Category: Российский университет дружбы народов

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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A new department, "Digital Management," has been established at RUDN University's Graduate School of Management. Its key feature is the launch of a bachelor's degree program, "Development of Applied Business Solutions. Business Informatics," aimed at training specialists capable of designing companies' digital transformations.

Shortage of specialists

"Our new program is a synthesis of management, analytics, and technology. We're training not just IT specialists, but business solution architects who can speak the same language as technologists and top managers. Graduates will be able to not only propose digital ideas but also independently create working prototypes of business applications," says Anna Ostrovskaya, Director of the Graduate School of Management at RUDN University.

According to Anna Alexandrovna, the market today is experiencing a shortage of specialists at the intersection of business and IT—those who understand company strategy, numbers, and technology simultaneously. Businesses aren't content with simply "good programmers" or "classical economists": they need people who can translate the language of business into the language of IT systems and design solution architectures that support the company's goals, not just "beautiful technology."

"Companies are undergoing digital transformation, massively implementing CRM, ERP, and BI systems, and creating their own platforms and ecosystems. An architectural error or an incorrectly defined task costs developers millions of rubles and wasted time. Therefore, business solution architects and business analysts are currently among the most sought-after categories: they are readily shared between departments, they are invited to join product teams, and there is a queue of projects waiting for them. Graduates in Business Informatics fill this gap: they know how to design an enterprise's IT landscape, model and optimize business processes, and manage digital projects, not just write code," says Anna Ostrovskaya.

The HSE's key partners in the "Development of Applied Business Solutions" program are 1C and GreenAtom (Rosatom State Corporation). Together, they are developing modules on business analytics, design, and implementation of corporate solutions. As the HSE director notes, the program integrates three key areas: management, analytics, and technology. The management module includes micro- and macroeconomics, strategic and operational management, project management (Agile, Scrum), marketing, and digital transformation. This gives students an understanding of business logic and the ability to speak its language.

The analytical block will teach students how to model and analyze business processes and work with data (databases, SQL, BI tools, Big Data, ETL). Students will be able to translate complex business situations into formal models and justify decisions with data. The program's technological block covers programming, web development, development of solutions on the 1C platform, corporate IT system architecture, and cloud technologies. Students will master the automation of key business functions: sales, logistics, financial accounting, and HR management.

Upon graduation, graduates will acquire a comprehensive set of competencies: they will be able to analyze business processes, design a solution, justify it economically, and implement a prototype, while simultaneously explaining the technology to both the business and the IT team.

"Opening the department and launching the program is just the first step. The development plan is to develop a complete ecosystem for training specialists in digital transformation: from undergraduate to senior management programs. A master's program in digital management and business solutions architecture (e-commerce) is planned and already partially implemented in collaboration with Wildberries University. Furthermore, RUDN University already offers master's programs in digital management, business analytics, and digital enterprise management, as well as joint programs with industry partners, such as the Cosmos Hotel Group in the hospitality industry," says Anna Ostrovskaya.

Practice from the first days

First-year students in the "Development of Applied Business Solutions. Business Informatics" program began working on projects in data analysis, business process optimization, and digital solution prototyping from their first days of study. They presented their first projects at the department's grand opening.

"Our project is about creating a professional student society, a team of like-minded individuals with whom we will develop and move forward together. We've developed the society's structure, a member development program, a system of events and workshops, and plans for collaboration with partner companies. This gives us practice not only in project and organizational management but also in developing practical solutions," says Karolina Rozinova, a first-year student at the Graduate School of Management (HSMU), majoring in Business Informatics.

"Our project is aimed at developing branded merchandise for the department. We're solving three problems simultaneously. First, the economics: we're studying demand, calculating costs, prices, and margins. Second, the design: we're working on the graphic design of the logo and layouts. And most importantly, we're creating a web platform for ordering and inventory management, where students can purchase merchandise, and administrators can track orders and inventory. We're using HTML/CSS, JavaScript, a REST API, and a database," says Makar Kukute, a first-year student at the Graduate School of Management, majoring in Business Informatics.

"Our project is dedicated to creating a digital campus. We're addressing the fragmentation of digital services at the university. The goal is to create a unified ecosystem: a mobile app for students and faculty, a schedule management system, integration with the LMS, and attendance analytics. In practice, this is a real-world challenge for RUDN University, and it will be implemented. We're using a microservices architecture, AWS cloud services, and a mobile app built on React Native," says Dmitry Zhestkov, a first-year student at the Graduate School of Management, majoring in Business Informatics.

According to first-year students, the most challenging part of working on projects was setting the task correctly. Data issues also arose. For example, in a project involving developing branded products, the students had to manually collect information about products, sizes, and prices—and this took a significant amount of time. The third challenge the students cited was team communication, as initially there was confusion about responsibilities and deadlines.

Thoughts about the future

The guys shared why they chose this particular field of study.

