Connecting Continents: Winter University at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Winter University in Engineering Sciences, "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies," concluded at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal State Autonomous Institution "Sociocenter," and hosted by the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering," in collaboration with SPbPU International Services and the SPbPU Applicant Services Center.

The main goal of the Winter University is to strengthen ties and expand collaboration between young engineers, as well as to develop engineering competencies and improve the qualifications of students in areas such as digital technologies, systems digital engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Over 200 third- and fourth-year undergraduate students in engineering and technical fields participated in the two-week intensive course. This year, the list of participating countries was significantly expanded. Students from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Tajikistan, South Africa, China, Iran, and India were joined by students from Serbia, Cuba, and Indonesia. In total, students from 44 universities participated in the Winter University.

We provided participants of the Winter University in Engineering Sciences, held at SPbPU's Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering," with a unique opportunity to quickly advance their knowledge in digital engineering, enterprise digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence technologies. "I am confident that the Winter University's scientific and educational program in Engineering Sciences will further strengthen collaboration among universities from different countries and combine competencies to achieve technological leadership and build a sustainable and dynamic economy," commented Alexey Borovkov, Chief Designer for SPbPU's key scientific and technological development area, "Systemic Digital Engineering," and Director of SPbPU's Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering."

To improve the quality of the events, specialists from SPbPU's Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering" spent two weeks collecting feedback from Winter University students on all aspects of the educational project, from the quality of the curriculum to the food service. Participants highly praised the overall organization of the event and expressed a positive impression of the entire project. On a scale of 1 to 10, students rated all indicators above 9.

Among the educational modules and activities, young engineers found the Topology Optimization Design Lab (9.9 points), the Digital Transformation and Lean Manufacturing Lab (9.8 points), and the Polymer Composite Materials Lab (9.7 points) particularly interesting. They also enjoyed the composition and format of the engineering competitions and project quiz. The Winter University program at the SPbPU PSI School consisted of technical modules, lectures, workshops, business games, an introductory Russian language course for English-speaking students, and a cultural and entertainment program.

As part of the "Engineer" track, the "Modern Engineering in High-Tech Industries" module was taught by specialists from the Winter University's industrial partner, the Kronstadt Engineering Education Center. The module was supervised by Igor Perevozchikov, Head of the Change Lab at the Kronstadt Engineering Center. Students not only immersed themselves in the theory of modern engineering and learned about real-life processes in the partner's production facilities and laboratory complexes, but also completed a number of practical assignments: they built 3D models based on their own measurements, conducted a materials analysis, and reverse-engineered a component.

At the Digital Transformation and Lean Manufacturing Lab, young engineers were introduced to the concept of lean manufacturing, studied its approaches and tools for reducing waste, tried their hand at managing a modern enterprise in the Lean Manufacturing computer simulator, and carried out a digital transformation of an enterprise using the Digital Transformation of an Enterprise digital simulator.

The "Supply Chain Management" educational module introduced Winter University participants to the "New Industrial Challenge" computer simulator. In a competitive game format, students were tasked with effectively managing production and the supply chain, while following market trends, to achieve the best economic results. The simulators were developed by experts from SPbPU's Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering" and are based on the CML-Bench®.EDU Digital Platform, a separate area of the Digital Platform for the development and application of CML-Bench® digital twins for training and competency assessment.

As part of the "Aircraft Wing Aerodynamics" module, students participated in the "Energy Strategy: Power System Management" case study game, designed to introduce the fundamentals of the energy industry through a game-like approach. The game mechanics are based on business simulation. Participants were tasked with building an optimal national power system, taking into account both economic efficiency and environmental requirements.

The Winter University also hosted an Engineering Championship to determine the best designers. Teams built catapults from scrap materials and competed in throwing their "projectiles" the farthest. First place went to a team from Armenia (Russian-Armenian University), second place to a team from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (Kostanay Social and Technical University named after Academician Zulkharnay Aldamjar, Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov), and third place to a team from India and Indonesia (Savitribai Phule University in Pune, University of Indonesia).

