Maria Balakan: "Mistakes and failures are an important part of achieving a goal."

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Today's featured guest is Maria Balakan, a Russian billiards champion and student at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science at the Polytechnic Institute of Humanities.

Maria is a goal-oriented and versatile athlete who won the Russian adult championship at just 16 years old. She successfully combines intensive training with her studies at the Polytechnic University and is learning Chinese, practicing in the country, which she has already visited nine times in the past year and a half.

Read about the path to her sport—the role of family and passion, why billiards is compared to chess in motion, and the dreams of a seven-time Russian champion.interview on the website of the newspaper "Polytechnic".

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Alexey Mordashov became an Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Alexey Mordashov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Severstal and CEO of SeverGroup, received the title of Honorary Doctor of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The diploma and gown presentation ceremony took place during the ceremonial meeting of the university's Academic Council on February 12.

The title of "Honorary Doctor" is the highest form of recognition at SPbPU, and has been awarded to outstanding figures in government, science, and industry. Among them are: Nobel Prize laureate in physics Zhores Alferov, statesman and academician Yevgeny Primakov, and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov. Chairman of the Management Committee of PJSC Gazprom Alexey Miller and others.

"Alexey Alexandrovich has done us a great honor by agreeing to run for the title of Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University, and, of course, the members of the Academic Council unanimously voted to award him this high title," SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy opened the ceremony. "This step marks a harmonious development of the Polytechnic University's long-standing and fruitful collaboration with a leading metallurgical company."

SPbPU and Severstal have been collaborating for over ten years. Their goal is to accelerate the onboarding of young engineers so that graduates arrive at the company with a deep understanding of real-world production technologies. Since 2005, more than 20 joint projects have been implemented, including the development of new steel grades, the modernization of converter production units, and the creation of materials for additive manufacturing based on metal powders. In 2025, Severstal's total investment in the development of SPbPU's educational infrastructure amounted to 20.9 million rubles.

Last December, with the support of Severstal, A renovated laboratory for heat treatment of metals and alloys was opened, equipped to industrial standards. It includes muffle heating furnaces, universal and microhardness testers, and metallographic microscopes. The company donated seven VR simulator systems to the university, simulating over 20 technological operations. The upgrade affected not only the technical aspects but also the learning environment—the lab has become modern, functional, and comfortable for students and faculty.

Furthermore, Severstal experts, together with the university, developed a unique multi-track model for training research engineers in metallurgy and materials science. In 2024, it was awarded the St. Petersburg Government Prize. The first 28 students enrolled in the program in 2025.

Every year, SPbPU graduates come to work at Severstal: 22 people were employed in 2024, ten in 2025, and 41 students completed internships at the company.

SPbPU and Power Machines, a SeverGroup company, are also jointly reviving key educational programs in power engineering and creating unique laboratories, such as the Center for the Study of Electrical Insulating Materials. In November 2020, the student design bureau "Power Machines – Polytechnic" was opened. Recently, Polytechnic and Power Machines The largest blank in Russia was printed using the electric arc method Steam turbine seal housings weighing over 750 kg. The work was carried out at the Polytechnic University's Lightweight Materials and Structures Laboratory.

Dmitry Karpov, SPbPU Academic Secretary, spoke in more detail about the collaboration between the Polytechnic University and Severstal. In his introduction to the new Honorary Doctor, he mentioned the book "Is It Possible to Make a Soviet Plant a World Leader in Metallurgy? The Short Answer Is 'Yes!'" published by Severstal for the 70th anniversary of the Cherepovets Iron and Steel Works, and cited Alexey Mordashov's work directly from it. This made the meeting with Alexey Alexandrovich particularly vivid and lively, revealing his outstanding qualities as a manager, leader, and entrepreneur through specific examples and personal experience, and enriching the audience with valuable knowledge. A top manager's statement, for example, is particularly telling: "It's important to accept as an axiom that each of your employees understands their business much more than you do, and the manager's job is simply to help them realize their potential."

This book is worth recommending to students studying in a wide range of educational programs: economics and technological entrepreneurship, management and organization of knowledge-intensive industries, sociologists, historians… This book contains invaluable facts about the country, the industry, the market, the development of the enterprise, and, as they say, the role of the individual in history. It's practically a textbook, noted Dmitry Karpov.

