On the 165th anniversary of the birth of Academician Franz Levinson-Lessing

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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This year marks the 165th anniversary of the birth of Franz Yulyevich Levinson-Lessing (1861–1939), a distinguished Russian geologist, petrographer, and educator, and Academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences. His name is inextricably linked with the history of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, where he served for nearly three decades, rising from professor to rector during pivotal years for the country and the university.

Formative years

Franz Yulievich was born on February 25 (March 9), 1861, in the Dorpat district, the son of a doctor of medicine. The family soon moved to St. Petersburg, where in 1879 the young man graduated from the Third Gymnasium with a silver medal, demonstrating a brilliant aptitude for mathematics and ancient languages.

That same year, he enrolled in the mathematics department of the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of St. Petersburg University. However, his passion for geology and mineralogy, fostered by his interactions with the future academician Vladimir Vernadsky at a scientific and literary society, changed his path. Levinson-Lessing transferred to the natural sciences department. After graduating in 1883, he remained in the department of mineralogy and geology to prepare for a professorship. In 1888, he defended his dissertation, "The Olonetsk Diabase Formation," and received a master's degree. In 1898, he completed his doctoral dissertation, "Research in Theoretical Petrography in Connection with the Study of Igneous Rocks of the Central Caucasus." That same year, he began working as a full professor at Yuryev University, where he served as acting dean of the Physics and Mathematics Faculty from 1893 to 1899.

Work at the Polytechnic Institute

On May 17, 1902, the scientist was appointed full professor in the Department of Geology at the newly emerging St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute.

From the very first days, Franz Yulievich was actively involved in the life of the university. He joined the professors' council, and in the 1904/1905 academic year, he served as its chairman. The scholar made significant contributions to the development of the institute's research and publishing. In 1904, Levinson-Lessing became the first editor of the "Izvestia of the Polytechnical Institute," and later the editor of the proceedings of the technical departments.

In 1906, Franz Levinson-Lessing was elected dean of the metallurgical department for four years. Colleagues, including Academician Mikhail Pavlov, noted his exceptional correctness, calm, and ability to bring order to academic affairs.

In 1914, the scientist was confirmed in the title of Honored Professor of the Polytechnic Institute and elected as a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences.

The revolutionary events and the Civil War proved a severe test for the institute. Despite devastation, famine, and political instability, Levinson-Lessing continued to fulfill his administrative and teaching duties. In 1919, he was elected rector three times. Twice, he resigned, protesting the aggressive actions of the Poor Committee and the commandant, who interfered with the institute's management and disrupted the educational process.

Despite the difficult situation, two new faculties—Physics and Mechanics and Chemistry—were opened in August 1919. Franz Levinson-Lessing served as Acting Dean of the Chemistry Faculty from 1919 to 1920, and as Vice Dean of the Physics and Mechanics Faculty from 1921 to 1922.

In the fall of 1919, after returning from a business trip, the professor was arrested. Only a collective effort by leading scientists, including Mikhail Chatelain, Ivan Meshchersky, and Vladimir Skobeltsyn, secured his release.

In the summer of 1930, Academician Franz Levinson-Lessing's 28-year service at the Polytechnic Institute ended.

Franz Yulievich saw the Polytechnic Institute as a model of advanced education, calling it nothing less than a "technical university." He championed the fusion of fundamental scientific research with engineering practice, devoting articles to this topic, "A Unified Higher School" and "Further Development of the Polytechnic Institute."

Science and research

Franz Yulievich Levinson-Lessing's scientific legacy is vast and multifaceted. He founded Russia's first school of petrographers, and his textbook "Petrography" became a classic and was reprinted several times. His fieldwork covered the entire territory of Russia.

