RUDN's top lecturer revealed the secrets of his teaching system.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Our university once again held the "Best RUDN University Lecturer" competition. Students have the final say in this competition, and independent experts ensure the objectivity of faculty evaluations. The winners are the most outstanding teachers who deliver meaningful and inspiring classes, engage their audience, and spark interest in the subject.

This year, places were distributed among the following areas.

Medical and biological sciences:

1st place — Elena Valeryevna Kaverina, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health, Healthcare and Hygiene; 2nd place — Maria Naimovna Chernova, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of the I.D. Kirpatovsky Department of Operative Surgery and Clinical Anatomy; 3rd place — Milana Sergeevna Das, Assistant Professor of the V.S. Kiktenko Department of Microbiology.

Natural and technical sciences:

1st place — Elvira Marsovna Gaysina, Assistant, Agrobiotechnology Department, Agrarian-Technological Institute; 2nd place — Ekaterina Dmitrievna Yesikova, Assistant, Technosphere Safety Department, Agrarian-Technological Institute; 3rd place — Daria Sergeevna Novikova, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Informatics and Intelligent Systems in the Humanities, Institute of the Russian Language.

Humanities:

1st place — Ekaterina Vasilyevna Kalygina, PhD in Economics, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Business at the Graduate School of Management; 2nd place — Irina Ivanovna Belozerova, PhD in Law, Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Forensic Science at the Law Institute; 3rd place — Lyubov Vasilyevna Timoschenkova, Teacher of Continuing Education at the Department of Russian Language No. 4 at the Russian Language Institute.

Social Sciences:

1st place — Tatyana Igorevna Larina, Candidate of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; 2nd place — Milana Magomed-Salievna Abueva, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Finance, Accounting and Auditing, Faculty of Economics; 3rd place — Aylara Batyrovna Orazova, Assistant Professor of the Department of Customs, Institute of Foreign Economic Security and Customs Affairs.

The Audience Choice Award was won by Lyubov Vasilyevna Timoschenkova, a teacher of additional education at the Russian Language Department No. 4 of the Russian Language Institute.

The overall winner of the competition was Alikhan Akhmedovich Elyasov, a teacher of supplementary education at the Institute of Foreign Languages at RUDN University. We spoke with him and learned the secret to his success.

Tell us about your path to RUDN and how you came to teaching.

My journey at RUDN University began with a dream of receiving a high-quality education and immersing myself in a multicultural environment. I've always been passionate about languages, especially English, and the university provided me with the opportunity not only to study it at a high level but also to interact with students from other countries. I strived to maximize my potential: I actively participated and presented at international conferences and language clubs, received prestigious scholarships for my academic and research achievements, and led student initiatives. I'm happy to have completed this journey, graduating with honors and becoming the best graduate of the Class of 2024.

But at some point, I realized that my accumulated skills and achievements were truly valuable when I could help others master new things more easily and achieve success. It was then that I realized how much I wanted to share my knowledge, inspire others, and see how students' eyes light up when they began to understand and speak a foreign language. That's how I came to teach. Perhaps it was this student experience, my pursuit of intellectual growth, and my desire to share information that helped me in the competition.

What subjects do you teach?

I've been teaching foreign languages, particularly English, for many years. My love of explanation and desire to teach probably began in my childhood. I always enthusiastically helped my friends with their homework, and this early mentoring experience later led me to believe that teaching was my calling, which ultimately determined my professional path.

Do you have a special training system?

My method is based on the desire to create the most positive and inspiring atmosphere in every lesson. I believe that this is the environment in which students feel comfortable, unafraid to speak up, ask questions, and make mistakes. I actively use a variety of modern tools: memes, videos, music, game elements, interactive presentations, and online platforms. I am constantly developing new ways to present material, striving to make each lesson unique and keep students coming back for more.

What do you consider most important in a teacher’s work?

In my opinion, the key to teaching is not simply imparting knowledge but cultivating interest. It's important not only to explain the material but also to inspire students. As Socrates said, "There's a sun in every person, just let it shine." A teacher should both imbue students with knowledge and awaken their curiosity, teaching them to think and seek answers independently, creating an atmosphere in which everyone feels valued and capable. The key is to create an environment where students feel supported and confident in their abilities. After all, even the most difficult topic becomes easier when there's someone who believes in your success.

"The Best Lecturer at RUDN University" is a highly prestigious professional excellence competition. What criteria did the jury use to evaluate the participants?