An important part of the Winter University was the cultural program, during which students visited the Yusupov Palace, the Hermitage, the Fabergé Museum, and the suburbs of St. Petersburg – the towns of Pushkin and Kronstadt.

The Winter University "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies" was a celebration of knowledge, challenging tasks, and new connections, and evoked a wealth of positive emotions among its participants.

Miloš Panjevas, University of Belgrade: I think the program is an amazing experience, both culturally and educationally. The connections we make with different cultures, the way we explore Russian history and landmarks alongside Iranians, Cubans, Indians, Chinese, South Africans, and Uzbeks… It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plus, St. Petersburg is beautiful, and I definitely have to see it this summer—it's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to. The lectures really broadened my thinking and inspired me to try my hand at innovation and startups, for example.

Khoiakbar Ostankulov, Andijan State Technical Institute: Thank you very much for everything. I really enjoyed this program and expanded my knowledge. I will definitely recommend it to other students.

Elina Denezhkina, SPbPU: The energy system creation game was very interesting; the time flew by, thanks so much to the organizers! Even I, a thermal power engineering student, would have thought it would have been boring, considering I've been studying this for four years, but it wasn't. I really enjoyed this format.

Feruza Abdulla kizi Mirzakhakimova, Fergana State Technical University: During the wing aerodynamics class, we participated in a very interesting and engaging game; everyone in the group was engaged. Thank you very much for your innovative approach to teaching. The engineering championship was also very interesting.

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.

Lawyer's Day in the White Hall is an annual tradition at the Polytechnic University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The White Hall of the Polytechnic University hosted celebrations dedicated to Lawyer's Day and the opening of the annual Polytechnic Legal Forum, Polylex.

"The Polytechnic University's Higher School of Law and Forensic Science has been training specialists for law enforcement, economics, social work, and engineering and technology for over 20 years," noted Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science, in his welcoming address. "And every year, our traditional events—the Polytechnic Legal Forum PolyLex and the conference 'Problems of Law in Modern Russia'—bring together within our university's walls an increasing number of representatives from legislative and executive authorities at all levels, the courts and prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and the expert community, academia, and business. They share experiences and, of course, strengthen the Polytechnic University's image not only as a leading engineering university but also as a stronghold of legal education—one of the pillars of civil society."

On Lawyer's Day, the Higher School of Jurisprudence and Forensic Science received congratulatory messages and wishes for the further development of legal education at the Polytechnic University from the IPA CIS, deputies of the State Duma, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, and the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, employees and heads of operational and investigative departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, prosecutors, judges and specialists from the judicial system, the tax service, the bailiff service, and the legal and expert communities.

Maxim Aleksandrovich Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security, noted that we are working together to move from import substitution to technological leadership—and that lawyers are always on guard for justice.

It's no coincidence that there's always been a close bond between engineers and lawyers at the Polytechnic University! Happy Lawyer's Day! concluded Maxim Pasholikov.

Alexey Zinchuk, a member of the 7th St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly, is a regular guest at the Higher School of Law and Technical Education (HSLE). He told those gathered in the hall about the origins of the holiday and wished the students to learn the "art of kindness and justice," which is the essence of jurisprudence.

Deputy Head of the Akademicheskoe Municipal Formation and Municipal Council Member Lyubov Vasilyeva conveyed congratulations on behalf of the deputies on their professional holiday and presented certificates of gratitude for their contribution to the development of legal education from the Akademicheskoe Municipal Formation.

Natalia Ivanovna, Head of the Department for Bank Interest Protection in Corporate Business and Government Relations at the Legal Department of Sberbank's North-West Bank, noted in her speech the contribution of Polytechnic University to the development of the legal profession. This is confirmed by the achievements of Polytechnic University students—winners and laureates of the legal competition "Lex Battle: Knowledge of the Law is Your Main Weapon. Northwestern Federal District."

"Lex Battle" was a quiz contest in which students from 10 leading law schools across the country participated. And the Polytechnic University team demonstrated in practice that a technical university trains accomplished legal professionals! "A huge thank you to the Polytechnic University faculty and administration for your contribution to the development of our legal science and the preparation of students—future lawyers," Natalia Ivanovna emphasized.