"It perfectly aligns with our desire to create technologies that bring concrete benefits to businesses. It's exciting to be not just a developer, but a specialist who understands the logic of business processes—from finance to logistics—and can translate real-world company challenges into effective software solutions," says Anastasia Gundyreva, a first-year student at the Graduate School of Management, majoring in Business Informatics.

As for their post-graduation plans, some students envision themselves working for a large corporation—business analysts or architects designing IT solutions for large companies like 1C, major industrial enterprises, and banks. They expect stability, a good salary, and the opportunity to manage projects. Others are drawn to startups—they want to be part of small teams where they can quickly influence everything and move faster. Some are even considering launching their own project. Still others consider freelancing. But for now, they have several years of study ahead of them, which will be filled with practical experience and work on a wide variety of cases. Students say they are interested in areas such as retail and e-commerce, medicine, education, and the public sector.

"The main thing is that we want to be useful in those industries where digital transformation is the slowest and where we, as young professionals, have the most opportunities to make a difference. The program allows us to do this because it teaches us how business works," says Bazhen Mikhailovsky, a first-year student at the Graduate School of Management, majoring in Business Informatics.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In November, RUDN University hosted the country's first scientific and practical conference, "Laser Medicine in Russia: Advanced Technologies." The event brought together specialists from various fields of medicine and biophotonics. More than 300 scientists, researchers, and practicing physicians from Russia and 32 countries working in laser technology, as well as over 650 representatives of the younger generation—students, residents, postgraduate students, and young scientists—participated.

The main objectives of the event were:

To expand understanding of laser clinical medicine; to identify promising research areas for the development of laser medical technologies in Russia; to exchange experiences in the application of laser medical technology developments in various fields of medicine; to bring together specialists using laser technology, laser equipment manufacturers, and the younger generation of clinical medicine specialists.

The conference was opened by Alexey Abramov, Director of the RUDN University Institute of Medicine, and Oleg Yastrebov, Rector of the University, delivered a welcoming video address. Participants reviewed new, cutting-edge developments in laser technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and oncological diseases, as well as injuries of various origins, including blast injuries. They also discussed the potential for their application in various areas of clinical medicine using the latest generation of high-intensity and low-intensity lasers. Furthermore, scientists and physicians addressed such current issues in laser medicine as medical physics and laser technology, the effects of high-intensity and low-intensity laser radiation on biological tissue, and the application of laser medical technologies in surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and other areas of medicine.

Presentations were given by Valery Tuchin, Head of the Department of Optics and Biophotonics and Director of the Scientific Medical Center at the Saratov National Research University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky; Vladimir Zuev, laureate of the Russian Federation Government Prize and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1 at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine at Sechenov University; Sergey Derkachev, Head of the Outpatient Surgery Department and Chief Phlebologist at the N.I. Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St. Petersburg State University; and many others.

Laser and wisdom teeth removal

The conference also featured a poster competition for young scientists. Oon Maher Basharovich (Syria), a postgraduate student in the Department of Dental Propaedeutics at the RUDN Medical Institute, won first place among medical schools. His research topic was "Clinical and Radiological Justification for the Use of Laser Radiation in Tooth Extraction." We spoke with the winner to learn about the essence of his paper, the benefits of his findings, and his future plans for developing this work.

Why did you choose this particular topic?

This topic is related to the fact that tooth extraction remains a routine procedure in the practice of dental surgeons. According to the literature, complications most often arise during the removal of wisdom teeth in the lower jaw due to abnormalities in formation, position, and eruption. This issue is always relevant, as such an intervention is associated with high trauma and a long recovery period due to severe pain and postoperative swelling. Today, lasers are used in all areas of medicine, as they are a unique tool in the surgeon's hands, offering undeniable advantages: they allow for fine incisions and provide aseptic, bactericidal, hemostatic, analgesic, and other effects.

What is the focus of your research? How exactly does laser radiation help in tooth extraction, and what are its advantages over traditional methods?

We utilized the properties of a 940 nm diode laser for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth in the lower jaw, using both low-intensity and high-intensity beams. High-intensity beams were used for bactericidal treatment of the postoperative wound immediately after third molar extraction, while low-intensity beams were applied on the third day to relieve postoperative pain using a special attachment. This attachment was used to treat postoperative swelling in the area of the tooth extraction on the skin side of the lower jaw. The advantage of using a laser is less pronounced postoperative swelling. Less swelling also significantly reduces pain, eliminating the need for pain medication. Wound epithelialization and healing were accelerated, as laser beams stimulate regeneration. Furthermore, the risk of complications and relapses is reduced. All this allows patients to recover more quickly and return to work.

What are the future plans for developing this research?