This is a truly large-scale event that allows all RUDN University faculty to demonstrate their professionalism and share experiences. Participants were evaluated based on several key criteria: lecture content, logical and structured presentation, oratorical skills, creative delivery, and, of course, mastery of effective audience communication techniques. It was important not just to present a topic, but to do so in an engaging and understandable way—one that would leave the audience wanting to learn more. The jury also looked for lectures that met modern educational standards, as well as interactivity and the ability to engage the audience.

The final round took place in person. What did the jury note about your presentation on "Memes as a Tool for Learning Language and Culture in the Digital Age"?

It was incredibly exciting. I'm delighted that my idea resonated with the jury. I was especially pleased to hear that the presentation was interactive and dynamic. I tried to show that memes aren't just entertainment, but a powerful tool for learning language and culture, as they reflect current trends, humor, and the values of modern society. To engage the audience and create a lighthearted atmosphere, I began with a simple and fun task. Each participant was given a set of 3D stickers featuring funny cats and dogs. The goal was to describe the mood of these cute animals using new words and expressions from the lecture.

The students immediately perked up. Laughter erupted in the audience, and a lively discussion ensued. Everyone was eager to come up with the most creative answer. We also analyzed numerous visual examples, the linguistic features of memes, and their cultural context. The jury noted that the lecture was not only informative but also truly engaging, and even suggested developing a full-fledged course on using memes in English language teaching based on it. I am grateful to the jury for their high praise of my work and their support in developing this idea.

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 first conference on the functional morphology of tissue microenvironment was held at RUDN University.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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RUDN University hosted the first scientific and practical conference, "Functional Morphology of the Tissue Microenvironment: From Theory to Practice," dedicated to the memory of RAS Academician Mikhail Paltsev. It brought together leading researchers from Russia, China, and other countries, providing an important platform for discussing the translation of fundamental discoveries into personalized medicine.

At the opening, RUDN University First Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for Research Andrey Kostin noted the key role of Academician Paltsev's scientific school and the relevance of integrating morphological research into modern healthcare. RAS Professor Ekaterina Paltseva spoke about the scientist's outstanding contribution to the development of molecular medicine.

Fundamental research as the basis for the medicine of the future

The conference focused on cutting-edge methods for studying living tissues: multiplex histology, digital spatial profiling, mitochondrial biology, and extracellular matrix ultrastructure. The presentations clearly demonstrated how the integration of cellular, molecular, and tissue-based approaches is revealing new insights into oncogenesis, fibrosis, aging, and resistance mechanisms.

Dmitry Atyakshin, Director of the RUDN University Scientific Research Center for Innovative Immunophenotyping Technologies and Doctor of Medical Sciences, highlighted the potential of multiplex histological methods in analyzing tissue microenvironments and addressing critical issues in functional morphology.

"Multiplex histological approaches hold great potential for discovering new patterns in the organization of biological tissues. The knowledge gained will aid in the development of innovative drugs and treatment protocols for a wide range of pathologies," emphasized Dmitry Atyakshin.

The center's leading researcher, Doctor of Biological Sciences Irina Chekmareva, presented research on the key role of specific cells, telocytes, in intercellular communication.

"Many serious diseases are associated with disruptions in cellular communication networks. Studying the role of telocytes and developing methods to correct disruptions in intercellular information exchange are crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis and discovering new therapeutic targets. Promising therapeutic approaches aimed at normalizing telocyte function have been developed, which promises to improve treatment outcomes for many pathologies," noted Irina Chekmareva.

International cooperation and new horizons

The active participation of Chinese colleagues from Xi'an Jiaotong University added particular significance to the event. They expressed interest in combining the technological advantages of the two countries to achieve breakthrough scientific results.

Professor Long, head of the Institute of Mitochondrial Biomedicine, presented specific proposals for the creation of a joint Russian-Chinese center for mitochondrial metabolism and tissue microenvironment at RUDN University.

Participants unanimously praised the inspiring atmosphere and high scientific level of the conference. This event will become a traditional platform for bringing together global scientific teams to achieve breakthrough results at the intersection of fundamental morphology and clinical practice.

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.

RUDN University doctors have proven the power of teamwork.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The RUDN University Medical Institute team won second place at the All-Russian Olympiad in Internal Medicine. The competition took place from November 19 to 21 in Moscow during the 20th National Congress of Internal Medicine, the main event of the year for internal medicine specialists.

This success was the result of the coordinated work of a team consisting of fifth- and sixth-year students and first- and second-year residents. The students' training was supervised by Professor Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Head of the Department of Hospital Therapy, Assistant Professor Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Assistant Professor Malika Mansurovna Irkabaeva.

