. SPbPU was represented by Elena Selivanova, a leading specialist at the Graduate School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management, and Zhanna Trunkova, a leading advertising manager at the Center for International Recruitment and Communications.

The Polytechnic University delegation participated in a comprehensive program that included not only the traditional exhibition at the Russian Center for Science and Culture but also a series of field trips to the provinces. One of the first significant events was a meeting at the Hanoi University of Business and Technology (HUBT). Along with colleagues from other leading Russian universities, SPbPU representatives discussed prospects for inter-university cooperation with HUBT leadership, including Vice-Rector Tran Duc Minh and Dean of the Faculty of Russian Language Le Thanh Van. The meeting with students, who eagerly explored HUBT's educational programs, proved particularly productive. Following the presentations, the students asked questions about admission, studying, and life in Russia.

Strengthening partnerships in Ninh Binh Province was an important focus for the SPbPU delegation. University representatives, along with Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, met with the leadership of the provincial Department of Education and Personnel Training. During the meeting with Nguyen Tien Dung, Director of the Department, and Bui Van Khiet, Deputy Director, steps to develop cooperation were discussed, including expanding academic exchanges, introducing dual degree programs, and organizing joint career guidance.

Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, thanked his Vietnamese colleagues and confirmed the readiness of the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Vietnam to continue supporting Russian universities' initiatives to popularize and promote Russian education in Vietnam.

The Polytechnic University delegation then held a series of meetings with gifted students. The presentations took place at specialized boarding schools renowned for their strong preparation: Luong Van Thuy, Bien Hoa, and Le Hong Phong. At Le Hong Phong School, where Russian is studied in depth, the students enthusiastically responded to the Polytechnic University presentation. The students, many of whom dream of studying in Russia, received consultations from SPbPU representatives on training programs, entrance examinations, and opportunities to participate in summer schools. The Bien Hoa School also listened with equal interest to the Polytechnic University guests. Its director, Nguyen Thi Bic Thanh, expressed her willingness to sign memoranda of understanding with Russian universities to promote the Russian language and education.

The program culminated in a final event at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, timed to coincide with World Science Day for Peace and Development, proclaimed by UNESCO. At the expert session "Russian-Vietnamese Scientific and Educational Cooperation for Vietnam's Breakthrough Development," Elena Selivanova presented a paper on the highly topical issue of "Practice-Oriented Education in Cyber-Physical Systems." The audience's attention was proof of the university's educational programs' alignment with global trends and the challenges of Vietnam's technological development in its new phase—the "Era of National Rise."

SPbPU's participation in the "Russian Universities – The Best Choice" exhibition once again confirmed its status as a flagship university in engineering education, training highly qualified personnel not only for Russia but also for other countries, including Vietnam, strengthening Russian-Vietnamese scientific and educational ties.

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On November 27, the National University of Management participated in the scientific seminar "Opening a New Chapter in Chinese-Russian Cooperation, Jointly Putting Forward a New Vision of Global Governance" at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Russia.

The meeting was opened by Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Russian Federation, and Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs. Kirill Babaev, Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Zhang Liqun, Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia, also addressed the seminar participants. Viktor Larin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also joined the meeting online from Vladivostok.

The first managerial representative at this prestigious forum was Fanis Sharipov, director of the Center for Socio-Economic and Political Research.

"Today, as we watch the world shake under the powerful waves of time at the junction of the old and new eras, the words of the Italian scholar Antonio Gramsci come to mind, perfectly summing up what is happening: 'The old world is dying, and the new one is struggling to be born.' In this context, the Global Governance Initiative proposal, which Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward at the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin on September 1, 2025, has significant historical and practical significance. This year is special—the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the 80th anniversary of the UN. The initiative quickly gained the support of more than 140 states and international organizations. Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the first to respond and express his support," Fanis Falikhovich recalled.

The seminar was attended by the Plenipotentiary Minister of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Russian Federation, representatives of the State Duma and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Military Sciences, Moscow State University, National Research University, the Higher School of Economics, the Russian State Social University, the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Free Economic Society, IMEMO RAS, the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of US and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 28, 2025.

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A delegation of RAFU universities, including the Russian State University for the Humanities and the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine, led by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the coordinator of the Russian-African Network University consortium, visited Bamako as part of a strategic project to reform higher education in the Republic of Mali.