Laser technologies allow us to improve surgical techniques, increase treatment effectiveness, and reduce the risk of local complications such as alveolitis and osteomyelitis. The laser we used was a diode, and all diode lasers only work on soft tissues. In the future, we plan to use an erbium laser, as it is the only laser that works on hard tissues (teeth and bone), and this shows promise. Currently, the department is working on tooth extractions in patients with complex somatic pathologies; I am monitoring these patients, and they have had very good results.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The first RAEX university ranking in sustainable development has been published. Seven Russian universities are included. RUDN University is among the top seven, and our university was awarded the AA rating, demonstrating a very high level of sustainability performance.

In compiling the ranking, the RAEX agency assessed the quality of education, scientific research, the compliance of university practices with ESG standards, and their work in popularizing knowledge.

The results of the first ranking were presented at a press conference at TASS. According to Elena Apasova, Vice Rector for Strategic Communications, in terms of environmental performance and care, RUDN University has reduced its dormitory electricity consumption by 18.3% over six years. 250 waste collection points have been installed on campus, and over the past few years, students and staff have collected 160 tons of waste paper for recycling.

The university also cares about the living conditions and health of its students and staff. This year, a family floor was opened in the first dormitory block. The student family rooms are equipped with all necessary furniture, including washing machines in the bathrooms.

"RUDN University also has a program called 'Healthy Student, Healthy Employee,' which offers free health screenings with specialists in men's and women's health. Starting this year, they can also take a free course of 10 consultations with a psychologist. Furthermore, university employees have the opportunity to receive an interest-free loan of 350,000 to 750,000 rubles for one to two years," says Elena Apasova.

And, of course, RUDN University has a high rate of scientific publications. Over the past year, the university has produced approximately 2,000 scientific papers on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The largest number of papers are devoted to the SDGs "Good Health and Well-Being," "Zero Hunger," and "Clean Water and Sanitation."

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, led by Patrice Lumumba's daughter, Juliana, visited RUDN again. This time, Patrice's grandson, Kahi Lumumba, was among our university's honored guests.

Juliana's Russian relatives

The guests were given a tour of the university grounds and taken to the RUDN Museum. Alexander Gladush, director of the museum and exhibition complex, told the delegation that Nikita Khrushchev initiated the creation of our university and that Charles Didier Kitenge, Patrice Lumumba's assistant secretary, was among the university's first students. He studied general medicine. Several decades later, his son, Chibwila Kitenge, also graduated from the university's medical faculty.

Alexander Dmitrievich also told the delegation that in various Russian cities there are streets named after the first prime minister of the independent Democratic Republic of the Congo. And in the past, a double-deck riverboat, the "Patrice Lumumba," sailed along the Ob River in Siberia. Juliana, in turn, shared that her uncle, it turns out, studied in Moscow, has a Russian wife and Russian relatives, and speaks Russian. He now lives in London and is over 90 years old.

To the temple of knowledge for a dissertation

After visiting the museum, the delegation went to meet with RUDN University Rector Oleg Yastrebov. Kahi Lumumba signed the Book of Distinguished Guests. The parties discussed expanding cooperation. According to Juliana Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is interested not only in joint educational collaboration but also in joint scientific research. Furthermore, it was revealed that Patrice Lumumba's daughter has decided to enroll in graduate school at RUDN University.

"I call your university nothing less than a temple of knowledge. And after my first visit here, I thought it over and realized that at 70, I want to become a graduate student and defend my dissertation at RUDN University on the topic of 'Russian-Congolese Relations from the 1960s to the Present: Prospects and Possibilities,'" says Juliana Lumumba.

Oleg Alexandrovich replied that Ms. Juliana could consider herself already enrolled at our university. Regarding collaboration with the DRC in the field of scientific publications, the RUDN rector suggested initially focusing on research in the field of artificial intelligence.

"This is a promising direction, which I believe we should actively pursue," says Oleg Yastrebov.

Oleg Alexandrovich also told the guests that on the day of the delegation's visit, a themed train was launched in honor of RUDN's 65th anniversary, adorned with a portrait of Patrice Lumumba.

Advice for students

Immediately after their conversation with the rector, the guests met with students from the DRC studying at our university. The students expressed their gratitude to Juliana for the opportunity to meet and asked the key question: "What can we do for our country in the current challenging global and domestic environment?"

"My father fought for our country's independence, for its resources to be ours alone. Your most important task is to get a good education, because it is you who will make decisions after us and shape the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," Juliana Lumumba.

At the end of the visit, we had the opportunity to speak with Patrice Lumumba's grandson, who shared his impressions of RUDN.

"Visiting the university that bears my grandfather's name is a great honor for me. I am overwhelmed with pride, gratitude, and happiness. I was very impressed by the scale of RUDN University and the fact that you can meet young people from all over the world here. And, of course, I was touched by the statue of my grandfather—it's wonderful to know that thousands of students of different nationalities pass by it every day, absorbing its values within the university's walls," said Kakhi Lumumba.