Team composition:

Atakhanov Vepa, 5th-year student, General Medicine; Gavrilova Polina Nikolaevna, 5th year, General Medicine; Frolova Anastasia Dmitrievna, 5th year, General Medicine; Alieva Antonina Dzhomartovna, 5th year, General Medicine; Al Lakis Julien, 6th year, General Medicine (team captain); Avad Saad Ahmed Saad, 6th year, General Medicine; Shaimardankulova Shirin, resident, 1 year (specializing in Cardiology); Fanu Semako Feliciano Samuel B., resident, 2 year (specializing in Cardiology); Blerina Bega, resident, 1 year (specializing in Endocrinology); Efremova Sofia Sergeevna, resident, 1 year (specialty "Therapy").

Synergy of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience

The key to victory was the synergy of a mixed team, combining the students' theoretical knowledge with the residents' clinical experience. All participants are active members of the Student Research Club (SRC) at the Department of Hospital Therapy.

"The club was a great help and enhanced our knowledge in all areas of therapy. The team members prepared seriously, each focusing on their own area of expertise," the RUDN team shared.

Team captain Julien Al Lakis noted that the main strategy was the ability to listen to each other and work together using the brainstorming method.

"RUDN University has students and residents from all over the world. We're diverse, but it wasn't a problem for us to find a common solution where needed. At the same time, our differences gave us an advantage, allowing us to find as many interesting solutions as possible. I believe that a joint event like participating in the Olympiad helps us become even more united," added Julien Al Lakis.

Olympic Trials

The Olympiad included several challenging stages. The most challenging, according to the participants, was the imaging diagnostics stage, which required interpreting a variety of data: from photographs of skin lesions to ECGs, CT scans, and blood smears.

"The most nerve-wracking stage for me personally was the final one, as it was crucial. We were neck and neck with the other teams until the very end. Furthermore, this stage was difficult because the problem statement was presented piecemeal. For example, I wanted to get back to the ECG, but by then the text was already on the screen," added Julien Al Lakis.

Despite the tension, the program also found room for relaxation. Resident Sofia Efremova fondly recalled the "Crocodile" segment.

"Because of the opportunity to fantasize and have fun, this stage helped relieve the nervous tension that was undoubtedly present at such a serious event. I think many associate the Crocodile with the most carefree period of our lives—childhood, which makes it my favorite time," noted Sofia Efremova.

Support from Teachers: Participants expressed immense gratitude to their mentors. They are confident that training with RUDN University faculty was the foundation for this outstanding achievement.

"While preparing for the Olympiad, we read a lot of literature, trying to deepen our knowledge not only in the areas that interested us most but also in other areas. A special thank you goes out to our mentors: Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Malika Mansourovna Irkabaeva. They supported us throughout our preparation and during the Olympiad itself. Without their support and motivation, we would not have been able to achieve such a remarkable result," the RUDN University team emphasized.

Having won silver, the guys aren't resting on their laurels. As the students themselves said, new goals lie ahead: "We'll be stronger next year!"

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.

RUDN University medical students on their participation in the "ANATOMY and I" Universiade

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The RUDN University Medical Institute team, "Leonardo's Shelf," won bronze in the overall team competition at the VIII Moscow International Universiade in Human Anatomy, "ANATOM and I." The competition, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Academician M.R. Sapin, was held at Sechenov University and brought together 20 teams from medical universities in Russia and neighboring countries.

From theory to practice

The Universiade, held under the motto "Eternal Love, Heartfelt Love!", included several stages. Students demonstrated their knowledge in a theoretical test and mastery of Latin terminology, as well as their mastery in a practical competition using cadaveric materials. One of the key tasks was preparing a report on the topic "Humanity in the 22nd Century: Friend or Foe of the Universe," in which participants reflected on the long-term implications of artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine.

The RUDN team's bronze medal success is the result of the coordinated work of five students from the professional student association "Afor":

Grokhotova Valeria (2nd year); Safa Tatyana (3rd year); Ganem Raged (2nd year); Malchikova Diana (2nd year); Oraeva Dzhumagul (2nd year).

The team's preparation was led by Oleg Aleksandrovich Zaiko, senior lecturer in the Department of Human Anatomy and candidate of medical sciences, and Levon Vaagnovich Turadzhyan, assistant professor in the department.

The Key to the Language of Medicine

Participating in the Universiade was an invaluable experience for the students, extending beyond the curriculum. Raghed Ghanem shared that the Olympiad helped him see anatomy not as a collection of terminology, but as a coherent system.

"I'm especially grateful to my mentor, Levon Vaagnovich Turadzhyan, for teaching me not just to memorize Latin, but to 'see' the real structures behind the words. Thanks to his methods, I can now mentally reconstruct anatomical structures and confidently use the terms. This turned memorization into engaging learning. The Olympiad demonstrated that knowledge of Latin is the key to the professional language of medicine. And even though the results weren't perfect, I left feeling one step closer to mastery," noted Raged Ghanem.