The goal of the large-scale reform being implemented by Malians is to transform universities and research centers into genuine driving forces for the country's socioeconomic development. To achieve this goal, a cooperation agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Mali and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

Project coordination and methodological guidance are entrusted to the Russian-African Network University consortium, led by Peter the Great Polytechnic University. In 2025, SPbPU, as the lead developer, began developing a concept for transforming Mali's national higher education system.

The key event of the visit was the presentation of 29 core educational programs developed by the consortium's leading universities. These programs are intended for implementation in the Malian education system and are intended to lay the foundation for training highly qualified personnel who meet the country's modern economic needs.

The visit began with a meeting with Professor Bourema Kansay, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Mali, also attended by the rectors of Malian universities and heads of research centers. The parties discussed cooperation priorities, including the establishment of the Polytechnic University of Bandiagara and the development of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Representatives from National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, National Research University "MPEI," St. Petersburg State Agrarian University, and Astrakhan State Medical University joined the event via videoconference and presented in detail their programs in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy.

In his speech, SPbPU Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev emphasized: "We are very pleased that cooperation between Malian and Russian universities is actively developing. The 29 educational programs developed represent a practical contribution by Russian universities to achieving the ambitious goals facing Mali's higher education system. We hope that this visit will lead to the development of specific roadmaps for each of the eight priority areas of study."

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Professor Bourema Kansay welcomed all meeting participants. He thanked the Russian universities affiliated with RAFU for their fruitful collaboration over the past year and expressed hope for the further development and deepening of this cooperation. Furthermore, the minister called on all Malian universities to join the Russian-Mali Network University consortium and contribute to the development of Russian-Mali partnership in education and science.

The strategic partnership with the Republic of Mali is a clear example of how Russian universities are willing to share their best practices and competencies to achieve common goals. The creation of a new polytechnic university in Bandiagara is a project for the future. As a flagship of engineering education in Russia, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is proud to contribute to this endeavor. I am confident that our cooperation will drive Mali's socioeconomic development," added Dmitry Arsenyev.

The final days of the visit included working meetings to identify Mali's human resources needs, a roadmap for cooperation, and the signing of agreements for 19 Malian universities to join the RAFU consortium.

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A working meeting with representatives of one of the university's key partners, Xi'an University of Technology, was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The delegation arrived in St. Petersburg to strengthen scientific and educational cooperation within the framework of the joint Polytechnic Institute. The meeting took place at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport, which is the main driver of the partnership programs between our universities. The Chinese delegation included the coordinator and instructor of the joint program, as well as a group of students.

IMMiT Director Anatoly Popovich welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of pedagogical and scientific cooperation between our universities.

In his speech, he noted: "It is a great honor for us to once again welcome our colleagues and students from Xi'an University of Technology. Our partnership is more than just a formal agreement. It is a living organism that annually bears tangible fruit: joint research, publications, and, most importantly, the training of highly qualified engineers for industry in Russia and China. We are pleased to see that the geography and depth of our interaction are constantly expanding."

Professor Gao Peihu, head of the joint materials science program, delivered the opening remarks. He thanked SPbPU leadership for the warm welcome and the high level of organization of the educational process for Chinese students.

We highly value the contribution of SPbPU faculty to the development of our joint institute. Their lectures, delivered in Xi'an each semester, are the foundation upon which this collaboration is built. Today, we see our students gaining access to cutting-edge research within the walls of the Polytechnic University, and this is in line with our shared strategic goals," Professor Gao emphasized.

Pavel Kovalev, Deputy Director for Educational Activities at IMMiT, presented a detailed overview of the institute to guests, highlighting key research areas, the laboratory facilities, and promising projects in which Chinese students can participate.

The highlight of the visit was a three-month internship for 15 Chinese students, the program of which was developed jointly with the SPbPU International Internship Center, established under the Priority 2030 program. This internship represents an important new stage in the development of cooperation between the Polytechnic University and Xi'an University of Technology. To fully immerse themselves in the university's scientific environment, the students will conduct research under the supervision of leading IMMiT researchers Anton Naumov, Maxim Maksimov, Maxim Zamozdra, and Anton Sotov, working on topics that align with their research interests. In addition to research, the students will enjoy a comprehensive educational program, including a basic Russian language course, participation in the international conference "Robots, Additive, and Welding — RAW 2025," and training at the SPbPU Winter School in the programs "New Materials and Additive Technologies" and "Materials for Chemical Energy Sources."