Ekaterina Chumakova, Chief Expert of the Forensic Center of the Transport Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, wished everyone in the hall a love for their chosen profession and also invited students to internships and service: "We truly appreciate graduates of the Polytechnic University – Higher School of Law and Technical Education. Because your diploma is a guarantee of excellent knowledge and a high level of training!"

Anna Lebedeva, First Vice-Rector of the St. Petersburg Law Institute, congratulated those gathered on Lawyer's Day and emphasized that law is the right choice. The knowledge students acquire at the St. Petersburg School of Law and Systematics will serve as a foundation for their professional careers.

Students also participated in the event. Polina Taranenko, a student at the Higher School of Law and Technical Engineering, performed a congratulatory song for everyone, first-year law students prepared a captivating "Legal Waltz," and volunteers from the "Polytechnic Squad" recited heartfelt poems.

Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and STE, concluded the ceremony. He spoke about the achievements of legal education at the Polytechnic University: academic successes, student victories in competitions and grants, career guidance, international collaboration, publication activity, and sports awards.

"We proudly carry the banner of being the flagship of legal education at one of the country's most innovative universities," Dmitry Anatolyevich concluded.

Following the ceremony, invited guests visited the Polytechnic Museum, and the administration of the Higher School of Economics conducted a tour of the laboratories of the Higher School of Economics and Technology.

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.

NSU hosted open lectures on medieval culture and the origins of the Italian literary tradition.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 1, two open lectures were held at Novosibirsk State University, organized by Italian Center of NSUThey were dedicated to medieval culture and the origins of the Italian literary tradition. The topics were Francis of Assisi's "Song to Brother Sun" and Umberto Eco's interpretation of the Middle Ages in his novel "The Name of the Rose."

The first lecture was given by Stefano Invernizzi, deputy director of a Catholic school in Novosibirsk. He introduced Francis of Assisi and spoke about the hymn he composed, which celebrates its 800th anniversary this year.

The lecturer emphasized that Francis's anniversary once again brings attention to the origins of Italian culture:

"We started talking about Saint Francis—this year marks the 800th anniversary of his "Canticle to Brother Sun." This is an opportunity to revisit the history of the Italian language, as this text is one of the first products of Italian culture. On such days, lectures like these are especially important.

A significant part of the speech was devoted to the analysis of the “Song to Brother Sun” – the first poetic text in the Umbrian vernacular:

"This is, first and foremost, a prayerful hymn. Note: this is truly a literary text. Why? Because we see that the author, Francis of Assisi, consciously used the grammatical resources at his disposal. Moreover, Francis draws on his predecessors—biblical ones, of course, the prophets and the psalms."

The expert spoke in detail about the context of Francis's life, his spiritual conversion, political conflicts in Medieval Italy, and the role of the Order of Friars Minor. The lecturer specifically noted that the hymn's key message is connected to love for all living things and brotherhood with nature and animals: "This is the most important message for the 'Song': If God is one Father, then all people are brothers and sisters. Just like all living beings."

The second lecture was given by Lyudmila Budneva, senior lecturer Humanities Institute of NSUThe lecture was dedicated to Umberto Eco's novel "The Name of the Rose." The lecturer described the book as a multilayered work that reveals the intellectual debates of the Middle Ages—about the nature of truth, the role of knowledge, the permissibility of laughter, and the mechanisms of power.

Lyudmila Viktorovna emphasized that Eco portrays the Middle Ages as an era of contradictions, where dogmas and living human thought clashed:

We're talking about the 14th century. Umberto Eco opens before us a veritable encyclopedia of a medieval monastery. In this case, it's a Benedictine monastery—the oldest Christian order. We learn about the way of life and customs, the rules of conduct. But any rules are embodied by living people. The novel is precisely about how any rules, elevated to absolutes for the sake of stability and so that we know where we're going, must be immutable. They shouldn't change from century to century, because Christ is one and His word is one. But life shows that all these rules, like life itself, are made by people. The main debate in the novel is about people and rules.