For Diana Malchikova, this was her first experience participating in an in-person event of this level. She noted that theory in anatomy is the ability to correctly apply the information learned.

"The emotions at the competition were indescribable: from the excitement of the teams' performances to the nerves before the competition. I'm grateful to my teacher, Oleg Aleksandrovich Zaiko, who helped me develop a love for anatomy," added Diana Mal'chikova.

Valeria Grokhotova, team captain and participant in the "Kadaver" competition, is confident that the team's success is the result of a systematic approach and hard work.

"Thanks to the colloquium structure at our university, demonstrating practical skills wasn't a problem. The most helpful were the classes on the nervous system with Oleg Aleksandrovich Zaiko," emphasized Valeria Grokhotova.

Dzhumagul Oraeva competed for the team in the "Game" competition. According to her, the challenge was based on the board game "Monopoly."

"You had to throw a chip, answer theoretical questions, and move forward on the board. The game was engaging and interactive—it required you to draw on knowledge from all areas of anatomy," said Dzhumagul Oraeva.

Deep Space Cardiology Challenges

This isn't Tatyana Safa's first Olympiad, and she considers the process of preparing for the competition with a team of like-minded students the most valuable. The student noted that studying anatomy is a delicate process that requires time, patience, perseverance, and dedication.

"At the Olympiad, I presented a paper on 'Overcoming the Cardiology Challenges of Deep Space: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in 22nd Century Medicine.' In it, I covered key aspects: the selection of cosmonauts with a high physiological reserve, the adaptation and remodeling of the cardiovascular system in zero-gravity conditions, the development of autonomous AI-based medical systems for diagnosis and treatment in conditions of delayed communication with Earth, as well as the risks and ethical dilemmas of implementing AI," noted Tatyana Safa.

Students who attended Tatiana's presentation approached her to tell her that it was the best report in the competition.

The achievement of the RUDN University Medical Institute team is another example of the successful combination of academic knowledge, extracurricular work at the PSO, and mentorship from the faculty.

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.

A RUDN University student won a prize at the Volga-IT'2025 International Digital Olympiad.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Mikhail Poltev, a master's student in Information Security at RUDN University, took third place in the Volga-IT'2025 International Digital Olympiad in Telecommunications and Information Security.

The competition has been held regularly since 2006, and this year marks its 16th edition. It is open to schoolchildren and students aged 16 to 23 from Russia and other countries. In the finals, they complete tasks based on real IT company cases.

Over 4,000 applications were submitted to the qualifying round of the competition this year, but only the top 100 made it to the in-person competition. The Olympiad covers nine disciplines and consists of three stages. The first is testing.

"The testing was easy; they asked simple questions about information security. I actually prepared for the competition by completing tasks from previous years and tasks on specialized websites like TryHackMy," said Mikhail Poltev.

The second stage was much more challenging and extensive. The student had to complete five tasks of varying difficulty in a month. For example, one task stated: "I once participated in a creative design competition for the website of the President of the Russian Federation, but no one liked my design. I want to find out who the people who served on the jury were." The Olympiad participant had to provide the first and last names of the jury members in their answer. Another challenge required the student to figure out the extension of an attached file, parse protocols, find the required protocol bundle, open a telephony system, find packets of jokes, and ultimately play the required sound in reverse.

"In the finals, they prepared a penetration test for us, setting up rigs where we searched for vulnerabilities. There were two operating systems: Linux and Windows. Finding almost all the flags (secret character strings) on Linux secured me third place in the competition," says Mikhail Poltev.

In addition to the challenges, during the in-person stage of the competition, participants will have the opportunity to interact with experts and attend master classes led by IT company employees.

"It was great to talk with representatives of the final task developer, Alingi (a leading developer of software for automating quality management processes). They were able to clarify all the details, and in the end, we fully developed the 'ideal' solution. The most valuable experience from participating in the Olympiad was that I tested my knowledge and skills in practice. This is my first final in the field of information security, and I want to continue participating in such competitions and achieving high results," says Mikhail Poltev.

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.

"Infinite wisdom, unconditional faith in her students, a unique teaching gift." In memory of Elena Alexandrovna Krasina

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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RUDN University expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues on the passing of renowned scholar, Doctor of Philology, and Professor Elena Aleksandrovna Krasina.

Elena Alexandrovna devoted herself entirely to the Department of General and Russian Linguistics of the Faculty of Philology and to her students, sparing no effort or time.