This visit marked another important step in the development of a strategic partnership between SPbPU and Xi'an University of Technology, strengthening academic and scientific ties between the two leading technical universities in Russia and China.

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The autumn of 2025 was marked by the active work of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to attract talented applicants fromCentral Asian countriesAt two major educational exhibitions in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the scientific and educational potential of our Polytechnic University was presented by Tatyana Sytnikova, Deputy Head of the International Education Department; Maria Bocharova, Director of the Center for International Recruitment and Communications; and Alexandra Matvienko, Assistant Professor at the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics.

At the end of October, a delegation from SPbPU worked at the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Offices in Dushanbe and Khujand. More than 30 Russian universities participated in the 13th International Exhibition and Fair "Russian Education. Tajikistan 2025," which became the central event for Tajik applicants.

University staff discussed the most promising areas—from artificial intelligence and robotics to energy and new materials. Prospective students were particularly interested in the opportunity to enroll at SPbPU and study for free through the international Olympiad "Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project."

At the educational exhibition, universities from virtually every region of the Russian Federation offer a wide range of options for choosing a specialization. Therefore, applicants have a unique opportunity to learn all the details directly, emphasized Andrey Patrushev, head of the Rossotrudnichestvo office in Tajikistan, at the opening in Khujand.

Over 200 individual consultations were held with applicants and their parents. Polytechnic University staff provided detailed explanations of the admission requirements and stages under the Russian Government quota, as well as contract-based study opportunities. In 2025, 13 students from Tajikistan were admitted to SPbPU under the quota, almost double the number from the previous year. Seven of them were admitted to the master's program, indicating growing interest in advanced training at the Polytechnic University.

Immediately following the events in Tajikistan, SPbPU presented its programs in the Kyrgyz Republic at the large-scale exhibition "Education in Russia 2026/27," which was held as part of the 3rd Forum of School Leaders of the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek, Kant, and Kara-Balta. The forum served as a platform for discussing current issues in the development of school education, management practices, career guidance, spiritual and moral education, and the implementation of digital technologies.

Polytechnic University representatives held working meetings with the heads of educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan, discussing opportunities for specialized training for schoolchildren in natural sciences, organizing Olympiads, and project-based activities, which are important elements of a long-term strategy for developing a future pool of applicants.

Applicants learned about admissions details, entrance examinations, and life in St. Petersburg at the university's booth. SPbPU staff presented new joint partnership programs with Salymbekov University for the first time. Parents' interest was also sparked by the fact that Polytechnic University is the only university offering this type of education for Kyrgyz students. Applications are now being actively accepted, and work is underway to expand the list of program areas.

Direct dialogue with applicants, their parents, and teachers not only enables effective recruitment but also builds long-term educational bridges that strengthen scientific and technical cooperation between countries.

"Personal communication with potential students is crucial for us," noted Maria Bocharova. "We see tremendous motivation among young people from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to obtain a high-quality engineering education in Russia. Our goal is to demonstrate all the opportunities that Polytechnic University offers them—from fundamental knowledge to working with cutting-edge technological equipment and launching a career with international companies."

Applications for study at SPbPU under the Russian Government quota for Tajik and Kyrgyz applicants continues until December 15, 2025.

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In the assembly hall of the State University of Management, cultures and hearts met, united by memories and respect passed down from generation to generation. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, one understands especially deeply the importance of gratitude to our defenders and unity in the face of new challenges.

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Science of Russia, greeted those gathered and said she was pleased to be present at such a grand celebration dedicated to our unity. She remarked, "All of you, each of you, are heroes of your nation. We are many, we are diverse, but this is precisely the strength of our unity, for we are united by the same spiritual and moral values and an understanding of the significance of historical memory. The understanding that the cultural code, the identity ingrained in each of us and passed down from generation to generation, is precisely the connecting thread, the foundation of our sustainable development."

Our honored guest wished the students to always remember the greatness of our homeland, to be proud of it, and to understand that Russia's future depends on each of us. Olga Petrova's final words were drowned out by a standing ovation: "Believe in yourselves, dream, always be an active citizen, and help us solve the important challenges facing the Russian state. And may we succeed!"