In 1914, the scientist was elected a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences, and in 1925, a full member of the USSR Academy of Sciences. From then on, he focused on his work at academic institutions. Levinson-Lessing directed the Geological Museum and the Soil Institute and headed the Department of Stone Building Materials at the Commission for the Study of Natural Productive Forces of Russia. He founded and headed the Petrographic Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, established branches of the Academy in the Transcaucasus, and a volcanological station in Kamchatka. In 1920–1921, amid the terrible famine in Petrograd, Levinson-Lessing was among 140 leading scientists who offered their authority to the government to organize food purchases abroad to save the city's residents.

His laboratory at the Polytechnic Institute was always a place for searching for practical solutions: from studying pressure in tunnels to using rocks in stone casting and construction. Franz Levinson-Lessing was the author of over 200 scientific papers on various topics. His contemporaries called him an encyclopedic scientist, noting his clarity of mind, incredible work ethic, and dedication to his work even under the most difficult conditions.

Franz Yulievich Levinson-Lessing died in October 1939 and was buried at the Literatorskie Mostki of the Volkovskoye Cemetery.

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Polytechnicians successfully competed in the Professionals Championship

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Students from the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education and the Natural Sciences Lyceum of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University demonstrated high professionalism at the regional stage of the "Professionals" championship in St. Petersburg.

This year's regional stage was a record-breaking one: 2,000 schoolchildren and secondary vocational education students competed, 11 competencies were in the Main Category and 109 in the Junior Category, and more than 300 city businesses became championship partners.

St. Petersburg's experience in training personnel is worthy of replication across the country. Here, specialist training is enshrined in the city's development strategy. Educational training grounds and educational factories are being created here. This is the seamless model of transition from college to industry that is worthy of emulation, emphasized Nadezhda Malkina, Vice Rector of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education.

Yulia Matveeva, head of the championship program at the Institute of Professional Education, noted: "This championship is an excellent opportunity for young professionals to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the professional community. We are proud of our students and are confident that competitions like these help them realize their potential and prepare for future career challenges."

Furthermore, this year, the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education hosted the "Prosthetic and Orthotic Design" competition for the second time. This competency is extremely important today, as advances in prosthetics help people with various physical disabilities improve their quality of life. The advanced technologies used by our students open up new possibilities in medicine and rehabilitation, making such solutions more accessible and effective.

This year, the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education won 17 medals in the main category and 1 medal in the Junior category.

Gold medals

Game Software Testing Specialist – Daria Malyuk. Neural Networks and Big Data – Alexander Chilikin. Prosthetic and Orthotic Design and Manufacturing – Pavel Sukhanov. Hotel Administration – Maria Strezhneva. Collaborative Industrial Robotics Specialist with Artificial Intelligence – Andrey Natsibulin.

Silver medals

Chef's Degree — Egor Ivanov. Design and Manufacturing of Prostheses and Orthoses — Elizaveta Mikhailova. Machine Learning and Big Data — Matvey Voronin. Machine Learning and Big Data (Juniors) — Maria Zernova. Mobile App Development — Daniil Kharitonov.

Bronze medals

Collaborative Industrial Robotics Specialist with Artificial Intelligence Tools: Lev Stepkin. Digital Transformation: Maria Korobkova. Prosthetic and Orthotic Design and Manufacturing: Artyom Cherednik. Software and Project Management: Alexey Tsoy. Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation: Artyom Shvetsov. Mechatronic Systems Development: Daria Dmitrieva. Digital Metrology: Daria Oleynichenko. Confectionery: Ekaterina Romanova.

Students of the Natural Sciences Lyceum won 6 medals.

Gold medal

Neural Networks and Big Data (Juniors) — Seraphim Garanin.

Silver medal

Neural Networks and Big Data (Juniors) — Andrey Andreev.

Bronze medals

Virtual and Augmented Reality Development (Juniors) — Vladimir Naumov. Neural Interface Design (Juniors) — Oleg Grishin. Software Project Management — Vasily Okorokov. Prototyping (Additive Manufacturing) (Juniors) — Maria Petrova.