The gown and diploma presentation ceremony took place to the accompaniment of the Gaudeamus anthem performed by the Polyhymnia youth choir. The doctoral gown and cap were carried into the Academic Council Hall by students wearing the uniform of the Polytechnic University from the early 20th century. Andrei Rudskoy presented Alexei Mordashov with a medal and an Honorary Doctorate certificate.

In his response, Alexey Alexandrovich thanked the Polytechnic University and expressed hope for continued collaboration: "The history of the Cherepovets Plant and my own once again confirm this truth: we live in an era where knowledge is becoming a decisive force. The most important thing a business can do is not machines or components, but people with a certain culture and knowledge. Understanding this, we have always placed great emphasis on the development of people. And here, cooperation with the Polytechnic University has always been a very important, a very serious element. The history of the Polytechnic University is fascinating and inspiring. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it combines science, education, and cutting-edge achievements. Today, our group has almost 200,000 employees, and we, like everyone else, are involved in the battle for talent. The kind of people who will join us tomorrow is crucial for us. We work extensively with universities, and our collaboration with the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is particularly important. It is gratifying that the number of graduates joining us is growing." This is a sign that together we can achieve so much. For me, today's event, on the one hand, institutionalizes my membership in the large Polytechnic University family, and on the other, it recognizes the contributions we've made together over many years. I thank the Academic Council for their trust; it's a great honor and joy for me to join the ranks of honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University. May our partnership continue to bear fruit, so that we can achieve more together.

After the graduation ceremony, Alexey Mordashov visited the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport. He spoke with students in the Large Chemical Auditorium and offered these words of encouragement: "What happens to you today will shape your entire life. My destiny is proof that a person is capable of so much. I was born in Cherepovets. I graduated in 1988, never having earned a single B. I don't know how that happened; it was just interesting. Now I work as an entrepreneur. I recently read that the Forbes list includes approximately 3,000 billionaires. Of these, about a thousand inherited their fortunes, and two thousand earned theirs themselves. Including me. This shows that anything is possible. It's important that the university can help you succeed. The level of knowledge and culture you acquire here will determine your success. I sincerely wish you to seize this opportunity and become successful. Polytechnic University has a huge, inspiring history, and you are part of it."

Then Alexey Mordashov visited the laboratory for heat treatment of metals and alloys, where he and Andrey Rudskoy tempered a piece of metal in a furnace and then answered questions from metallurgy students.

— Where is metallurgy heading now: are we developing new products, or are we mastering the technologies we've invented and simply trying to promote them?

"We have developments that need to be improved. We're making our products thinner, stronger, and continually improving their performance. In principle, yes, we will be developing new types of products, which is why cooperation with Polytechnic University is so important."

— How do you manage to manage such a large company, and do you have time to switch to something else?

— With difficulty. (Laughs.) But I don't really do anything with my own hands. I recruit people, motivate them, and develop them so they can do their jobs better. In that sense, I'm a service provider. Of course, I participate in strategic discussions and act as an expert. But it's the people who achieve results! Do I manage to switch off? Yes. No one can stay stressed forever. I have vacations, and at 60, I decided to learn to play the piano. Plus, there's physical exercise.

— What specialties are most in demand in the company?

"We definitely need engineers across the entire spectrum of specialties. In fact, we need specialists in all fields—from economists to lawyers. I would advise you to get the specialty you enjoy. You'll be most successful in it. If you're a specialist in anything, but a good one at that, you'll always find a job."

You often visit businesses in person and interact with employees. Have you ever learned anything from them and put it into practice?

"I'm not the only one doing this; we have a whole system for collecting feedback. For example, there were a lot of ideas about continuous improvement, and we completely reconfigured the process based on that. To a certain extent, our job is to collect feedback and understand what's going on at the company."

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Besides us, the following people reported the event:

TASS

TV channel "Saint Petersburg"

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Science, education, practice: a major urban planners' forum was held at the Polytechnic University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The 2nd All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, "Innovative Approaches in Urban Development: Science, Education, and Practice," was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event was organized by the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering, the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, the Research Institute of Advanced Urban Development, and the Leningrad Region Urban Development Policy Committee, with the support of the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Utilities of the Russian Federation and the Government of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

The conference served as an interdisciplinary platform for dialogue between government officials, the scientific community, and business. Its main goal was to discuss current challenges in modern urban development, exchange best practices, and develop joint solutions for the development of agglomeration systems and large cities.