The lecturer elaborated on the key opposition of the work – laughter and fear, embodied in the images of the novel’s heroes, William of Baskerville and Jorge:

— Laughter is the path to truth… it is what softens the spirit, makes us kinder, but at the same time it also enlightens the spirit.

Lyudmila Viktorovna also emphasized that the novel touches on fear as a tool of control:

"So, according to the novel, people fear a man-made fear, one that comes from the medieval church and the educated world. This is frightening because knowledge, concentrated in a few hands, weakens the world."

The lecture concluded with a discussion of the symbolic significance of the destruction of the monastery library:

Gradually, cities grow—and life takes over. At the end of the novel, the monastery and its library are destroyed by fire, but the world continues to exist. Although we have lost a vast treasure trove of knowledge, including Aristotle's Poetics, the monastery's destruction demonstrates the triumph of change. The Middle Ages cannot be perceived as something static and unchanging.

Both lectures demonstrated to the audience how multilayered and vibrant the Middle Ages appears when examining its original texts. Through the hymn of Francis of Assisi and the novel by Umberto Eco, the audience saw how early literary forms and spiritual debates of the 13th and 14th centuries shaped the language, worldview, and conceptions of knowledge that continue to influence European culture to this day. These two perspectives—from within medieval spirituality and through the prism of modern humanities thought—allowed a new appreciation of the role of the Middle Ages as an era in which key ideas emerged that shaped the subsequent development of literature, philosophy, and society.

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.

Not just a university, but an ecosystem of opportunities: Open Day at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In January, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will publish updated admissions rules for the 2026/2027 academic year. These changes will be a key guideline for thousands of applicants. The Open Day, traditionally held on the first Sunday in December, was dedicated to these upcoming innovations and the overall admissions strategy. Around 5,000 guests visited the Main Academic Building in person. Over 2,000 people joined the live stream on social media.

Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education, addressed the guests with a welcoming address, highlighting the benefits of studying at the Polytechnic University and the prospects for students. Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, presented the university's educational policy in the context of the transition to a new higher education model. The keynote address was given by Vitaly Drobchik, Secretary of the Admissions Committee, who detailed the admissions process and planned innovations for the upcoming admissions campaign.

Following the official opening, participants were able to visit the institutes' booths, meet faculty, interact with students, and learn more about the educational process, subjects, and career opportunities. Master classes, presentations, and various activities were also prepared for the university's guests. The Civil Engineering Institute presented a virtual laboratory called "Life Safety," design master classes, and the unique "Polytech MetaCampus" project. The Humanities Institute held a quiz on creative advertising, a diplomatic quest, and master classes on translation and psychology.

The Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications impressed the audience with a spectacular science show featuring liquid nitrogen, plasma, and a nanosatellite, and then introduced guests to projects from their industrial partner, the Special Technology Center. The Institute of Power Engineering and the Institute of Computer Science and Technology held presentations on their key areas of expertise. The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade engaged prospective students in the intellectual LEGO Challenge and business games hosted by the student Business Club. The Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology offered the opportunity to participate in the MARS LAB science quest and attend the molecular gastronomy masterclass, "Watercolor of Taste."

SPbPU's Career Development Office presented employment opportunities, internships, and internships, as well as collaboration opportunities with the university's partners, in an interactive format. Participants also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of companies offering targeted training, including Obukhov Plant, Radar MMS, Special Technology Center, Krasny Oktyabr, and UEC-Klimov.

Guests also had the opportunity to visit a photo zone, take a campus tour, or receive advice at special stands. They could ask questions to Admissions staff, members of the United Student Dormitory Council, and representatives of the Black Bears-Polytech sports club. They could also choose a program for schoolchildren with specialists from the Applicant Services Center and the Informatics Academy for Schoolchildren.