Patrice Lumumba's grandson remarked that he greatly enjoyed the tour of the RUDN University Museum, where he and Juliana were told about the university's history and presented with an old pennant and rare badges issued in honor of the university's past anniversaries. He also wished the students there wisdom, the development of their talents, and their application in the future for the benefit of their countries.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In honor of RUDN's 65th anniversary, a themed train has launched on the Moscow Metro! For six months, the train will carry passengers along the Sokolnicheskaya Line.

The train's ceremonial launch was attended by RUDN University Rector Oleg Yastrebov and Deputy Head of the Moscow Metro and Advisor to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, Yulia Temnikova.

"I express my gratitude to the Mayor of Moscow, the Moscow Government, and our colleagues and partners from the Department of Transport for the gift for our university's 65th anniversary. This is already the fourth project to promote education, science, and the values of friendship among peoples that RUDN University is implementing together with the Department of Transport. It's important to us that RUDN University is becoming even closer and more recognizable to Muscovites and visitors," said Oleg Yastrebov.

In the themed carriage, you can read facts about the history of our university, learn about student life, international programs, educational programs, and the university's scientific achievements.

The idea for the train was voiced at a meeting of the organizing committee for RUDN's 65th anniversary, and it was supported by our university's rector. The design of the train wasn't easy. The concept was developed by Elena Apasova, Vice Rector for Strategic Communications, and Victoria Bashmakova, Head of the Department of Internal and External Events. Numerous photographs were reviewed, after which the designers spent many sleepless nights preparing the models for printing. Ivan Bessonov, a specialist in RUDN's Department of Internal and External Events, spent a week at the depot during the wrapping and preparation of the train car for its launch. But the result was definitely worth it—now residents and visitors to the capital will be able to get to know our university better while riding the metro!

As a reminder, RUDN University appeared on the Moscow Metro map in 2024, when the "Peoples' Friendship University" station opened on the first section of the Troitskaya Line. The launch of the new line provided over 1 million passengers with new routes and convenient transfers to the Big Circle and Sokolnicheskaya Lines. Today, "Peoples' Friendship University" is the most popular station on the Troitskaya Line, with over 21,000 trips made there on weekdays.

In 2025, the Moscow Metro continued its active collaboration with our university in honor of its 65th anniversary. A photo exhibition, "From Roots to Heights: The History of RUDN University Through the Lens of Time," was held at the Peoples' Friendship University station, featuring 30 striking images from the university's history. Later, an exhibition, "RUDN University: Territory of Opportunities," opened at the Vorobyovy Gory station. Visitors could see RUDN University student trophies from international tournaments, gifts from international partners, and even national costumes from the countries where our students hail from, displayed in unique flasks. A themed Troika travel card featuring the university's signature design and the slogan "A Travel Pass to the World of Knowledge" was also issued.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

At an international conference dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the U.M. Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology at the Kazakh National Research Technical University (KazNITU), RUDN University Institute of Ecology professor Alexander Petrovich Khaustov was awarded the K.I. Satpayev Medal for his contribution to the development of science and education.

Relations between RUDN University and KazNITU have a long history. For a long time, the universities implemented a joint educational program within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Alexander Khaustov participated in the mobility program for leading scientists, serving as an invited international lecturer at KazNITU. In 2014–2015, he led a major trilateral research project to develop an expert system for the environmental remediation of oil-contaminated geological environments, which included partners from the U. M. Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology. Furthermore, since 2015, six joint PhD students have successfully defended their dissertations, with Alexander Khaustov as their international advisor. Since 2022, joint scientific seminars on modern environmental hydrogeology have been regularly held under the guidance of a RUDN University professor under the auspices of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

We spoke with Alexander Petrovich to learn what the award means to him, what prospects for future collaboration the universities have, and what the professor learned from KazNITU students during their joint PhD dissertation work.

The Satpayev Medal is one of the highest awards from Kazakhstan's leading technical university. What, in your opinion, was the key factor in the decision to award you the medal?

It's difficult to single out just one aspect. The format of our collaboration has varied over the years—from lectures to joint research projects to training master's and PhD students. In recent years, we've collaborated extensively with KazNITU, organizing joint scientific seminars on hydrogeological topics. RUDN University is a member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, and the Institute of Ecology pays close attention to this work. I actively participate as an invited specialist in PhD dissertation defense committees. It's a great honor for me to be awarded the KazNITU medal. I hope that our collaboration with fellow hydrogeologists, oil industry specialists, and geoecologists will expand and take the training of in-demand specialists to a new level, ensuring international recognition for our graduates.

Alexander Petrovich, your collaboration with KazNITU has lasted for over 10 years. Which of these joint projects do you consider the most significant and why? Perhaps it's the tripartite expert system for the remediation of oil-contaminated environments?