The hall also warmly welcomed Biysultan Khamzaev, a deputy of the VIII State Duma from the United Russia party, who first greeted his fellow Dagestani citizens with the traditional "Salam aleikum!", which elicited thunderous applause.

Biysultan Sultanbievich emphasized: “It’s clear that anything cultural is a good thing. And in general, what unites us all is wonderful. We walked through the foyer and saw how the children had prepared for the festival: the food, the costumes, the flags. It’s wonderful that we want to showcase the best we have, our greatest strengths. But most of all, I like your festival slogan: ‘Hero of His People.’ You’ve emphasized what truly unites us all. Next year has been designated by the President of Russia as the Year of Unity. And it’s important not just to talk about this, but to demonstrate it with concrete examples. You have a long life ahead of you; you’ve chosen to lead. I wish you the best of luck in completing your studies at this university and finding your way in life, becoming the very people who will have every opportunity to build and develop the state. Because the future of Russia depends on you; you will lead, demonstrate strong character, and, among other things, tirelessly support the ‘age-old union of fraternal peoples,’ as the wise words of our anthem say.”

The deputy explained that he represented his beloved Dagestan in parliament, invited everyone to visit, and added that his republic is as unique and multinational as the rest of Russia—each of its peoples has its own distinct character, but we are all united by respect for traditions, a caring attitude toward family, and a boundless love for our homeland. Biysultan Khamzayev called for a round of applause for those who defend our values during the special military operation, which the young men gladly did.

It's worth noting that our university prepared a tasting of national cuisines for the celebration of our fellow countrymen—the foyer was filled with delightful, spicy aromas. During the concert, short but powerful video stories about those who performed heroic deeds in the name of the Fatherland were shown on the screen: the names of heroes of the Soviet Military District, the Great Patriotic War, freedom fighters, doctors, scientists, poets, and writers were featured. University performers delighted the audience with rousing folk dances, songs, and theatrical sketches featuring elements of sbandieratori—a traditional Italian flag-juggling technique that originated on battlefields in the 15th century as a heraldic accompaniment to troops.

The atmosphere was incredible: the audience sang along with their fellow countrymen, the kids chanted the names of their countries, and even danced in the aisles. As one of our employees, who was celebrating her anniversary that very day and was present at the festival, said: "It was the best birthday of my life!"

So, hurray to you, GSU! We're back on top!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 17, 2025.

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A delegation from Cuba's leading technical university, the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría" (CUJAE), led by Rector Marta Dunia Delgado Dapena, paid an official visit to Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

The Cuban guests met with SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev, Director of the Institute of Energy Viktor Barskov, and Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko. They discussed the development of a strategic partnership between the universities.

"Cuba isn't just a friendly country for Russia; it's an incredibly bright image we all imbibed in our youth. Cuba is vibrant, creative, and youthful, with unique energy and potential. I'm confident that our countries will soon embark on a new round of joint activities, and I'm proud that Polytechnic University, as always, is at the forefront of this work!" Andrey Rudskoy greeted his colleagues from Havana.

The delegation visited the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Institute of Power Engineering. They were met at the Institute by Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Institute; Maxim Terekh, Deputy Director for Academic and Methodological Work; Mikhail Romanov, Person in Charge of International Affairs; Vyacheslav Burlov, Professor of the Higher School of Technosphere Safety; Maxim Polyukhnovich, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Technical and Biological Safety; Yulia Logvinova, Senior Lecturer; and Yegor Melekhin, Assistant Professor of the Higher School of Industrial, Civil, and Road Construction. Representatives of SPbPU's international services also participated in the event: Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, Head of the Department of International Interuniversity Cooperation; Taisiya Kletskina, Specialist; and Leoandris Martinez Serrano, a graduate student of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management and a Cuban citizen studying at the Polytechnic University.

Colleagues from CUJAE learned about the "MetaCampus Polytech" scientific and educational project being implemented at the institute. Egor Melekhin presented the concept of a digital twin of the university campus, developed by ISI students and faculty, and demonstrated the functionality of the digital platform that provides comprehensive management of the university's property assets—from classroom reservations and space occupancy analysis to space functional analysis. Marina Petrochenko discussed the institute's organizational structure, key scientific and educational areas, and the history and prospects of collaboration between ISI and CUJAE.