Engagement, initiative, brilliant ideas, a deep and systematic understanding of any task, scientific or administrative, support and attention to colleagues – a rare combination of qualities that characterized Elena Alexandrovna as a scientist, colleague, and friend.

Her life has always been connected with RUDN University. Elena Aleksandrovna graduated from the Faculty of History and Philology at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University in 1975. In 1981, she defended her dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Philological Sciences, "Actual Division of Complex Sentences with a Lexically Unexpressed Theme," and in 2000, her doctoral dissertation, "The Semantics and Pragmatics of Russian Performative Utterances."

In 1975, Elena Alexandrovna began working at RUDN as an assistant, became an associate professor in 1985, and a full professor in 2005. For many years, Elena Alexandrovna served as deputy chair of the dissertation council of the Faculty of Philology.

Elena Alexandrovna saw all her creative endeavors and projects through to completion. In 2010, she initiated the launch of the first English-language master's program in the Faculty of Philology, "Theoretical and Applied Linguistics," which is still successfully running. Elena Alexandrovna not only conceived the concept but also led the program for many years, teaching a series of highly complex theoretical courses in linguistics in English.

In 2010, the professor participated in the founding, defining the development directions, and for a long time served as the scientific director of the journal "Bulletin of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Series: Language Theory. Semiotics. Semantics."

Elena Alexandrovna's range of research interests was both broad and succinct: language as an activity, language as an art, and linguistic theory. She supervised the defense of over 20 PhD and doctoral dissertations in philology, and many of her students work at RUDN University. All graduates of the Faculty of Philology knew Elena Alexandrovna well as a wise mentor, a unique specialist, and a pleasant, warm person. Elena Alexandrovna will always remain an example of the highest professionalism in science and education. The Department of General and Russian Linguistics of the Faculty of Philology expresses its condolences to her husband, children, colleagues, and friends.

Elena Aleksandrovna is a prominent figure in the Department of General and Russian Linguistics's academic school. She spent many years engaged in the department's research and was at the forefront of the scientific journal "Bulletin of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Series: Language Theory. Semiotics. Semantics." She was deeply concerned about the future of the department and each of its members.

Vladimir Denisenko

Head of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics

The priceless Elena Alexandrovna was (a terrible word) my shining spot on the philological planet, shining with rare beauty and clarity of mind, encompassing in her work not only rigorous typology and methods but also the spirit of a contemporary—the discourse of cinema and the language of painting. Elena Alexandrovna's thought always called for dialogue, for it contained something phenomenal: the inner light of her teachers' understanding and the outer light of a noble and warm attitude toward students, friends, and loved ones—attention to everyone who came into contact with her, even for a moment. Endless valuable pages not only of scholarly and academic works, but also of reviews, edits, opposing views, and translations. A creative philologist, she left unfinished her final work on the ascent of grammar to the pinnacle of culture—language in man. The loss of a noble and worthy person, his untimely death, is not only a personal loss but also a loss for all humanity. The sorrow is immeasurable, the grief is inconsolable, the memory is eternal and bright – to a bright man, scientist and friend.

Tatyana Markelova

Professor, Vice-Rector of the Institute of Contemporary Art

Elena Alexandrovna is a friend and colleague to me. I've always been captivated by her erudition and openness to creativity, whether it was writing an article or knitting. Fate gifted Elena Alexandrovna with many talents, which she generously shared with others. An optimist, a talented linguist, a highly intelligent person, and a reliable friend—that's all about her, about Lena, about Elena Alexandrovna.

Olga Chesnokova

Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages of the Faculty of Philology

The research work at the Department of General and Russian Linguistics of the Faculty of Philology and the professional growth of each of her students are a credit to Professor Krasina. I am eternally grateful to Elena Alexandrovna for her friendly and professional support, for personal meetings, concerts and exhibitions, heartfelt conversations about everything, and for our shared work. Her memory will forever remain with us.

Natalia Novospasskaia

Associate Professor of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics

I owe my entire well-being, my very existence, to her. Her boundless wisdom, her unconditional faith in her students, her unique teaching gift… My Scientific Godmother, Teacher, Comrade, Friend, Mentor… No one can replace her, no one can fill the void… I'm overwhelmed with grief…

Larisa Lunkova

Doctoral student E.A. Krasina, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Deputy Head of the Kolomna urban district

Elena Alexandrovna always had a knack for not only creating but also preserving her projects, passing them on to her students and setting the bar high. In addition to her contributions to the development of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics, she supported many young faculty members, sharing advice and ideas, and simply believing in them. Elena Alexandrovna will always remain an example of the highest professionalism in science and education.