The expert system for remediating geological pollution is, indeed, perhaps the most ambitious project. In fact, it was one of the first attempts to use artificial intelligence to address environmental safety issues. The expert system is capable of proposing optimal solutions based on multiple criteria, processing numerous possible scenarios for the pollution situation and environmental protection technology options. It's difficult for a human to grasp such a volume of information, which is why such an "advisor" is needed. Another unique feature of the project was the collaboration between research teams from three countries, enabling them to develop unified approaches to modeling.

During your last visit to Kazakhstan, you discussed prospects for collaboration with KazNITU within the framework of the UI GreenMetric partnership. What specifically can RUDN and KazNITU do together to improve the environmental sustainability of universities, and what practical steps are planned?

It's always interesting for two universities to discuss each other's experiences and development prospects, including opportunities for greening and implementing joint projects. First and foremost, the partnership in the UI GreenMetric ranking emphasizes fostering environmental awareness. During our visit to KazNTU, my colleagues and I saw a number of interesting solutions—for example, a museum of old technology—and learned about exciting research projects. Regarding joint practical steps, I believe joint programs to introduce cutting-edge research in environmental safety technologies and environmental monitoring would be very interesting. There are numerous prospects for collaboration, such as research into the transformation of microplastics in natural environments. Analytical studies of dissolved forms of this common pollutant have already begun. Sergey Goryainov, a leading analyst at RUDN University and a PhD candidate in chemistry, with whom we began this important research more than 10 years ago, has joined the study. I believe both universities have excellent potential and prospects for collaboration in many areas—from hydrogeology and oil industry to environmental protection and green chemistry.

Over the many years of collaboration, you've likely witnessed the evolution of the Kazakh scientific school. How have approaches, research topics, and the level of students and colleagues at KazNTU changed over this time?

In my opinion, KazNITU is a very modern, dynamically developing university. Research topics are predominantly practice-oriented. Much attention is paid to the demand for specialists and ensuring their level of training meets the actual requirements of employers. The extensive involvement of senior students in analytical research using modern equipment is striking. For example, the production of environmentally friendly building materials from industrial and thermal energy waste.

Six KazNITU PhD students you supervised successfully defended their theses. What have you, as their supervisor, learned from your Kazakh students? Do you currently have any joint projects or collaboration ideas with them?

Perhaps the most important thing we can glean from our students is optimism and a desire to explore new things. Yes, there are certainly promising areas we continue to explore. Specifically, I'm currently working on a PhD dissertation jointly with a doctoral student from the Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology and RUDN University on microplastic pollution of the underground hydrosphere. This topic isn't just trendy, but also has real practical relevance. Doctoral student Kalamkas Koshpanova presented a brilliant paper at our recent conference, "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, and Technology. The CIS Countries' Path to the 17 SDGs: An Integrated Approach." I'm confident that this very interesting paper will be completed and successfully defended, and similar research will be conducted on the Russian side—we've been developing this topic for almost 10 years now.

There are numerous ideas for developing cooperation. These include various applications of mineral waters, including "non-traditional" ones: for the production of skin rejuvenation cosmetics, makeup removal with special mineral water-based liquids, or the use of underground heat for municipal household needs. The key here is a more serious approach to water resources, with greater attention and support for projects to assess and protect them. Kazakhstan is well aware of the importance of this issue and is committed to developing state-level support for hydrogeological research.

About KazNITU

K. I. Satpayev Kazakh National Research University is a leading technical university in Kazakhstan. It occupies leading positions in international university rankings (QS 331; QS 3 Asian University Rankings – Central Asia; QS 50-100 by subject: Engineering-Petroleum). The university places significant emphasis on sustainable development.

The KazNITU Medal is awarded to scientists and specialists who have made significant contributions to the development of science and education. The award is named after Kanysh Imantaevich Satpayev, a distinguished Soviet geologist, scientific organizer, and public figure, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, professor, and academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR and the USSR Academy of Sciences.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

During the IV International Scientific Conference "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, and Technology. The CIS Countries' Path to the 17 SDGs: An Integrated Approach," RUDN University Rector Oleg Yastrebov held a series of business meetings.

The first of these was held with Bakhyt Nurgalievna Kosherova, Rector of Karaganda Medical University (incidentally, she also moderated the session "Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Development: Current Challenges and Prospects" at the conference). The university has become our new academic partner. Karaganda Medical University will develop its partnership with the RUDN University Institute of Medicine in the areas of academic mobility and research.

It's worth noting that Kazakhstan is one of RUDN's key partner countries among the CIS countries. Over 350 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying at our university, and over the course of its history, nearly 2,000 specialists for this country have been trained. RUDN has 74 cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan.

The second meeting, held during the session "The Global Energy Market: A Look Ahead for Sustainable Development," discussed scientific, educational, and expert collaboration between RUDN University and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Oleg Aleksandrovich discussed this issue with Arzybek Kozhoshev, a member of the EEC Board (Minister) for Energy and Infrastructure and a Doctor of Economics. Also present at the meeting were Vitaly Vovk, Deputy Director of the EEC Department of Industrial Policy; Inna Andronova, Dean of the RUDN University Faculty of Economics; and Alexander Chupin, Deputy Dean for Research of the Faculty of Economics.