"I'd like to commend the highly professional organization of the Professionals Championship. It was a tremendous honor for me to compete at the regional stage and defend the Polytechnic University's honor. The path to victory was very challenging: passing the internal selection process, developing dishes, and numerous training sessions. A huge thank you to the entire coaching staff for their collaboration; to the students, faculty, and my family for their help and support," shared Yegor Ivanov, winner of the Chef's category.

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.

Eastern New Year with Polytechnic University

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A large-scale citywide celebration of the Eastern New Year took place at the "Russia – My History" historical multimedia park. Representatives of national cultural associations, educational organizations, and creative groups gathered for the festivities. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, along with the St. Petersburg House of Nationalities, acted as a partner and co-organizer of the event.

The celebration was held as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2026. It aims to strengthen interethnic dialogue, develop cultural exchange, and promote the traditions of the peoples of Russia and the countries of the East.

Thanks to the Dobro.Center "Harmony" and its director, Tatyana Anatolyevna, we had the unique opportunity to be part of the exhibition and perform at the "Russia – My History" museum. We are truly grateful for this—this experience was truly inspiring! The museum's space not only allowed us to organize a larger-scale celebration but also to share with our Russian friends how this magical holiday is celebrated in Indonesia," noted Imanullah Tegu, head of the Indonesian Polytechnic University student community.

University representatives participated in the opening ceremony and a roundtable discussion on national cultures, traditions, and social interaction. Among the guests of honor were Pavel Nedelko, Assistant to the Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU, and Tatyana Nam, Director of the Harmony Volunteer Projects Center and Deputy Director of the Humanities Institute.

Experts discussed issues of preserving cultural heritage, the role of youth in developing interethnic cooperation, and the importance of educational institutions in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and civic unity.

Being far from home, it was very warm and pleasant to hear national songs, meet familiar people, and simply have a good time. The event featured many stations where students from different countries and regions of Russia shared their traditions and customs, held competitions and master classes, thereby introducing everyone to the richness of their culture. "Such celebrations not only educate but truly unite and bring people together," shared Aryuna Komissarova, a student at the Institute of Mechanics and Technology from Buryatia.

The active participation of international students from the Humanities Institute and the Higher School of International Educational Programs (HSIEEP) added particular significance to the event. International students from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries presented the cultural traditions of their countries. Together with Polytechnic students from other Russian regions—Buryatia, Kalmykia, and other regions—they contributed significantly to the festive atmosphere and meaningful program of the festival.

The Indonesian station became one of the central interactive platforms. Guests were introduced to the cultural diversity of the world's largest island nation, comprising approximately 17,000 islands, including the well-known island of Bali.

The exhibition included traditional musical instruments, the Angklung and Gamelan, which play an important role in the national musical culture. Visitors were also presented with elements of decorative arts and everyday culture: batik fabric with an Indonesian map motif, a batik-style wallet, a souvenir 2,000-rupiah banknote, and a traditional fan.

Of particular interest were the men's "Blangkon" headdress, a character from the Wayang Kulit shadow and puppet theater, and the Barong masks—Balinese and Javanese. The students provided detailed explanations of the exhibits' symbolism, historical significance, and role in contemporary Indonesian culture.

The Indonesian portion of the program culminated in a performance of "Rato Jaroe," a traditional dance from Aceh province used to welcome honored guests. This dance, previously performed at the Asian Games Opening Ceremony, is considered a symbol of respect and community unity. The performance was performed by students Imanullah Tegu, Raihan Farrell Umar, and Febrian Riua.

The Chinese platform was organized with the active participation of foreign students: Mao Yiling, Zhao Ziyan, Lu Chunyu, Liu Chengran, Wang Yi, Li Junying, Tian Xutong, and Zhang Xinyue.

The event left an exceptionally positive impression. I consider it an extremely significant and memorable event. I have never before participated in projects that brought together so many representatives from different countries and regions. The vibrant presentations allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness and mutual enrichment of world cultures. I would especially like to note that, knowing Russia's status as one of the most multinational countries, consistently strengthening friendship between its peoples, this event left a lasting impression on me," said Mao Yilin, a student at the Institute of Humanities.