Oksana Alexandrova

Associate Professor, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Philology

I will always remember Elena Alexandrovna as a talented scholar, the person who inspired my lifelong passion for comparative linguistics. She was always helpful, was the best academic advisor, and I will always remember her warmth and the love with which she worked with us.

Maria Alimova

Elena Aleksandrovna's postgraduate student, candidate of philological sciences, director of the Center for Continuing Education "Horizon"

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.

A RUDN University student created an interactive culinary map of Vietnam.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Fourth-year student at the RUDN University Graduate School of Management, Le Thi Huong Ly (Tourism major), developed and registered an interactive gastronomic map of Vietnam with Rospatent. The digital guide allows for a deeper dive into the country's culture, planning delicious itineraries, and supporting local businesses.

The project, created under the guidance of academic supervisor Olga Zeveke, is more than just a website. It is a research project that combines modern IT technologies with the preservation of cultural heritage.

What can the card do?

An interactive map is a comprehensive digital product that solves several traveler's problems at once:

Information. The map displays traditional dishes, drinks, and local products (delicacies) from different regions of Vietnam. Navigation. Users can find places to try local food, from street vendors to restaurants. Cultural immersion. Each spot is provided not just with a description, but also with cultural context—the history of the dish, its ingredients, and photographs.

This approach is fully consistent with the global trend of considering cuisine a key element of cultural identity and a powerful tourism resource. Vietnam's culinary heritage is rich and diverse.

Relevance of the project

The RUDN University student's development is interesting not only from a tourism perspective but also from an economic one. The map could become a tool for supporting local businesses, as it directly assists producers and restaurants by providing them with a digital "shopfront" to attract tourists.

"The project also fulfills an important mission of preserving and digitally recording unique recipes and traditions, which is especially valuable in the era of globalization," noted Le Thi Huong Ly.

Furthermore, the map is in line with the development of culinary tourism. The project fits perfectly into Vietnam's strategy for developing as a tourist destination, where experiencing authentic cuisine is the primary motivation for travel. The development of culinary tourism has been officially recognized as one of the country's priorities.

Technology and the Future

The project is designed as a website, making it accessible from any device. Its interactivity is a key advantage. Users can select regions, explore detailed information about dishes, filter establishments by type, and plan their own personal gastronomic itinerary.

The project's overall goal is to create a unified platform uniting culinary specialties (gastronomic attractions) from around the world. This is a striking example of how academic knowledge, applied research, and the personal initiative of a RUDN student can lead to the creation of a real, sought-after product at the intersection of education, culture, and modern 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.

The Grand Prix winner of the RUDN University Volunteer of the Year competition spoke about her volunteer journey.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Elza Shaimukhametova won this year's RUDN University Volunteer of the Year competition. At the awards ceremony, the second-year student at the Agrarian and Technological Institute (Veterinary Science major) shared that volunteering for her means dedicating yourself entirely to a cause, to people, and to being useful.

We spoke with Elsa to find out how she got involved in volunteering, what volunteer events and activities she remembers most, and what personal project she hopes to implement in the near future. Tell us about the very beginning of your volunteer journey.

What was that first spark that inspired you to start helping?

My volunteer journey began in 10th grade. From the very first event I participated in back in my hometown, I felt a spark that sparked my passion for this whole endeavor. I was truly captivated by the atmosphere of the volunteer community: the positive spirit with which everyone was willing to help, the respect for each other, and the support of newcomers. Human emotions also played a significant role. At first, the events I participated in were simply aimed at bringing joy to passersby who weren't involved in volunteering: we handed out cards and small gifts in honor of Defender of the Fatherland Day or International Women's Day. I loved that through such events, we could brighten someone's dull day, bring a smile to their face, and "charge" them with positive emotions for the rest of their day.

Tell us about your first event, what was it like?

My very first event was the "Candle of Remembrance" campaign. We asked passersby to light a candle and honor the memory of those who died in the Great Patriotic War. I was very nervous that day, especially when I was working up the courage to approach strangers.

Which event was the most touching or funny?

I consider the pre-New Year's trip to the social shelter to be the most touching. I had the opportunity to be the Snow Maiden. Father Frost and I, along with other New Year's characters, held contests, listened to children's poems, danced around the Christmas tree, and, of course, gave everyone New Year's gifts.

Can you recall the most memorable volunteer events you participated in this year? How do you think you excelled in them to earn the competition's Grand Prix?

The most significant events are the 65th anniversary of RUDN, the University Shifts project and the Civic Participation Forum.

How do you balance volunteer work with studying such a challenging program as Veterinary Medicine? Do you have a time management secret?