The parties discussed cooperation between RUDN University and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEC) in the area of sustainable development, specifically energy, infrastructure, industrial policy, and digital transformation. Joint research projects analyzing global energy trends and their impact on the sustainable development of EAEU countries could be one format for such cooperation. Oleg Aleksandrovich and Arzybek Orozbekovich also discussed a plan for joint educational and expert events for 2026.

The third meeting focused on strengthening cooperation with the UN, building on RUDN's School of Science. The university's rector discussed this issue with Preeti Saran, Chairperson of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Preeti Saran also presented a paper at the plenary session of the IV International Scientific Conference "Towards Sustainable Development" and met with students from RUDN's Law School. The central theme of this meeting was current issues in human rights protection and UN practice in regulating this area.

During the discussion, the UN Committee Chair and the students discussed the challenges of adapting the international human rights framework and its progressive development. Specifically, they discussed the need to consider regional specifics when applying universal rights capable of effectively regulating complex relationships between countries. The new role of international organizations was also touched upon.

The meeting also addressed the issue of regulating artificial intelligence and assessing its impact on society.

It should be noted that Aslan Khuseinovich Abashidze, Director of the RUDN Law Institute, is a current member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and contributes to the development of human rights protection mechanisms both in Russia and abroad.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

This fall, the International Scientific School "Sustainable Development Project Management: Focus on Food Waste" brought together students and young researchers from RUDN University and Universitas Sebelas Maret (Surakarta, Indonesia) to explore real-world cases to understand how food waste flows are structured and which project solutions can help reduce it in the developing economies of Southeast Asia.

The students completed the full cycle—from developing a research design and questionnaires to collecting data in local markets and schools, conducting initial analysis, and preparing project solutions assessing economic, environmental, and social impact. This format allowed the students not only to experience the circular economy in action but also to see how academic models work in real-world urban environments and government pilot programs.

Project history

The school is integrated into a broader semester-long track: in October, participants attend online lectures from RUDN and UNS on the challenges of food waste in developing countries, the drivers and barriers to sustainable food waste management in Indonesia, and present mini-reports on best global practices. Simultaneously, the teams, together with their faculty, design a field research program: agree on locations, develop a questionnaire, determine respondent groups, sampling methods, and data coding, so they can immediately enter the field in Indonesia with a well-designed toolkit. The in-person phase in Java becomes the focal point of this route, followed by a post-phase: refining food waste reduction projects, calculating impacts, preparing grant applications, and presenting their ideas at an international venue.

The project's history is a logical continuation of RUDN's long-standing collaboration with an Indonesian university. The Faculty of Economics team visits Surakarta annually to hold Olympiads, discuss joint research, and develop new academic mobility formats. At some point, the partners began considering how to make the exchange truly research-based and came up with the idea of a semester-long seminar that integrates theory and practice, culminating in a field trip and the development of real-world project solutions with students from the partner university. The starting point for this particular recruitment was a large-scale Indonesian government pilot program providing all schoolchildren—from elementary to high school—with free school meals.

Universitas Sebelas Maret acts as an independent observer in the project, exploring program weaknesses, organizing feedback, and analyzing how food procurement, preparation, and distribution practices are changing, as well as how food loss and waste are generated at each stage. The RUDN University-UNS School of Science is "integrated" into this live experiment: students gain access to a unique field (from school cafeterias to wholesale markets) and help collect data that will later form the basis for joint articles, project proposals, and, potentially, adjustments to public policy itself.

The in-person stage of the scientific school took place in Surakarta in an intensive week format: 16 academic hours of lectures and workshops on the circular economy were combined with field trips and brainstorming sessions on creating a circular business model for school meals and food waste management. On the first day, participants met with UNS faculty leadership, introduced their universities and projects, and then participated in a detailed introductory briefing on the national school meals program, which became the school's central case study. Their Indonesian colleagues explained the pilot program: the resources involved, the university's role as an observer, and the risk areas already visible in the practical implementation. Next, work began in mixed UNS-RUDN groups: the students immediately divided into small teams to jointly design the field research toolkit.

"My first day in Indonesia was memorable for its very hot and humid climate, especially in Jakarta. It was milder in Surakarta. I was surprised by how early it was to dawn and dark early. We had to wake up at seven in the morning, and at eight the students and I were picked up at the university, and we didn't return home until around nine in the evening. Meanwhile, at five in the morning, we could wake up peacefully to the sunlight shining through the window, like a strong lamp. Regarding the discussion of the pilot school meals program in Indonesia, what was unusual about it was that the government set two goals: reducing food waste and reducing the cost per serving (from 60 cents to a more affordable price). Since the standard of living in the country is not very high, 60 cents per serving (about 33 rubles) is considered a bad investment, especially given that the rate of food waste has been high since the project's inception," says Maria Potapkina, student affairs specialist at the Faculty of Economics and the Institute of World Economy and Business at RUDN University.