The station's program included a master class on the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting (Jianzhi), making festive lanterns, and an introduction to the tradition of fortune-telling with fortune sticks. A themed quiz was also included, aimed at expanding knowledge of Chinese culture, holiday symbolism, and philosophical traditions. A concert program featuring dance and song performances by Humanities Institute students Zhang Xinyue and Ye Zizhou.

The Buryat station combined elements of arts and crafts with traditional hospitality. Students held a workshop on creating a paper model of a yurt, with the option of painting it with traditional ornaments. Participants learned about the peculiarities of nomadic culture and the symbolism of traditional dwellings.

Guests were told about the significance of the hadak—a sacred silk scarf symbolizing respect, purity of intentions, and good wishes. The color meanings of the hadak were explained, and the traditional greeting gesture, "zolgolgo," was demonstrated. National treats, boovs, enhanced the atmosphere. Activists Aryuna Komissarova, Adisa Mizhitova, and Adisa Tsyrenova presented the culture of Buryatia.

Although New Year's isn't celebrated according to the lunar calendar in my homeland, I admire how the Chinese, Buryats, Indonesians, and other peoples of Russia celebrate it. While organizing the New Year's event, it was especially important for me to create a space where representatives of different cultures could feel part of a unified whole," shared Begench Mukhammedov, head of international volunteering at the Harmony Center and a student from Turkmenistan at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science of the Humanitarian Institute.

Special thanks go to Igor Zhukov, Director of the House of Nationalities; Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU; Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security at SPbPU; and Natalia Chicherina, Director of the Humanities Institute, for their support of interethnic dialogue and student initiatives.

Polytechnic's participation in the annual celebration of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar demonstrates the high level of social engagement of students, including international students of the Preparatory Faculty of the Higher School of International Relations, and emphasizes the university's significant role in shaping the space for intercultural interaction in St. Petersburg.

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

Polytechnic University expands its participation in the federal employment promotion project

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University strengthened its position in the federal project "Active Measures to Promote Employment" by the end of 2025, demonstrating improved performance and consistent quality of training.

The goal of the "Active Measures to Promote Employment" project is to help citizens improve their skills and improve their employability or change professions free of charge. The Polytechnic University became a participant in the project following a competitive selection process in 2025. The Labor and Employment Committees of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, as well as employment centers, played a key role in its practical implementation. This collaboration ensured that educational programs meet the regional economy's workforce needs.

In 2025, training was conducted in areas tailored to in-demand professions. The focus was on engineering and technical specialties, digital technologies and modeling, construction, and management and service competencies. Industrial safety programs were also launched with expert support from the Northwestern Department of Rostekhnadzor. A total of nine educational programs for professional retraining, advanced training, and vocational training were implemented, some of which were developed based on individual employer requests. The most popular advanced training programs were "Lean Manufacturing," "Artificial Intelligence Systems Specialist," as well as professional retraining programs "Industrial Safety, Occupational Health, and the Environment at Hazardous Production Facilities," and "Industrial and Civil Construction."

Particular attention was paid to the learning format. The university maintained the academic depth of its programs while ensuring flexibility. In-person modules were combined with access to video materials and digital resources, allowing students to combine their studies with their professional activities. The proportion of students completing their studies while working reached 80%.

Students note the high professionalism of the instructors, the quality of the materials provided, the well-organized learning process, and the content's adaptability for beginning professionals. They particularly appreciated the access to materials on the university's educational portal, which allows students to return to previous material at any time and further explore complex topics. This flexibility creates a comfortable learning environment and allows students to effectively combine their studies with their professional activities.

"I thank the university for the opportunity to undergo professional retraining without interrupting my work and family. The educational process is organized systematically and accessible, especially for those just beginning to explore a new field. Special thanks to the faculty for their attentive guidance and support. The training was comfortable and informative," said program participant Irina Krasnova.