A live broadcast was organized for the online audience. Its hosts—Varvara Sotova, Director of the Student Contingent Development Center, and analyst Inna Zakharova—discussed the university's capabilities, events for schoolchildren, and the admissions process. Guest expert presentations added practical value to the broadcast. Elena Mordvinova, Head of the HR Development Department at Power Machines, and Vladislav Krasnikov-Verbnikov, Leading Specialist at SKB System Engineering, spoke about career opportunities and the joint educational trajectory. Vadim Kozhevnikov, Associate Professor of the Physics Department and the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Dmitry Tarkhov, Professor of the Higher Mathematics Department, and Vladislav Kovalenko, Lecturer in Preparatory Courses at SPbPU, demonstrated the importance of fundamental training for future specialists. They clearly explained why a deep understanding of the exact sciences underlies any engineering innovation.

The day concluded with a spectacular physics show from the Institute of Physics and Mathematics, as well as a university-sponsored prize draw. This Open Day once again confirmed that Polytechnic University is more than just a university, but an entire ecosystem where fundamental science meets cutting-edge technology, creativity, and direct dialogue with future employers, helping every applicant take a conscious step toward a successful career.

Every year, we see an increase in the involvement of applicants and parents in career guidance events, leading to higher standards for their content. Therefore, today's Open Day is not so much a presentation of admissions rules and educational programs, but rather a showcase of the university's entire ecosystem of capabilities: research laboratories, engineering creativity, student associations, culture, and sports. The role of industrial partners is crucial here, and we are pleased that our colleagues actively participated in the event, showing the students the present and future of certain industries and professions, noted Dmitry Tikhonov.

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.

Students from the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at NSU took second place in the international RUDN Math Olympiad.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From November 26 to 30, the third International Student Mathematics Olympiad (RUDN Math Olymp) for undergraduate students was held at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. 790 students from 16 countries—from India, Spain, and Russia to Uzbekistan and Algeria—participated in the Olympiad. They represented more than 70 universities, including RUDN University, Moscow State University, Moscow State Technical University, Higher School of Economics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and Novosibirsk State University. Of these, 400 students from 38 universities in Russia and neighboring countries competed in person in Moscow.

During the Olympiad, participants solved problems in algebra, geometry, mathematical analysis, and other areas. This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their talent, share experiences, and enter the world of science.

Following the Olympiad, NSU students received the following awards in the individual competition:

Timofey Vasiliev (Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics) – 1st degree diploma.

Denis Devyatov (Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics) – 1st degree diploma.

Valery Pyatkin (Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics) – 1st degree diploma.

Vadim Fedotov (Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics) – 2nd degree diploma.

In the team ranking and team round, NSU students took second place, beating out Moscow State University, Moscow State Technical University, and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. The team was trained by its coaches, Anatoly Ruban and Danila Belousov.

Denis Devyatov, a second-year student at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at NSU, participated for the first time in such a large mathematics Olympiad, where teams from the best universities in Russia and other countries compete.

"The problems in the individual round were interesting, some of them were about differential equations, which surprised me, and they were quite challenging, since I only started studying this topic recently. Only after the Olympiad did they explain to me that this university (RUDN University – author's note) really likes differential equations, so these kinds of problems are often encountered there every year," says Denis Devyatov.

In the team round, NSU students reached the finals—this was the first time that the NSU team reached the final stage, where they competed with teams from the Higher School of Economics and Moscow Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics (MIREA).

"This is my first time participating in an Olympiad like this, and almost all of my teammates haven't found the right strategy right away, which is why we finished second. However, it was a valuable experience; now we know how it all works, and I'm sure next year's finals will be more interesting," Denis adds.

The Olympics program also included a rich cultural program. For example, the children visited the Moskvarium, where they were able to see a killer whale.

"This trip also gave me the opportunity to see my relatives, particularly my sister, whom I hadn't seen for several years. So, the incentive to attend this Olympiad isn't just for the competitive aspect," Denis shares his impressions.

The NSU delegation thanks the RUDN University organizing team for the opportunity to participate in such a large-scale event, and especially Alexander Kirilenko and Daria Apushkinskaya for their support during the Olympiad and appeal.

For those interested in joining the NSU Mathematics Olympiad team, classes are held weekly. This semester, they are held on Wednesdays at 4:20 PM in Room 2240 of the NSU Academic Building (1 Pirogova Street). The next class will be held on December 10th.

Material prepared by: Varvara Frolkina, NSU press service

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.