Visiting the school

A detailed questionnaire emerged from the heated discussions—more than 50 questions for various groups of respondents, from students and teachers to administrators and suppliers. This allowed for a comprehensive look at the food system and sources of food waste. The very next day, plans had to be adjusted, truly project-based, as a planned visit to the school food processing facility was cancelled due to a lack of government approval. Therefore, the team quickly shifted to working directly at the school.

As a result, the students found themselves at a private Muslim school, where they spent the entire day interacting with teachers and children—curious, open, and often fluent in English. They also observed how meals were organized on-site: what dishes were offered to the children, how queues formed, what was left on the plates, and how the students themselves perceived the new state curriculum.

"Under the pilot program, children weren't given a particularly varied menu: rice prepared in various ways, fruit (usually papaya), vegetable salad, and sometimes meat or fish/seafood. All of this was prepared in a community kitchen, packed into metal food boxes, and delivered to schools. After receiving the food, the children ate right in their classrooms (in Indonesia, there are no designated areas for school meals). The food prepared for the students isn't refrigerated, and it's delivered to the schools semi-hot (the preparation time of each batch is factored in, as deliveries begin simultaneously around midday). Delivery is often delayed due to traffic. Despite this, the percentage of spoiled food is very low. Food waste occurs primarily because the menu, which the government has designed as "healthy and balanced," isn't liked by children. Many children don't eat at school. Others may bring food from home, so they don't even touch the school food. The children said they also had a mobile kitchen that cooked delicious food. The food was relatively inexpensive, but the pilot project was generally aimed at children from families who couldn't afford pocket money for school meals or pack a lunchbox," said Maria Potapkina.

A key part of the field day was a visit to the market where school meals are purchased. In temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius, without refrigeration, they sell not only fruits and vegetables but also meat. This allowed the students to see how safety, logistics, and potential food losses are combined in practice during the delivery phase.

"In hot weather, Indonesians use traditional methods to preserve freshness. They use banana leaves and natural packaging materials. They cook in small portions and generously use spices with natural antiseptic properties. They store food in the shade and in containers filled with water," says Konstantin Dedkov, a fourth-year student at the Institute of World Economy and Business, majoring in International Economic Security.

Trip results

The third day of the research school was devoted to reflecting on the accumulated material: a lecture on field research methodology was held on the UNS campus, where fresh impressions from the school and the market collided with strict requirements for data quality and research design. The students' reactions showed that this "reverse order"—practice first, methodology second—was even more effective: many critically rethought the previous day's questionnaires and sampling approaches, which is especially valuable during the pilot phase. After the lecture, the teams returned to their groups to structure their initial results, agree on further online work, and outline plans for joint publications and projects in the field of food waste management.

"On the third day, our team presented an idea for developing a mobile app that collects data on children's preferences, helps schools adjust menus based on actual requests, tracks items that generate the most leftovers, and includes a feedback mechanism for students. The proposal was positively received by our Indonesian partners as a practical tool for optimizing nutrition and reducing food waste," said Konstantin Dedkov.

The final day of the in-person program became the program's cultural highlight. Participants traveled to the 9th-century Prambanan Hindu temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the research lens shifted to an anthropological one: despite approximately 80% of Indonesia's population being Muslim, busloads of schoolchildren from across the country flock here to explore their historical and cultural heritage. The RUDN students, with their unusual appearance for Java, immediately became the focus of increased attention: people lined up to take photos, and the informal interactions with Indonesian students became another dimension of the vibrant intercultural dialogue that such research schools are created for.

Following the trip, all participants noted improved skills in project analysis, interviewing, and teamwork, as well as increased knowledge in the field of the circular economy and sustainable development—both theoretically and practically.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Representatives of the RUDN University Institute of Medicine won the Russian Assembly's national award in the Medical Sciences category. The awards ceremony took place during the 8th Professorial Forum "Science and Education: Development Strategies."

The prize is awarded for outstanding scientific achievements in education and science. Alexey Abramov, Director of the Medical Institute, received the title of "Dean of the Year," and Marina Khamoshina, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a course in perinatology, received the title of "Professor of the Year." According to Alexey Yuryevich, the prize, for him, is primarily recognition of the high level of medical education at our university.

"Working at RUDN University is a new stage for me after a long period of administrative work in healthcare oversight and management structures: Roszdravnadzor and the Moscow Department of Health. Returning to my home university after 30 years, I needed to refocus and understand the specifics of medical education. It's important to note that I inherited a well-coordinated professional team from my dean and mentor, Professor Viktor Alekseevich Frolov. Together, we adapted to new challenges, such as the introduction of a continuous medical education system and specialist accreditation. Management decisions had to be made regarding reorganization and adaptation to new requirements in medical education, including creating a simulation center practically from scratch," says Alexey Abramov.