The main outcome was the practical effectiveness of the training. Of the 660 program participants, 601 (91%) were employed or continued working based on their new or expanded qualifications. Monitoring was conducted jointly with regional employment services for several months after the programs' completion. This high employment rate confirms the practical nature of the training and its alignment with labor market needs.

"Rebooting the project's format helped us significantly increase student reach and achieve sustainable employment rates. In 2026, we will scale up the model, strengthening the industry-specific focus of our programs and expanding our engagement with employers and regions," noted Ivan Kurta, Head of the Directorate for Continuing Education and Industry Partnerships.

SPbPU's experience was presented at key expert forums, including the All-Russian Personnel Forum and the St. Petersburg International Labor Forum. The university demonstrated a model for integrating fundamental academic training with applied industrial solutions, as well as an approach to developing continuing education programs in line with long-term economic and technological leadership needs.

The project's implementation resulted from the consolidation of competencies across the university's relevant departments. Significant contributions were made by the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade; the Industrial Stream Data Processing Systems Laboratory of the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering"; the Civil Engineering Institute; and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport. University faculty, industry representatives, and industry expert community representatives were involved in the program implementation. In collaboration with the SPbPU Human Resources Directorate, university staff also received the opportunity to participate in the project's training programs.

The results of 2025 allowed the university to expand its participation in the project in 2026. SPbPU's ecosystem of continuing professional education confirmed the effectiveness of its model by qualifying from three federal project providers. In the first half of the year, 18 new programs are planned to be launched and the total enrollment to over 2,000 students.

In 2026, the list of areas will be expanded to address technological leadership and engineering competency development. Priorities include artificial intelligence systems, industrial and environmental safety, oil and gas, mining, industrial process automation, construction, bioengineering solutions, and industrial tourism. The programs will be implemented beyond St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

Today, the university is addressing its human resources needs within the framework of long-term technological development. We are shaping the program content so that graduates are prepared for real-world industrial and management challenges. The expansion of the quota for 2026 confirms the effectiveness of this model, emphasized Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education.

Thus, SPbPU's participation in the federal project "Active Measures to Promote Employment" in 2025 has become an effective tool for training personnel focused on sustainable employment, improving the skills of citizens, and supporting the technological development of the economy.

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

Polytechnic University Crown: How Women Were Celebrated on March 8

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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On a beautiful spring day, on the eve of International Women's Day, the rector, vice-rectors, institute directors, and other university staff congratulated our university's female scientists at the Technopolis Polytech research building.

The women of the Polytechnic University make an invaluable contribution to the university's development and science. They manage institutes and laboratories and train new generations. They are an integral part of the Polytechnic University. Therefore, the men of the university could not help but offer them many warm words and acknowledge their achievements.

SPbPU Rector Andrei Rudskoy opened the event: March 8th is precisely the occasion where I see the most charming, the most intelligent, the most gifted, the unique, the one-of-a-kind, the beloved. It's difficult to describe you in just one word, because those created by God cannot be defined; you are simply divine. I have many warm words to say. And every year, I don't prepare a speech; I always follow my heart. Women are the richest in this world, at the Polytechnic University, because, as the great theologian Andrei Sourozhsky said, "Man is rich in what he gives and what he gives." And in your lives, you give all of yourself, all your talent, all your abilities, all your energy—you give everything out of love. Without a doubt, our women are the richest people in this world. You give us the energy to live, to develop, to improve. And you, too, always become better for us men. This harmony, the duet of man and woman, allows us to create a great future together. But you are its foundation. You are the most unique, subtle, and ethereal. A woman is the center of the family's world. You are the crown jewel of the Polytechnic University.

The university's vice-rectors read poems by renowned poets such as Omar Khayyam, Konstantin Balmont, Alexander Pushkin, and Robert Rozhdestvensky. They then added a few personal remarks.

"I wish you, dear women, to remain the center of our attention and be our guiding lights," Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security, congratulated the women.