The conference was opened by SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, President of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAACS) Dmitry Shvidkovsky, Special Representative of the Governor of St. Petersburg for Economic Development Anatoly Kotov, President of the St. Petersburg Union of Architects Vladimir Grigoriev, General Director of JSC "St. Petersburg Development Corporation" Denis Gornev, Deputy Director of the Department of Urban Development and Architecture of the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation Alexander Stepanov, and Chairman of the Southern Territorial Branch of RAACS Yuri Rysin.

Today, the future of urban development directly depends on the development of science and the training of highly qualified personnel. The city must change, acquiring a national identity. I am confident that the training of such professionals will become the foundation for the sustainable development of the urban development industry, noted Dmitry Shvidkovsky.

The first day of the conference was devoted to current issues in contemporary urban development policy and existing challenges in territorial planning. Particular attention was paid to the role of universities in implementing the urban development agenda. Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute, delivered a report titled "The Role of Universities in Implementing the Urban Development Agenda of the City and Region." She emphasized the importance of training students in territorial planning and urban design.

On the first day of the event, Margarita Perkova, Director of the ISI Higher School of Design and Architecture, presented a report titled "Urban Zoning of the Leningrad Region." Sergey Lutchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Urban Development Policy Committee and Associate Professor at the ISI Higher School of Design and Architecture, presented a report titled "Urban Development Policy: Science, Education, and Practice." Pavel Spirin, Director of the Research Institute of Industrial Geosciences and Head of the Urban Development Department at the ISI Research Institute for Advanced Urban Development, and Dmitry Shvidkovsky, President of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, presented a joint report titled "Future Traditions in Modern Urban Development. Spatial Development of the Territories of the Russian Federation."

The second day of the conference was devoted to a discussion of current tools and technologies for spatial development, as well as issues of functional, transport, and infrastructure planning in the context of modern industry challenges.

Pavel Spirin presented a report titled "Formation of the Kingisepp Industrial and Logistics Cluster Based on Urban Development Documents." Margarita Perkova and Alexandra Kuzmina, Vice President of the Union of Architects of Russia, presented a joint report titled "Urban Development of the Moscow Region. Announcement of the Thematic Issue of the "Architecture and Construction of Russia" Journal."

On the second day, a project session, "High-Rise Construction in the Leningrad Region," was held, featuring senior undergraduate and graduate students from specialized universities in the city and leading practicing architects from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Leningrad Region Committee for Urban Development Policy commissioned the project session.

A special event was the awards ceremony for the winners of the 1st International Competition of Graduation Theses (Projects) for Bachelor's, Specialist, and Master's Students in Urban Planning, Architecture, and Design, "ARCHIGRAD," held in 2025 by the Institute of Civil Engineering at SPbPU. The competition aims to identify and support promising graduation projects in urban planning, architecture, and design.

The competition featured 378 entries in eight categories from 44 higher education institutions in 27 Russian cities, as well as from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The entries covered a wide range of topics, from the renovation of historical sites and the design of sustainable urban environments to the development of digital interfaces, architectural solutions for the Arctic and the Far North, and the design of cultural heritage sites and tourism infrastructure.

On the third day, a field trip to Gatchina took place, where participants visited the Gatchina Palace, the Stationmaster's House, and the memorial complex "In Memory of the Civilians of the USSR – Victims of Nazi Genocide during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."

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Vietnamese student Bui Nguyen Bao Ngoc: "Studying here is a challenge"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Bui Nguyen Bao Ngoc, a Vietnamese student at SPbPU's Preparatory Department, is just beginning her journey at the Polytechnic University. She has already overcome thousands of kilometers and a language barrier. She came to St. Petersburg not just to enroll in the university, but to continue a family tradition.

— Ngok, why did you choose Russia and the Polytechnic University? Did the university live up to your expectations?

"I chose Russia because my father studied here before. Dad got in many years ago, and now it's my turn. And I'm glad I made the right choice. Polytechnic University is a serious place. The studies are challenging, but I see the results. The program is exactly what I hoped for—deep and genuine."

— If you had the opportunity to send a message to your past self, what is the main piece of advice you would give?

"I would tell myself, 'Ngok, you need to practice Russian more and not be afraid of mistakes.' Because only through practice and overcoming fear can you learn the language well enough to study in your field."

— What study habit has been the most useful for you during this time?