Combining volunteering and studying isn't always easy. So sometimes I have to prioritize and forego some events in favor of my university classes. It's convenient when events fall on weekends, which happens quite often. To make it easier to stay on top of everything and not forget anything, I use daily planners and calendars. Sometimes I have to leave class a little early to get to the event location, or, conversely, leave volunteering a little early to make it to an important class. If my volunteer work doesn't involve direct interaction with people and I have some free time, I try to use it to study or review my course material.

How does your volunteer experience complement and enrich your development as a future professional veterinarian? What skills are already helping you in your studies?

Volunteering helps me develop communication skills, which are crucial in veterinary medicine, especially when it comes to clearly and effectively explaining their pets' diagnoses to owners. I also learn to approach people with different personalities and temperaments. Furthermore, volunteering often brings me together with professionals in veterinary and related fields. This is a valuable and truly important opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. During these conversations, we can discuss current diseases, new equipment, and modern treatment methods—this helps me better understand the processes in veterinary medicine.

Last year, you participated in a volunteer mission in Uzbekistan with other RUDN University students, helping out at local veterinary clinics and dog shelters. How did this opportunity arise, and what did you learn from the experience?

I learned about the opportunity to participate in a volunteer mission in Uzbekistan from the Volunteer Commission of the Student Committee at my institute. This trip taught us a lot and provided truly valuable experience. We not only gained practical skills but also heard many interesting and instructive stories and advice. Memories of our joyful work shifts and evenings after clinics and shelters still linger in my mind: how students with extensive practical experience helped and offered advice to those less experienced. In fact, every dog at the shelter has its own story, almost always sad, but most importantly, filled with hope for a happy ending. I remember the weak puppy most of all. The little one fell asleep in my arms while I was nursing him on an IV. Honestly, looking at him, I could barely hold back my tears.

Do you have any ideas for your own volunteer projects?

I have an idea for a volunteer project where senior students will conduct voluntary additional classes for junior students. The goal is to help them understand complex topics in a calm, informal environment, without judgment or the fear of asking questions. Senior students will be able to share their experiences and explain the material in simple terms, while junior students will be able to fill in gaps in their knowledge and feel more confident. The project will promote mutual support, reduce academic stress, and strengthen connections between students of different years.

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.

RUDN University awarded the best student volunteers of the year.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The university announced the results of its main volunteer competition, "RUDN Volunteer of the Year." Seventeen people won in five categories. The Grand Prix went to Elza Shaimukhametova, a student majoring in Veterinary Science at the Agrarian and Technological Institute.

"For me, being a volunteer means dedicating myself entirely to a cause, to people, and to being useful. The reward is the motivation to work harder and longer, and, of course, it's a sign that my work is bearing fruit, that it's not just for nothing," noted Elsa Shaimukhametova.

Desire to help

We'll tell you more about Elsa and her accomplishments in a separate article. The RUDN University volunteer movement currently comprises over 3,000 people from 50 countries. They visit orphanages, help organize major international events, participate in patriotic campaigns, donate blood, and care for the environment and homeless animals.

A total of 50 applications were submitted for the competition, with the leading participants coming from the Faculty of Philology, the Institute of Medicine, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Incidentally, students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities represented the largest number of RUDN University volunteers, for which the department received an award in the competition among the main educational departments (OUP). The Faculty of Artificial Intelligence also received an award in this category. Although the faculty was founded only a few years ago, its students have already participated in numerous volunteer events and distinguished themselves.

The winners in the "Event Volunteer" category were:

Adelina Abdulkarimova (Faculty of Philology, 3rd year, Journalism); Polina Shmidt (Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 2nd year, Chemistry); Ainur Sadykova (Institute of Foreign Languages, 1st year Master's student, Psychological and Pedagogical Education); Ksenia Verbitskaya (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3rd year, Foreign Regional Studies); Alexandra Kozhevnikova (Faculty of Philology, 1st year, Psychology).

"For me, volunteering is an activity that gives my life meaning; it's the people I've helped. My openness and strong desire to help others help me. The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is the people's emotions. People often cried when we parted ways, which is a sign that I've done my job well," says Ksenia Verbitskaya.

The title of the best "Ecological Volunteers" was earned by:

Victoria Lotnik (Institute of Ecology, 2nd year student, Ecology and Nature Management); Ekaterina Aleksandrova (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Faculty of Philology, RUDN University).

"I was raised in an eco-friendly lifestyle from childhood. I participated in many environmental campaigns and events, which is why I enrolled in the RUDN University Institute of Ecology. If I had to describe volunteering in one word, it would be kindness," noted Victoria Lotnik.