The directors of the institutes also did not stand aside and congratulated the beautiful ladies.

Men work, strive, and toil, but to do this, we need motivation and inspiration. And the source of our inspiration is you, our dear, beloved women. You are the source of everything that exists in this world. I wish you to always remain beautiful, cheerful, healthy, and inspiring us. And we will adore you," noted Dmitry Zegzhda, Director of the Institute of Culture and Science.

An entertainment program was also organized for the female polytechnic students, including performances of famous songs and dancing. Music continued throughout the evening. At the end, everyone received flowers and gifts.

Furthermore, on the eve of the holiday, PROF, together with the School of Cultural Organizers and the Polytechnic Museum, held a traditional event, during which activists congratulated female students, teachers, and staff of the Polytechnic University. Its main goal was to congratulate all women, express gratitude, and remind them of the importance of their contribution to society. The girls received flowers, greeting cards, warm words, and good cheer, creating a truly spring-like atmosphere. On this day, participants presented over 600 gifts.

The postcards were created in collaboration with the Polytechnic Museum. They depict famous women associated with the university—distinguished alumni and members of the scientific community. In this way, the participants of the campaign highlight the important role of women in the history of the Polytechnic University and their contribution to the development of science, education, and engineering.

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

Polytechnic students are winners of the Sistema scholarship program

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Two Polytechnic University students have received scholarships from the Sistema Charitable Foundation. This season, for the first time, the competition was held in two separate tracks: for students from higher education institutions and for students from professional educational institutions.

Of the 20,382 competition participants, 18,146 represented higher education institutions. An expert committee selected 60 winners from 39 universities across the country. Among the scholarship recipients were Ksenia Bogatyreva (second-year student at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology) and Nikita Dybin (fourth-year student at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport), both students from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

Ksenia submitted a study of a chimeric recombinant protein for the prevention of diseases caused by group A streptococcus. Nikita's competition project is dedicated to the development of silver ion sources for ion engines in CubeSats.

The Sistema scholarship program supports talented students who propose practical solutions for high-tech industries. Winners will receive a monthly stipend of 25,000 rubles for five months. In addition to financial support, the authors of the best projects will have the opportunity to complete an internship or find employment with partner companies.

Scholarship programs focused on solving real-world problems are an important tool for developing the country's human resources. Employer participation in such projects helps align the education system with technological and industry priorities, ensuring that specialists are more precisely trained to meet the current economic demands. Companies' involvement in supporting and developing future specialists, including through initiatives of the Sistema Charitable Foundation, directly increases their competitiveness and job market demand immediately after graduation, noted Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The awards ceremony for the winners will take place in Moscow in April.

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A festival for college and technical school students was held at the Polytechnic University.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Based on the 2025 admissions campaign, more than 800 college and technical school graduates chose the Polytechnic University to continue their education. This result was made possible by the university's systematic collaboration with secondary vocational education institutions.

SPbPU's Directorate of Pre-University Education and Talent Attraction actively engages prospective students throughout the academic year. The highlight of this effort was the College Fest, which brought together talented and motivated students from various educational institutions.

At the festival opening, Irina Timoshenkova, Deputy Director for Educational Activities at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, and Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute, welcomed participants. Varvara Sotova, Director of the Student Recruitment Center and Deputy Secretary of the Admissions Committee at SPbPU, spoke about the specifics and pathways for admission to the Polytechnic University for applicants with a secondary vocational education diploma.

The main challenge and most exciting part of the festival was the three-day project work. Participants immersed themselves in solving practical problems prepared by university faculty.

The Civil Engineering Institute challenged students to create a video game concept, including a detailed game scenario, a detailed description of the game world, gameplay mechanics, and a visual concept for the game space.

The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade tasked teams with developing a business plan for establishing a camp in the Leningrad Region. This included a market analysis, logo creation, service descriptions, a marketing strategy, a financial plan, identifying opportunities for government support, and assessing risks and development prospects.