"The most useful habit is to learn vocabulary and review grammar every day. Without daily practice, the language is forgotten very quickly."

— What helps you in your studies now, and what, on the contrary, hinders you?

"A good schedule really helps me. When everything is organized, you have time to study and relax. The language barrier is a real hurdle, of course. Sometimes I know what I want to say, but I can't find the right words."

— Speaking of the language barrier, was there ever any funny or awkward situation related to not knowing Russian?

— Oh, yes! When I was just starting to learn Russian, I once said to the teacher, "Goodbye" instead of "Hello." It was really awkward, but now I remember it with a smile.

— What are your impressions of the teachers?

"The teachers here are kind and good. They really want to help us. I think adapting would have been much more difficult without their support."

— Besides studying, did you manage to make friends in the new city?

— Of course! I've made a lot of new friends. It's an amazing feeling—I now have friends from all over the world. We communicate in Russian, and it helps us all progress.

— What are your plans for the future?

I plan to complete the preparatory course and enroll in a master's program at the Polytechnic University's Faculty of Law. I want to become a good specialist.

— Ngok, finish the sentence: “Studying at the Polytechnic is like…”

— Studying here is a challenge, but very interesting. I like it.

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Science in Action: How IPMET Organized Russian Science Week

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade at SPbPU held a scientific week to celebrate Russian Science Day and the institute's 10th anniversary. The events covered a variety of research areas and allowed students, postgraduates, and faculty to gain a closer understanding of the institute's current research and the historical legacy of Russian science.

The Science Week series of events at IPMEIT opened with a lecture titled "L. V. Kantorovich: Contribution to Global Economic Science." It was delivered by Svetlana Golovkina, Head of the Department of Economic Theory. Leonid Kantorovich was a scholar who stood at the origins of the Soviet school of economics and mathematics. His research contributed to the development of the theory of optimal planning and management of the national economy and the development of problems in socialist economics, including pricing, the theory of differential rent, and the efficiency of capital investment.

Following the open lecture, a science quiz hosted by the IPMEiT Student Scientific Society was held. The quiz brought together first-year students interested in science, research, and intellectual competitions. The event was an excellent way to test their knowledge of the history of science at Polytechnic University, scientists, and inventions across various historical periods. During the intellectual quiz, teams competed in three exciting rounds, featuring both classic test questions and open-ended challenges, which encouraged active participation and fostered an atmosphere of friendly competition. All participants received commemorative certificates, and the winners and runners-up were awarded diplomas.

Yaroslav Fazanov, a Management student, shared his impressions of the quiz: "It was very interesting to participate in learning about the history of science at Polytechnic University in such an engaging format. We didn't just recall names and dates—we teamed up to search for answers, debate, and celebrate our discoveries, like true researchers. It wasn't just a competition, but an opportunity to learn a lot about our university!"

In addition, IPMET held several other events during Science Week:

The scientific stand-up “PRO management: non-standard solutions for business” proved that the science of management can be not only fundamental, but also fascinating, similar to an exciting intellectual quest. The hosts of the event turned the audience into a “Laboratory of Innovative Solutions.” They invited students to become consultants and innovators rather than passive listeners. Student teams, acting as consulting bureaus, looked for ingenious and effective ways out of difficult production situations.
Panel discussion “Corporate master’s programs as a driver of scientific development in IT for the oil and gas industry.” During the discussion, representatives of the university and industrial partners discussed the role of corporate educational programs in the development of applied science, the integration of student projects into real business problems, the formation of a professional environment and the construction of sustainable career trajectories for graduates. Participants shared their experience in implementing corporate programs, discussed mechanisms for supporting research activities, as well as key challenges and sustainability factors for long-term partnerships between the university and industry.
The round table “From multiple tasks to unity of result” was dedicated to the economic security of foreign economic activity, sanctions risks, new opportunities and predictive measures in modern realities. The participants were representatives of financial, credit and legal companies, who shared their experiences and identified key challenges.
The round table “Modeling the development of socio-economic systems” became a platform for professional dialogue about modern approaches to the construction of interdisciplinary models, data verification and their practical application. The main topics of discussion were tools for supporting decision-making in conditions of uncertainty, industry cases in the field of government programs and corporate strategies.
The scientific seminar “Creative Economy: From Theory to Practice in the World and Russia” introduced participants to the characteristics and components of a creative economy, which contributes to the achievement of various innovative goals and objectives. Representatives of more than 20 Russian scientific and educational organizations took part in the seminar.
The scientific seminar “Applied machine learning in business management” brought together master’s students who presented their developments, discussed possible difficulties and options for commercializing ideas.