The discussion focused on the implementation of a joint international educational project on digital modeling of cultural heritage sites in Russia and Cuba, aimed at their digitalization, preservation, and restoration using modern BIM technologies. Special attention was given to the joint research project "Development of a Decision-Making Model for Optimal Operation of an Electric Power System Under Extreme Weather Events," led by Professor Vyacheslav Burlov with the participation of Maxim Polyukhovich, Yulia Logvinova, and colleagues from CUJAE.

The visit of the Havana Technological University delegation to the Civil Engineering Institute marked an important milestone in the development of our strategic partnership. The implementation of joint projects will facilitate not only academic exchange but also the creation of innovative solutions in sustainable development and digitalization of the construction industry. We are confident that the implementation of these initiatives will significantly contribute to the training of a new generation of engineering professionals and strengthen scientific and technical cooperation between Russia and Cuba, noted Marina Petrochenko.

The guests' attention was particularly drawn to the laboratories of the Institute of Energy, as energy security and the stable operation of power grids are more important than ever for Cuba, which has recently been hit by a series of natural disasters and man-made accidents. Viktor Barskov demonstrated the entire educational trajectory of students at the Institute of Energy—from studying power grids, turbines, and power devices on mock-ups and models to digital design and hands-on equipment handling. The research work of master's and doctoral students is carried out in collaboration with industry and qualified clients—either at enterprises or at SPbPU, using equipment provided by industrial partners. The Rector of CUJAE expressed interest in the experience of interacting with industrial partners and creating specialized laboratories on campus. Viktor Barskov received an invitation to visit CUJAE in February 2026 to participate in a major scientific and technological congress, where meetings with representatives of Cuban industry will be provided.

Summing up the talks, Dmitry Arsenyev, SPbPU Vice-Rector for International Affairs, noted, "This visit is a strategic step toward strengthening our alliance with one of Cuba's key universities. We already have a solid foundation in the form of successful joint projects in digital modeling of cultural heritage sites and in the energy sector. Our goal now is to take our cooperation to a new level by actively engaging our students and researchers in joint activities, ensuring high-quality training for both Cuba and Russia."

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University visited Lovely Professional University in India. The visit had many objectives and included organizing a large-scale international competition, participating in key scientific forums, and launching new joint educational initiatives. Olga Ergunova, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Industrial Management and Technology, represented the Polytechnic University.

The main event of the visit was the organization of the final and awards ceremony of the II international competition of projects of students and young scientists "SMART CITY 2030: Sustainable Development Management of BRICS Cities", which took place on the campus of Lovely Professional University.

The competition is organized by a consortium of leading universities: SPbPU (Russia), LPU (India), Tsinghua University (China), and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Its mission is to support youth initiatives in sustainable urban development, the implementation of smart city technologies, the creation of a comfortable urban environment, and the modernization of urban infrastructure.

This year, the competition was held in India for the first time, bringing together talented young researchers from BRICS countries. The event, held in a hybrid format, featured participants presenting projects in four key areas:

Developing the intellectual and creative potential of cities; creating a safe and environmentally friendly urban environment; implementing digital services and technologies; and developing the energy and transport infrastructure of the future.

The expert council noted the high level of analytical development, innovative solutions, and focus on sustainable development.

Competition coordinator Olga Ergunova noted the role of academic partnerships: "We see how young researchers from different countries are shaping a new picture of urban development. The BRICS countries are creating a unique platform where breakthrough ideas for a sustainable urban future are born."

The Grand Prix of the competition was won by five teams whose projects were recognized as the most promising.

The SPbPU team, consisting of Daria Gunbina, Nikita Gavrilchik, Stanislav Konovalov, and Santoso Muhammad Kohhar Dwi, was awarded for their project of an intelligent waste monitoring and management system based on smart containers, which uses sensor technologies and data analytics to optimize the collection of recyclable materials. The Tsinghua University team was awarded for their SpecAI AI platform, based on LLM, for accelerating and verifying construction specifications, ensuring the transparency and efficiency of urban infrastructure projects. The Lovely Professional University team was awarded for their project of comprehensive urban infrastructure modernization in Delhi, integrating energy, water, and transport management for the sustainable development of the metropolis by 2030. The Federal University of Paraíba team was awarded for their "Energy Urbanism" concept, which uses environmental and tax mechanisms to incentivize energy efficiency and sustainable urban policy in Natal. The Universitas Indonesia team was awarded for their project "Dukuh Atas TOD Towards Seamless Mobility," which is developing a model for seamless mobility and integrated urban transport in Jakarta.