During the assignment, organized by the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, the participants were tasked with developing a concept for a food service establishment specializing in Arctic cuisine. The project included creating a menu based on local northern produce, as well as a layout designating functional zones and flows that complied with food safety and occupational health and safety standards. The work was based on real-world data—the floor plan and its location—ensuring the assignment's high practical relevance.

The festival gave students the opportunity to go beyond the curriculum and try their hand at being video game developers, business analysts, and food service designers. Working on real-world problems allowed them not only to apply their professional knowledge but also to master new tools needed in the industry. Furthermore, College Fest brought together students from various educational institutions: they exchanged contacts, discussed ideas, and, once at the university, were able to get a feel for student life at Polytechnic University and the labs and spaces awaiting them upon admission.

Following the project defense, the jury selected the winners. They received diplomas and valuable prizes. Furthermore, winning the College Fest entitles applicants to receive additional points toward their Unified State Exam (USE) or entrance exams when applying to the Polytechnic University.

The festival's winners included students from the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education at SPbPU, the Academy of Engineering Technologies and Management, the College of Information and Creative Technologies, and the College of Business and Technology at St. Petersburg State University of Economics.

For some, participating in the festival was an opportunity to test their skills before applying, while for others, it was a chance to find like-minded individuals and mentors. Regardless of their results, each participant took home the experience of working with a team on a real project and a glimpse into the modern laboratories of one of the country's leading technical universities.

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National Security: All-Russian Conference at the Polytechnic University

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The All-Russian scientific and practical conference "Ensuring the national interests of the Russian Federation in light of new threats to the modern world" was held at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Institute of Civil Engineering.

The event was organized by the Higher School of Technosphere Safety of the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISI) jointly with the Order of Zhukov Military Academy of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation.

Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies, opened the conference. At the plenary session, participants presented thematic reports on ensuring national security in the face of modern hybrid threats. They discussed issues of interstate cooperation in countering terrorism and extremism, cybercrime, and improving the protection systems of technosphere facilities. Particular attention was paid to issues of "human reliability" as a key element of the national security system, as well as to summarizing practical experience in countering new challenges.

Following the conference, priority areas for further scientific research and the development of joint educational and scientific projects were identified. The event contributed to strengthening interuniversity cooperation, expanding expert interaction, and enhancing the scientific potential of the Civil Engineering Institute.

The conference confirms the high level of scientific interaction and the relevance of the chosen topic. In the face of new challenges, consolidating the scientific community and developing applied research in the field of national security is particularly important, noted Andrey Andreev, Director of the Higher School of Technosphere Security.

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Postgraduate student Sahabi Zayyanu Yabo: "Studying at the Polytechnic is like building a bridge."

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Sahabi Zayanu Yabo from Sokoto State, Nigeria, is a student at the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of the Polytechnic.

— Yabo, why did you choose Russia and the Polytechnic University for your studies?

I chose Russia because of its high-quality education system and world-renowned professors. The Polytechnic University attracted me because of its strong reputation in the technical sciences. I can say that the curriculum exceeded all my expectations: it's challenging, but very interesting and provides a wealth of practical knowledge.

— If you could give yourself advice at the beginning of your studies, what would you say?

"I would advise myself to understand the material more deeply, rather than simply memorizing it. Ask questions from the very beginning, manage your time wisely, and don't be afraid of mistakes—that's where true knowledge comes from."

— They say student life changes a person a lot. What's one useful habit you've picked up here?

"The most useful habit I've acquired here is time management. Learning to plan my studies, prioritize, and find a balance between studying and rest has helped me become more focused and reduce my workload."

— What helps you cope with such a busy schedule?

"The university's teaching aids—lab equipment and materials—are a big help to me. Combined with time management, this makes studying much more effective."

— Funny stories often happen when learning a language and adapting. Have you ever had one?

"At the beginning of my studies, I tried to say the word 'teacher,' but I stressed the wrong syllable. It turned out to be a completely different word!" The teacher smiled and gently corrected me. We laughed, and from then on, I remembered exactly how to say it correctly.