Of particular interest was the inter-institutional seminar "AI Ethics in the Context of Applied Economic Problems in Services, Logistics, and Marketing," organized by the IPMEIT Higher School of Service and Trade jointly with the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Humanities Institute. The event featured an interdisciplinary discussion of current issues and the implications of the introduction of artificial intelligence into key areas of social and economic life.

Also worth noting is the poster exhibition "Russian and Russian Generalist Scientists—Drivers of Global Progress," currently taking place at the Institute of Mechanics, Economics, and Technology. The exhibition introduces students, postgraduates, and faculty to the legacy and scientific achievements of outstanding scientists whose discoveries have had a significant impact on the development of global science and practice.

For IPMEIT, science is the foundation for training specialists capable of addressing real-world economic and management challenges. We develop fundamental and applied research, closely aligning it with industry needs and modern technological challenges. Science Week demonstrated the breadth of the institute's research areas and our goal—to engage students in research, fostering their systems thinking and a willingness to create practical solutions," noted IPMEIT Director Vladimir Shchepinin.

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From Virus to Inflammation: St. Petersburg Scientists on the Risks of Flu in Pregnant Women

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Influenza virus infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to the health of the mother and fetus and may contribute to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes in the offspring. Epidemiological studies conducted over the years have linked influenza in pregnant women with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and cognitive deficits in the child later in life. A study by a team of St. Petersburg scientists demonstrated that the underlying cause is not the virus itself, but rather the mother's protective response. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop strategies to reduce the risks of neurodevelopmental impairment associated with prenatal infections. The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Health. The results were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Seasonal influenza causes between 3 and 5 million severe cases of illness worldwide each year, and its danger to pregnant women is particularly high. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, for example, it was found that the infection could lead to premature births and low-birth-weight babies. Other adverse effects of influenza on pregnant mothers include preterm birth, low birth weight, increased risk of infant mortality, weakened respiratory immunity, and, in some cases, various neurodevelopmental disorders (including schizophrenia, psychotic or psychosis-like states, mood disorders, developmental delays, and bipolar disorder). Scientists worldwide are investigating the specific mechanisms underlying the development of such complications, but the detailed mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Most studies suggest that the influenza virus is generally unable to cross the placenta.

An interdisciplinary team of St. Petersburg scientists conducted a detailed study of the mechanism by which adverse effects on the fetus occur due to maternal influenza infection during pregnancy using an animal model of the infection. The study involved scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the A. A. Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute, and the I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The scientists examined the effects of infection with two strains of the A(H1N1) influenza virus during pregnancy using an animal model (mice). Severe infection led to a sharp decrease in offspring survival—from the normal 92% to 20–46%. Even the surviving offspring showed significant disruptions in brain development. The primary focus of the study was the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory formation, learning, and emotional regulation. It is in the hippocampus that the process of new nerve cell formation—neurogenesis—actively occurs throughout the perinatal period and into adulthood.

The study found that the most serious adverse effects on the fetus were caused not by the influenza virus itself, but by the inflammatory response it triggered in the mother's body, which led to disruption of neurogenesis.

We found that inflammatory signals from the mother's body led to two critical consequences: suppression of neurogenesis and chronic activation of glial cells. The offspring of mice that had experienced an influenza infection during pregnancy had a decreased number of neuronal stem and progenitor cells, which potentially impacts nerve cell formation. At the same time, it was shown that glial cells, which normally perform protective and supportive functions, entered a constantly activated, "inflammatory" state in key areas of the hippocampus, creating an unfavorable environment for neuronal development. This may be one of the mechanisms for the development of potential serious neurocognitive disorders in the future, noted Anastasia Rakovskaya, a research engineer at the Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The study not only explains the observed link between influenza infection during pregnancy and the development of possible neurological complications in the future, but also suggests specific ways to protect the health of future generations.