As the professor notes, the field of medical education is subject to constant legislative change, so the institute's staff work intensely, with no room for error.

"New changes are coming, related to mandatory work experience and targeted placements—all aimed at addressing the issue of staffing primary healthcare. Unfortunately, this problem has been untangled in Russia for over 10 years. At the same time, we continue to develop and, together with the entire university, are addressing the challenge of transforming into a research and educational institution. I would like to express my gratitude to the Rector of RUDN University for supporting the medical institute and, of course, to my colleagues, because the indicators we submitted for the nomination reflect the dynamic development of our institute over the past five years, in developing new areas of education and science. It is especially valuable that our achievements have been recognized by the professional community—the most objective and competent, yet also the strictest, judges. I believe in further development and new victories!" — Alexey Abramov.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Gazprombank and RUDN University signed a cooperation agreement. The goal of the partnership is to ensure high-speed and high-quality training of specialists for key economic sectors and to promote the development of innovation and scientific and technical activities in the country.

"Gazprombank has long been systematically working with the education sector, consistently building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with universities across the country. RUDN University and the bank have enjoyed a long-standing, friendly relationship, collaborating across a wide range of areas. The signing of the agreement will provide further impetus to the development of this cooperation," said Andrey Savchenko, First Vice President of Gazprombank.

The parties plan to:

Joint educational projects. Accelerators and startups—programs to support young entrepreneurs among students and graduates; specialized events and internships so that students can work with cutting-edge science and technology while still studying.

Modern model of personnel training

"By actively collaborating with our country's leading universities, Gazprombank strives to expand students' educational opportunities and graduates' professional fulfillment. Creating and promoting new industries and competencies is a significant part of our mission. We are confident that our collaboration with RUDN University will contribute to the development of an effective model for training the workforce of the future and the emergence of exciting innovative projects," said Anastasia Smirnova, First Vice President and Head of Communications and Marketing at Gazprombank.

The signed agreement provides for the implementation of a range of significant initiatives to create and develop new educational technologies, platforms, and innovative digital education models. The collaboration will also focus on the implementation and support of information and event platforms for career guidance and the involvement of RUDN University students in cutting-edge areas of business, science, and technology.

Gazprombank specialists will be involved in the review of RUDN University's teaching and methodological materials and curricula. In turn, university representatives will participate in the development, review, and implementation of corporate training programs implemented at the bank.

"RUDN University's strategy includes systematic collaboration with major businesses and financial institutions in Russia. Therefore, we are particularly pleased to see Gazprombank as one of our key partners. Our joint initiative is systemic in nature. We believe that in the future, it will provide significant potential for expanding educational, scientific, and expert cooperation in the interests of the economy, personnel training, and ensuring the country's technological leadership," said Yulia Ebzeeva, First Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs at RUDN University.

The New Role of AI in Education

The agreement was signed during a roundtable discussion on "Digital Transformation and Technological Leadership: The Role of Financial Institutions and Universities." At the event, experts from RUDN University and Gazprombank discussed the participation of financial institutions in generating new knowledge, supporting technologies, and developing innovative industries. Participants also discussed the challenges associated with students' use of AI and the university's mission in the new reality.

As Yulia Ebzeeva, First Vice-Rector for Educational Activities at RUDN University, noted, the recent panel discussion at the AI Journey conference also focused on the development of education and the use of artificial intelligence.

"This technology allows us to make certain processes faster and more dynamic. And those who master it will be more effective in the marketplace than others. Therefore, our university was one of the first to respond to this challenge and created the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence. It was created primarily as a faculty that would collaborate with other faculties and develop industry leadership in various fields," says Yulia Ebzeeva.

At the same time, according to the Vice-Rector, despite the development of AI technologies, people who can generate ideas on a napkin will always be valued. In her speech, Yulia Nikolaevna also raised the problem that university graduates are often unprepared for field work. Therefore, universities need to prepare students as closely as possible to the challenges they will face in real life. In his report, Gazprombank's First Vice-President also emphasized the need to transform education. According to him, traditional educational formats (essays, independent work) are losing their effectiveness in the age of AI. Testing knowledge and skills is becoming a competition between a teacher and neural networks, raising the question: "How can we evaluate not the student's work, but the thought process?"

"The mission of the university in the new reality is to develop cognitive immunity and a foundation for continuous, voluntary learning. Universities must develop students' broad perspectives and systems thinking, as well as the ability to see problems in an interdisciplinary context. Furthermore, universities must provide students with fundamental cognitive tools: methods of analysis, critical thinking, and information processing, as well as the fundamentals of professional and research ethics for understanding the social impact of technology. Practical skills should not replace, but rather build upon, this foundation," says Igor Turuev, First Vice President of Gazprombank and Doctor of Economics.

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.