Commenting on his victory, Stanislav Konovalov, a master's student at the Higher School of Industrial Management at SPbPU, noted: "This competition isn't just a platform for ideas; it's a place where the future of cities is shaped. It's a great honor for us to receive this international recognition. We strive to make cities smarter, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly."

The top ten projects took first place, including:

Green Shield (Serendipity MBA School, Shenzhen University, China) – an AI-based digital ecosystem for reducing the heat island effect; Autonomous Intelligent Waste Containers (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)

This competition is a model for the future of BRICS: youth, technology, international cooperation, and responsibility for the development of our cities. The solutions presented here have the potential to change the reality of modern cities," emphasized Aman Mittai, co-organizer of the competition and Vice President of LPU.

Olga Ergunova, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Management (GSPM), spoke at the plenary session of the AICGS 2025 Global Summit on International Scientific Cooperation, Academic Mobility, and Sustainable Development. She also participated in expert sessions at the IV Annual International Conference "Rethinking Internationalization: Co-Shaping the Future of Higher Education," and delivered an open lecture for students. She also presented the results of a study supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Project No. 25-28-01469, "Neural Network Solutions for Managing Social and Labor Relations in the Digital Economy of Megacities," in her paper, "Digital Transformation of Labor Markets in Megacities: Optimizing the Workforce with AI and Blockchain."

During their visit, the guests toured the campus of Chaudhary Charan Singh University (Meerut), one of the largest public universities in Uttar Pradesh. Olga Ergunova participated in a presentation session, where she introduced the university's key faculties and research areas, including engineering, humanities, and management programs. CCSU's leadership and faculty expressed strong interest in developing international projects, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives with SPbPU. Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation and launching student mobility programs, including short-term schools, internships, and joint research projects for graduate students and young scientists. Particular attention was paid to opportunities for Indian students to participate in international competitions and projects at the Polytechnic University, including initiatives in the field of smart urban development.

A significant outcome of the meetings was the signing of an agreement between Chaudhary Charan Singh University and Lovely Professional University and the BRICS Association of Women Scientists, whose Executive Director is Olga Ergunova. The association currently unites women researchers from seven countries and develops international scientific networks, mentoring projects, leadership programs, and academic mobility for young scientists. The agreement will open new opportunities for promoting female scientific leadership, expanding the participation of women researchers in international projects, and joint initiatives in sustainable development, digital technologies, healthcare, and education.

The final round of the SMART CITY 2030 competition in India clearly demonstrated how academic partnerships between leading universities translate into concrete results: from the brilliant projects of student teams from BRICS countries that won the Grand Prix to joint programs that will open up new opportunities for student exchanges and joint research. "We're not just exchanging knowledge—we're working together to shape the architecture of a sustainable future for millions of residents of megacities," noted Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev.

The competition finals and the working visit of the SPbPU delegation clearly demonstrated that the university is a key driver of international scientific and educational cooperation within the BRICS framework, creating an environment where innovations for the cities of the future are born and supported.

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A delegation from the Republic of South Africa arrived at the Polytechnic University on a working visit. The delegation included key representatives of government agencies in the field of science, technology, and innovation: Cecil Masoka, Acting Chief Executive Officer for International Bilateral Cooperation at the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI); Mohapi Mirranda Mmafehello, Assistant Director for Europe and the Middle East at DSTI; Majola Fikiswa Lizeka Mpumalanga, Deputy Director for Space Science and Technology at DSTI; Moyo Thandokazi Yvonne, Director General for Strategic Partnerships, Business Development, and Stakeholder Engagement at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA); and Phahlamohlaka Mahlase Theuns, Bilateral Research Programs Specialist at the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The visit marked an important step in strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between the Polytechnic University, as the coordinator of RAFU, and its South African partners. During a meeting with Dmitry Arsenyev, SPbPU Vice-Rector for International Affairs, and university representatives, the parties discussed a wide range of issues.

"For our university, developing cooperation with the BRICS countries, and particularly with South Africa, is a priority," noted Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev. "We have a solid foundation of successful projects and educational exchanges, and we see significant potential for expanding collaboration, primarily in the areas of joint research and training highly qualified personnel."