Of course, the results of studies obtained on laboratory animals cannot be directly transferred to humans. However, given the available clinical data and the results of our work, we can formulate clear practical conclusions: 1. Vaccination of pregnant women against influenza should be a mandatory and primary preventative measure. 2. In the event of illness, antiviral therapy should be initiated as early as possible to suppress viral replication and, consequently, reduce the severity of the inflammatory response. 3. The development of safe drugs capable of selectively blocking proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women is necessary, which could open a new direction in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs, said Yana Zabrodskaya, PhD in Physics and Mathematics and Associate Professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The implementation of the above measures will not only prevent long-term consequences for the child, but will also provide a significant economic effect, saving money on the treatment of possible mental and neurological disorders in the future.

All experiments were carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. FSEG-2023-0014), with the exception of measurements of the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, which were funded by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. 056-00025-25-01, topic No. 123021300165-6).

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The City as a Quest: The Victorious Route of the Polytechnics' "Siberian Code"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Fourth-year students of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations at the SPbPU Institute of Humanities, Maya Kazakova and Daria Savvateeva, won the All-Russian student project competition "Tourism Potential of Siberian Regions" with their creative concept for the urban educational and tourism quest "AZIMUT HOTELS: Siberian Code."

The winners of the "Siberian Code" project aim to develop Novosibirsk's territorial identity and enhance its tourist appeal through a modern format that combines gamification, storytelling, and partnerships with the city's cultural institutions.

The project's goal is to engage tourists in a historical, cultural, and scientific narrative that reveals the essence of Novosibirsk. The authors note that, unlike traditional tours, their case makes the city route interactive, targeting a digital audience aged 18–45, who are open to new formats and the active exchange of experiences on social media.

We offered Novosibirsk residents and guests a lively dialogue with the city. The idea is for the hotel to become a conduit for Novosibirsk's semantic layers—from its cultural cluster to its scientific heritage. "The Siberian Code" is an attempt to "assemble" the city into a story that can be experienced with the main characters," explained project co-author Maya Kazakova.

The "Siberian Code" route covers key points of the city's identity: the railway station, the opera and ballet theater, the philharmonic and musical theater, the local history and art museums, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the pharmacy museum.

The concept is based on a sequential progression through locations using game mechanics, hints, and digital tools. The focus is on balancing educational and entertaining components, engaging partners to offer prizes and discounts, and creating lasting connections between participants, cultural venues, and the hotel brand.

Marina Arkannikova, Director of the SPbPU Graduate School of Management and Social Sciences, noting the important role of the project's mentor, Associate Professor Irina Melnikova, emphasized the significance of the work for both the Polytechnic University and Novosibirsk: "This case demonstrates how our future graduates are already adept at working at the intersection of various fields of social engineering. The students not only presented a compelling approach in terms of methodological approaches but also proposed a philosophy for the city's brand, its values and semantic components. This is a crucial indicator that the Polytechnic University is preparing specialists capable of addressing the challenges of the city, society, and business—responsibly, measurably, and with consideration for the needs and values of their audiences and the objectives of Russia's cultural sovereignty."

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Partner Meeting: Setl Group and Polytech Discuss Joint Projects

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Maxim Shubarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; Jan Izak, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; Ilya Eremenko, member of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; and Eduard Raikin, CEO of NSC (New Service Company) LLC. The guests were greeted by SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy; Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security Maxim Pasholikov; and Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute.

At the meeting, they discussed further cooperation and the development of joint projects. Then, Andrey Rudskoy and Valery Klimov, Director of the SPbPU History Museum, gave the partners a tour of the main building. They shared biographies of prominent university alumni and faculty, and in the Academic Council meeting room, they discussed the lives and work of the Polytechnic University's directors and rectors.

The guests were taken to the museum, where they were introduced to the history of the Polytechnic and also shown a new an exhibition dedicated to Olympic champion Evgeny Kulikov.

Afterwards, the delegation visited the Reading Room and the White Room. The rector spoke about the events held there. Boris Kondin, Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity, discussed in more detail the creative events for first-year students and spoke about the university's Pop and Symphony Orchestra. Andrey Rudskoy emphasized that engineering education should always be combined with creativity.

At the end of the meeting, the guests visited the renovated large physics auditorium and auditorium No. 159 named after Professor Elena Silnikova.

Setl Group is a long-standing partner of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Students from the Institute of Civil Engineering complete internships at the company and regularly attend construction site tours. Many Polytechnic University graduates successfully find employment at Setl Group and contribute to major construction projects in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Furthermore, the company's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Maxim Shubarev, is a 1993 graduate of the university.