The women's basketball team won silver at the University Cup.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

NSU teams took part in the first Novosibirsk Region Higher Education Institutions Cup in 3×3 Phygital Basketball. This dual event is a new sport that combines real basketball (3×3 streetball) and eSports in a video game format. The competition consists of two stages: first, teams play a match in a simulator, then move on to a real court. The overall score is determined by the points scored in both stages, testing both the athletes' physical skills and their knowledge of the mechanics and tactics of the game.

The girls' team showed excellent results and climbed to second place on the podium!

Compound:

Daria Gogoleva, FENKarina Surikova, MMFanastasia Nizovtseva, EF

The NSU boys' team took 7th place.

Compound:

Roman Grasmik, MMF Anton Badazhkov, FF Maxim Vylegzhanin, FIT

Dmitry Shumeiko, a teacher from the Department of Physical Education, works with the teams.

Congratulations to our girls on winning silver medals at the University Cup!

Phygital sports are gaining popularity! NSU is keeping up with modern trends.

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.

Successes of NSU archers

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The next stage of the Novosibirsk Region Archery Cup was held, in which six archers from the Arkadem club, including four NSU students, took part in the classic bow discipline.

Our students showed good results and achieved the following sports categories:

Fedor Ostanin (FF) – first category

Anna Shatrova (FIT) – second category

Victoria Michurina (GGF) – third category

Congratulations to the guys and coaches! We wish them continued success!

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.

The 17th Novosibirsk Tournament of Young Chemists was held at NSU.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From December 5 to 7 at Novosibirsk State University (NSU) The 17th Novosibirsk Tournament of Young Chemists was heldTwenty-three teams from our region participated in the tournament selection, with the top 15 teams from Novosibirsk, Berdsk, Krasnoobsk, and Chany receiving invitations to the in-person stage of the tournament.

The tournament format consists of a series of battles pitting three or four teams against each other. One team presents a problem they've been working on for the past three months. The second and third teams take on the roles of opponent and reviewer, evaluating the completeness of the solution, its feasibility, and the presenter's ability to convey their idea to the audience.

This year, the tournament jury included two doctors and seven candidates of science, research fellows from six research institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and postgraduate students from Novosibirsk State University.

Elena Stolyarova, the tournament team coordinator, noted that some teams participate in the tournament annually from grades 8 and 9 until graduation, and the organizers have the opportunity to observe the development of their scientific combat skills, which is especially gratifying.

"This year, the tournament's teams are noticeably younger, with many 8th- and 9th-grade students capable of representing their schools with distinction. When participants can pleasantly surprise the judges at such a young age, it's thrilling for us as the organizers to imagine the pleasure we'll get from watching these young people's tournament careers in the coming years," commented Elena Stolyarova.

The tournament included four scientific battles, which determined the top three teams and recognized outstanding players.

The four teams that advanced to the tournament finals presented their best solutions. The "Pyrotechnics" team from MAOU "Gymnasium No. 1" chose to present a "Catalytically Perfect Problem" about the enzyme catalase, found in food products, at the finals. The team placed third. Specialized Scientific Center of Novosibirsk State University "Vivere est cogitare" (We Live Together) was a challenge to create our own liquid polarity scale. The "THF" team from the Gornostay Educational Center took second place in the team rankings, presenting a challenge discussing the influence of various laboratory glassware parameters on reactions.

The winner of the tournament was the team "Carborundum" from MBOU Lyceum No. 130 with the task of dyeing natural materials for clothing in Paleolithic conditions.

The best speakers were Alexandra Shchitova, Azar Neopolus-Kim (Carborundum, MBOU Lyceum No. 130) and Maryam Baiguzina (Charoit, MAOU OTs Gornostay).

The best opponents were Valeriy Lisitsa (Karborundum, MBOU Lyceum No. 130), Nikolay Kravchenko (Vivere est cogitare, SUNC NSU), Alisa Gornshteyn and Mikhail Semchenko (Pyrotechnics, MAOU Gymnasium No. 1).