The talks focused on developing joint research projects in priority areas such as space technology, additive manufacturing, biotechnology, ecology and clean water, digital engineering, and new materials. The guests visited leading laboratories at the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies, the Digital Engineering laboratory at the PIS, and the laboratories at the Institute of Metallurgical and Metallurgical Engineering, where they were introduced to the cutting-edge scientific infrastructure and developments of the Polytechnic University's researchers.

The South African delegation praised the potential for cooperation: "We see tremendous opportunities for joint projects in science, technology, and innovation," emphasized DSTI Acting CEO Cecil Masoka. "We are particularly impressed by the research capabilities of the Polytechnic University, and we are interested in taking our partnership to the next level, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and the development of engineering competencies at our universities. We are confident that this cooperation will make a significant contribution to the development of human capital in our countries."

Successful examples of past collaboration were noted, including a joint project won with the University of Venda as part of the BRICS-RFBR 2019 program, as well as the active participation of South African students in the Winter University in Engineering Sciences program. In 2024, 25 students from more than 10 South African universities participated in the winter school.

During the discussion, the parties outlined specific steps to expand cooperation, including the launch of joint educational programs, academic exchanges, support for doctoral programs through the international Olympiad "Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project," and the implementation of innovative projects leading to the commercialization of research results. The parties expressed particular interest in the prospects for collaboration within the Russian-African Network University. The visit of the delegation from South Africa confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening and elevating the long-standing partnership to a qualitatively new level.

The South African delegation's official visit continued in Moscow, where the 14th meeting of the Joint Russian-South African Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held, chaired by Ksenia Trinchenko, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and Cecil Masoka.

Maxim Zalyvskiy, head of the Russian-African Network University project office, participated in the commission's work. He presented a report entitled "RAFU and the Implementation of Interuniversity Scientific and Technological Projects between Russia and South Africa in Collaboration with Industrial Partners," presenting the results of RAFU's activities and outlining plans for a joint scientific and educational project with PhosAgro PJSC in South Africa.

South Africa is one of Russia's most important trade and economic partners in Africa. Cooperation with South Africa is also becoming strategically important in scientific and educational collaboration. In 2026, as part of the RAFU consortium's development, we plan to expand practical cooperation with our South African colleagues, including engaging Russian industrial partners in joint scientific, educational, and other projects, emphasized Maxim Zalyvsky.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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The second in-person session of the "Managing International Activities in the Academic Environment" program, part of the "Academic Reserve: International Track" project, concluded at the State University of Management. Participants explored the experience of managing international activities at universities and research organizations and exchanged best practices. One proposal was to extend the "Pushkin Card" program to international students studying in Russia.

The session brought together over a hundred specialists, heads of international departments, and experts from universities across the country at our university. Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia, and Pavel Shevtsov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, participated in the opening. Participants discussed tools for increasing the effectiveness of academic missions, developing partnerships with friendly countries and networking programs, and engaging international students in youth events.

The practical part of the session included visits to leading international collaboration venues: the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center (VIM) and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University). At VIM, participants learned about cutting-edge developments in agricultural engineering that are shaping the development of modern agriculture and listened to a presentation by Dmitry Pavkin, a 2022 graduate of the Academic Reserve program, on the commercialization of scientific results and international grants. They also heard presentations from the Center's experts on key areas of international scientific and technical cooperation: joint solutions to environmental problems in agricultural production, the development of bioenergy technologies, and the preparation of innovative development programs for the Union State.

At RUDN University, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Marina Rekets presented the support system for international students, as well as the legal and organizational aspects of their studies in our country. Leading university experts presented an overview of comprehensive tools for attracting and supporting international students, and implementing joint projects with international partners. A presentation on legal support for international students and migration registration issues generated the most lively discussion. The program concluded in the conference hall of the RUDN University Faculty of Economics with a debriefing: participants shared their impressions and discussed the possibilities of applying the practices they had learned.

Following the two-day program, participants outlined promising models for organizing international activities and integrating best practices into strategic development projects.

The organizers particularly recognized the contributions of the session's partners: the Interobrazovanie Center for Education Development and International Activities, the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Thank you for your expert support and active participation!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 5, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.