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In Memory of Outstanding Scientists and Teachers: A Seminar on Hydraulics Held at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering hosted a scientific seminar, "Hydraulics and Hydraulic Engineering. Sharing Experiences." It was dedicated to the memory of outstanding scientists and teachers, Professors Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko. The event was part of SPbPU Science Week.

Artur Davidovich Girgidov (1939–2020) was an Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, and Professor. For over 20 years, he headed the Hydraulics Department of the Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering (since 1999, the Faculty of Civil Engineering). A graduate of the Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after M. I. Kalinin, Artur Davidovich, already in the early 1960s, using the first electronic digital computers, calculated the fluctuations of water masses in a pressure system of a hydroelectric power station with a surge tank. Thus, he was a decade ahead of foreign research. Artur Girgidov's scientific contributions are vast: from the theoretical foundations of hydraulics and the theory of gravity-fed fluid flow to soil mechanics and mathematical models of human limb joints. Artur Davidovich developed training courses and trained generations of hydraulic engineers and construction specialists. As Deputy Chairman of the Scientific and Methodological Council for Hydraulics of the Russian Ministry of Education, he developed educational standards. He is the author of over 100 scientific papers and textbooks, as well as four inventions.

Mikhail Romanovich Petrichenko (1951–2021) — Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, Head of the Hydraulics Department at the Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering (since 1999, the Faculty of Civil Engineering). After graduating from the M. I. Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnic Institute in 1974, he worked at the Central Diesel Research Institute for over 20 years. He rose through the ranks from engineer to deputy head of department. Since 1995, his entire career has been associated with Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. He is the author of over 200 scientific papers, 21 inventions, textbooks, and monographs. Mikhail Romanovich combined in-depth interdisciplinary research in hydraulic engineering, construction, and mechanical engineering with active teaching and scientific-organizational work. Under his supervision, more than 10 PhD candidates were trained. He was awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation."

The seminar featured 17 speakers, including representatives from the Civil Engineering Institute and the Physics and Mechanics Institute of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, Hydrotech LLC, and the Moscow Polytechnic University. The speakers included professors, associate professors, graduate students, and undergraduates, many of whom knew Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko personally.

The presentation topics covered a wide range of relevant topics: current trends in the development of semi-empirical turbulence models, the influence of anthropogenic and climatic factors on floods, the study of hydraulic shock using strain gauges, experience in the design and operation of hydroelectric power plants under extreme conditions, the stability of sheet pile walls during construction, experience in three-dimensional numerical modeling of air distribution in ventilated spaces, issues of hydraulics in marine hydraulic engineering, and prospects for the development of the subjects "Hydraulics" and "Hydraulics of Hydraulic Structures."

The seminar concluded with a general discussion, during which participants shared memories of the personalities and scientific legacy of Professors Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko. Following the seminar, a tour of the hydraulic laboratory of the Civil Engineering Institute was offered to all interested participants.

This seminar is a tribute to two outstanding scientists and educators, Artur Davidovich Girgidov and Mikhail Romanovich Petrichenko, whose scientific schools laid the foundation for the development of hydraulics at our university. "Artur Davidovich and Mikhail Romanovich were my teachers and academic advisors. Their clarity of thought, dedication to science, and desire to connect theory with practice remain a benchmark for us. Today's exchange of experience is a continuation of their work," noted Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute.

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The Polytechnic University hosted an information security Olympiad.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Polytechnic University held the DUCKERZ CTF information security Olympiad. The competition was intense and dynamic. Participants demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and teamwork.

The UAZ team won the competition, scoring 16,886 points. The team represented employees of the Security Analysis Department of SKBT (Sovcombank Technologies).

Team 0xb00bs took second place with 13,889 points. The participants were aged between 16 and 18, making their result particularly impressive.

Team Caplag took third place, also scoring 13,889 points. The team represented the city of Syktyvkar.

The event was organized by students from the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity: Varvara Pogoretskaya, Egor Anisimov, Alexander Zaruchevsky, Egor Zakharov, Maxim Stavrov, Georgy Kolbenkov, Gleb Grankin, Olesya Petrova, Mikhail Maryasov, Ilya Kuzin, and others. The organizing team, with the support of the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity's Higher School of Software Engineering, prepared a series of interesting and challenging tasks.

A total of 2,400 people participated in the competition, more than double the number from last year. DUCKERZ CTF 2026 was a significant event and confirmed the high interest of specialists in information security.

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