The best reviewers are Nikolai Kravchenko (Vivere est cogitare, SUNC NSU), Viktor Bukhgeim (Karborundum, MBOU Lyceum No. 130) and Valeriy Lisitsa (Karborundum, MBOU Lyceum No. 130).

Following a long-standing tradition, special nominations were also given to players who distinguished themselves with resourcefulness or funny scientific statements during the game.

Five students from grades 8-10, among the best players of the tournament, received an invitation to the Summer School of the Specialized Scientific Center of NSU.

Speaking about the educational significance of the tournament, Elena Stolyarova noted:

The tournament reveals chemistry to participants as a science that cannot be grasped using books alone. The tournament forces students to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, evaluate their results, and defend them to an audience as deeply immersed in the subject matter as the presenter. An important aspect of learning at the tournament is receiving informed and appropriate criticism, which participants must learn to accept, understand, and use for their own scientific and personal growth.

The winners and runners-up (the top three teams) of the Novosibirsk Young Chemists' Tournament are invited to the final round of the All-Russian School Chemistry Tournament (VKhTSh), which will be held in March 2026 at NSU and will bring together the best teams from across Russia. All VKhTSh participants will receive additional points for admission to NSU.

The tournament was held with the support of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, the Institute of Chemical Solid State Mechanics SB RAS, the Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SB RAS, and the companies OOO TD GraSS and OOO NCGI. The tournament organizing committee expresses its gratitude for their assistance in holding the event to the State Autonomous Institution of Additional Education of the Novosibirsk Region "OCRTDIU", Novosibirsk State University, and especially Faculty of Natural Sciences And Specialized Educational and Scientific Center (SESC) of NSU.

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.

The All-Russian Mathematical Dictation was held at Novosibirsk State University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On November 30, the All-Russian Mathematical Dictation, organized by Novosibirsk State University, took place Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (MMF) with the support of the T-Education project. The event was part of a larger campaign that took place this year at 25 offline locations across the country, as well as online, and attracted over 50,000 participants. Around 150 people registered at the NSU site. Schoolchildren, students, and anyone who loves the exact sciences came to write their papers in person on a frosty Sunday.

The dictation took place in the auditorium of the NSU flow auditorium building, which is part of the second stage of the project. new campus of NSU, being built as part of the national project "Youth and Children." At NSU, as at other venues, 10 winners were selected for scoring the highest number of points based on the assessment results. They were awarded commemorative prizes from T-Education.

Before the dictation began, participants were greeted by T-Education representative Natalia Bogdanova, who noted the scale of the event and the importance of mathematical literacy in everyday life:

"This is a major intellectual event; over 50,000 people registered for platforms across Russia. Why is T-Bank supporting this event? Because mathematics is everywhere. We assess risks and make decisions, test new functionality, and protect our clients from fraud using mathematical tools."

The dictation rules were simple. Participants solve 15 problems of varying difficulty: 10 with short answers and 5 with detailed solutions. No outside assistance is permitted during the dictation. Two hours are allotted for the entire test, and upon completion, everyone receives a certificate.

The organizer of the dictation at NSU was Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, who is actively involved in popularizing mathematics. Sergey Bolgarin, a senior lecturer in the programming department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Mathematics, noted the university's long-standing collaboration with T-Bank:

"Of course, this isn't the first project we've run with T-Bank. For example, as part of the Big Mathematical Workshop, T-Bank initiated several projects and sponsored and organized intellectual social events. We're grateful to our partner for the opportunity to participate in the All-Russian Mathematical Dictation. I believe Akademgorodok is an interesting venue for the event, as participants have the opportunity to see the new NSU campus and take a walk in nature. For applicants, this is an opportunity to see the university where they'll be studying."

Nikita Bozhkov, a student and graduate, who participated in the dictation, shared his impressions. Specialized Scientific Center of Novosibirsk State University:

I saw the news about the dictation and decided to give it a try. I wanted to see if I could solve the problems. The most frustrating was the probability problem—I kind of got it right, but then again, I didn't. The graph problems were pleasant: the numbers were easy and pretty. The problem about the perimeters of a triangle and a hexagon and comparing their areas was interesting. It was about as difficult as the Unified State Exam (USE). If you'd taken the USE exam, you could easily solve it in an hour or an hour and a half.