— What would you compare studying at the Polytechnic to?

— Studying here is like building a bridge: step by step, with a solid foundation, and each course and semester is another step towards the future.

— What impression do you have of the university teachers?

— The Polytechnic University's faculty are not only experts in their fields, but also empathetic mentors who are genuinely interested in their students' success.

— Support is very important when you're far from home. Have you managed to find friends in Russia?

— Yes, of course. I made wonderful friends here—and over time, they became more than just friends to me; now they're like family.

— What struck you most about Russia that you don’t have in your homeland?

"I was particularly struck by two things: the distinct seasons—especially the snowy winters, which we don't have in Sokoto—and the deep respect for academic traditions. For example, the ceremonial events and the close interaction between students and faculty. It's truly special."

— Share your plans for the future. What do you plan to do?

After completing my PhD, I plan to work in both universities and industry—here in Russia and in Nigeria. I want to teach and mentor students in aerospace technology, as well as participate in research and development in the aerospace industry.

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.

Road Construction and Reconstruction: New Continuing Professional Education Programs at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Center for Continuing Professional Programs at the Civil Engineering Institute has launched two new continuing education programs for specialists in the field of road construction and operation: "Recycling Technology for Application in Road Construction and Reconstruction" and "Roads."

For the Institute of Civil Engineering, these programs are particularly important due to the cooperation agreement signed between the Russian Ministry of Transport and SPbPU on October 10, 2025, in Moscow. Thanks to this partnership, the Institute of Civil Engineering opened a Research and Educational Center for Road Pavement Modeling, headed by Professors Albert Bashkarev and Yuri Lazarev.

The "Recycling Technology for Application in Road Construction and Reconstruction" program was developed for specialists from Rusal Holding companies. The course covers modern recycling technologies used in road construction, reconstruction, and repair. It also covers legal and technical regulations in the road industry, the organization of construction and repair work, as well as the causes of road pavement deterioration and ways to improve their durability.

Students study the classification and types of recycling technologies, the specifics of cold recycling, the criteria for selecting a technology and selecting a mixture composition, and the limitations of using these technologies.

The program places special emphasis on the design of highways using recycling technology. It covers engineering surveys, calculations and design of road pavement structures, and the specifics of project implementation in confined spaces. The course also covers construction and installation technologies, the machinery and equipment used, logistics, quality control, technical supervision, and recycling process planning.

The final stage of training involves studying the feasibility study of recycling technologies, calculating estimates and work volumes, and analyzing the advantages of cold recycling technology and the practical implementation thereof.

The "Motor Roads" program is aimed at developing and enhancing the professional competencies of specialists in the design, construction, repair, and maintenance of various types of roads. The training focuses on developing a theoretical foundation and acquiring practical skills to effectively organize work at all stages of the road infrastructure lifecycle. Currently, employees of the organizations "Road Expertise" LLC, "Gazpromneft-Industrial Innovations" LLC, "ABZ-Dorstroy" JSC, and "ABZ-1" JSC are undergoing training in the program.

The program was developed and is being implemented by leading faculty from the Institute of Industrial, Civil, and Road Construction (ISI) under the leadership of Yuri Lazarev, Director of the Institute of Industrial, Civil, and Road Construction (ISIPC).

The graduate's qualifications include the ability to professionally develop highway projects, manage construction and repair work, conduct diagnostics of the condition of road structures, and develop and propose effective measures to improve their operational reliability and service life.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to address complex challenges in developing transport and road infrastructure that ensures the comfort and safety of road users.

Upon completion of the training, students will receive a diploma of professional retraining and the assignment of the appropriate qualification.

"We have created an effective platform for studying modern trends and materials for extending the service life of road surfaces and foundations, as well as technological transformations and innovations in road construction. I am confident that the issues being explored will contribute to improving the efficiency of leading companies and organizations in the industry," noted Yuri Lazarev.

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.