Opportunity to prove yourself

In the “Social Volunteer” category, the victory went to:

Elza Shaimukhametova (Agrarian-Technological Institute, 2nd year, "Veterinary Science"); Gulchehrabuna Khaitova (Faculty of Philology, 2nd year, "Psychology"); Yana Basel Alshebli (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2nd year Master's student, "International Relations"); Alena Konovalova (Faculty of Philology, 2nd year, "Journalism"); Valeria Popova (Medical Institute, 2nd year, "Dentistry").

"Volunteering is a unique opportunity to express yourself, realize your desire to help people, and develop social skills. It's also an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world and participate in events, including international ones. For example, I recently volunteered at the major forum "MYVMESTE" and helped foreign participants navigate the "Russia" national center," said Valeria Popova.

The best "Volunteer Medics" were:

Anastasia Bogoyavlenskaya (Medical Institute, 6th year, General Medicine); Nadezhda Bryksina (Faculty of Philology, 3rd year Master's student, Psychology); Yulia Ivanova (Medical Institute, 4th year, General Medicine).

And finally, the title of the best “Patriotic Volunteers” was awarded to:

Anastasia Banakhovich (Institute of World Economy and Business, 1st year, Management); Mohamed Saleh (Medical Institute, 1st year of residency, Ophthalmology).

"It's a great honor for me to receive an award in this category. In Belgorod, where I returned three months ago, I participated in events as a Victory Day volunteer and a People's Front activist, helping collect humanitarian aid for the SVO soldiers. When they came to pick up their things and saw me, a foreigner (I'm from Egypt), they asked, 'Why are you helping here?' To which I replied that Russia, especially the Belgorod region, is my second home. And I'm grateful to the soldiers for defending the city," Mohamed Saleh shared.

About the history of the RUDN University Volunteer Center

The RUDN University Volunteer Center has been in existence for 17 years. In 2008, the student volunteer group "Wind of Change" was established within the RUDN University Center for Youth Student Teams. Its members began assisting with the socialization and adaptation of orphans by arranging their interactions with RUDN University students, motivating orphanage residents to apply to universities, fostering the development of youth creativity, creating successful youth images, and instilling tolerance and mutual respect in children.

In 2017, by order of the RUDN University rector, the "Wind of Change" volunteer group was transformed into the RUDN University Volunteer Center. The center's name, "Volunteers of the World," reflects the public organization's main goals. First, to maintain peace, help those in need, and promote volunteerism. Second, to unite all students interested in volunteering, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or language. Since 2024, the Volunteer Center has been providing verified volunteer hours, which are recorded in their electronic workbooks on the platform. DOBRO.RFThe center is developing in several areas: social, event-based, environmental, patriotic, and sports volunteering.

In addition, the center regularly implements educational programs to enhance the volunteer competencies and leadership skills of university volunteers. With the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, it organized two intensive training schools for volunteers: one on working with people with disabilities and one on social project management.

You can join the center by contacting its specialists at the address: Miklukho-Maklaya St., Building 9, Office 153, or by writing to the email address volunteer@rudn.ru.

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 launch of the fourth season of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science's "Russian Civil Service Intern" project has been announced.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Russian citizens aged 18 to 35 are invited to participate in the Russian Ministry of Education and Science's "Russian Civil Service Intern" project. "Russian Civil Service Intern" aims to expand the horizons of professional mobility and enhance the role of internships as a tool for early entry of young professionals into the public administration system.

The project's main goal is to provide young professionals with the opportunity to complete a paid internship at a federal agency and receive a job offer.

All project winners will complete the "Public and Municipal Administration in Science and Higher Education" program. As part of their training, interns will prepare and present a study on improving the work of a department within the ministry. This study will be included in the intern's portfolio and will be considered by the Ministry's department.

Given that a significant portion of government tasks are implemented at the intersection of science, higher education, human resources policy, and social agendas, this season will see the formation of interdisciplinary teams of interns. This format will allow interns to comprehensively develop project solutions that span the competencies of several agencies and enhance the practical value of their proposals for the public administration system.

Before being accepted for the internship, candidates must complete several online selection stages and participate in a team business game. Based on the results of all competitive processes and the participant's overall rating score, the organizers will select 30 project winners. They will complete an internship in one of 22 departments of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and some of the winners will be assigned to a specialized track—another innovation the organizers will announce this year. Additionally, the winners will receive a stipend of 30,000 rubles per month and accommodation for the duration of their internship. The work schedule is structured so that interns work at the Ministry from Monday to Thursday, and on Fridays they participate in external acceleration, cultural, and patriotic events.

You can submit an application for participation until January 31, 2026 inclusive.official portal of the project.

The results of the program will be summarized and the list of winners will be compiled at the end of March 2026.

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.