During the break between the dictation and the awards ceremony, the participants were offered a quiz from students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mathematics of NSU and an interactive exhibition. mathematical festival "This is Mathematics".

This is not the first time NSU has participated in federal educational projects, and the All-Russian Mathematical Dictation marked another step in popularizing the sciences among schoolchildren and students. Despite the cold and the fact that it was a Sunday, the participants had the opportunity to test themselves, refresh their knowledge, and experience the atmosphere of an intellectual community that unites people across the country.

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.

Polytechnic University continues to modernize its educational spaces and infrastructure

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

New multifunctional spaces have opened in the academic building of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade. Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, attended the opening ceremony.

On this day, two facilities were unveiled: a complex for emotional and physical relaxation for employees and a modern lecture hall, created as part of the "BuildingOurHouse" project to modernize the IPMEIT academic building.

The new complex is a unique space designed for faculty and staff to recharge, de-stress, and enjoy a brief "reset." It helps them find inner balance and refocus on productive research and teaching.

The complex is located in the basement of the academic building and occupies 240 square meters. It includes four specialized rooms.

The Natural Harmony Zone is a space for meditation and inner rejuvenation, filled with a tranquil atmosphere. A relaxation and physical recovery zone, equipped with modern massage chairs and an artificial fireplace, creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The Seclusion Room is a space for short breaks and quiet. The Active Relaxation Zone includes a ping-pong table and an electronic shooting range for dynamic relaxation.

The project was made possible through a combination of funding: the majority of the funds were allocated by the Institute of Mechanics, Technology, and the Environment, while the multimedia equipment was purchased through the Priority 2030 program and the massage chairs were provided with support from VTB Bank.

Another important facility was unveiled at the same time: a new lecture hall equipped with modern technology and designed for comfortable and effective learning. The space is designed to comfortably accommodate students. Ergonomic seating allows for more productive classes, meetings, and presentations.

The auditorium is equipped with a 5.5-meter LED screen, which displays materials from a computer and an interactive chalkboard. The screen supports handwriting input with both fingertips and markers, and features a unique feature for transmitting images to the interactive surface. Three movable microphones, two sound columns, and a camera with optical zoom are also available for recording lectures and live streaming events.

The new lecture hall will become a space where technology and content work in unison, helping students and faculty collaborate even more effectively. Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology, emphasized the importance of this work: "We are creating new spaces that help our staff and students develop, work, and feel comfortable. The opening of the emotional and physical relaxation complex is an effort to ensure the well-being of our faculty and staff, and the new lecture hall is a step toward an even higher quality of educational process. I am confident that both spaces will become growth points for our institute."

During the event, the rector also visited those areas of the building that were opened earlierParticular attention was paid to the renovated first floor, which now houses modern and comfortable areas for study and research. Nineteen renovated rooms with 320 seats are already operational, equipped in accordance with modern requirements for a digital educational environment.

These include the institute's new laboratories, such as the "Qualimetry and Modeling in Quality Management" laboratory at the Higher School of Service and Trade, which hosts practical classes for students from all IPMEIT programs studying Quality Management. Master classes and research are also conducted there. In this laboratory, students not only study lean manufacturing principles and qualimetric methods but also practice them using virtual simulators and real equipment.

Andrey Rudskoy also visited the specialized classroom, created with the support of industrial partners. The new space is equipped with educational displays and demonstration equipment for training undergraduate, graduate, and advanced training programs in energy management. The auditorium will become a hub for practical work, where students will be able to not only consolidate their theoretical knowledge but also master real equipment used in the energy industry.

Modernization of the academic building continues. New classrooms, currently in the final stages of renovation, are scheduled to open soon. Students and staff will have even more modern, equipped, and comfortable spaces for studying, working, and interacting. Future plans include renovating the cafeteria, which will fully adapt the space to modern standards.

The opening of the emotional and physical relaxation complex, a new lecture hall, and renovated spaces in the IPMEiT academic building marked a significant step in creating a comfortable, modern, and technologically advanced environment for the institute's staff and students.

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.