Университетская жизнь / – Page 163

February 9, 2026

Dmitry Chernyshenko: Thanks to scientists, Russia is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of research and development.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Congratulations from Dmitry Chernyshenko on Russian Science Day.

10 hours ago

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated everyone involved in research and development on Russian Science Day.

He noted that their work is in high demand and always finds a wide response in society.

"According to VTsIOM, approximately 80% of citizens trust the opinions of scientists and feel proud of their discoveries. And over 60% of all parents would like to see their children in science-related professions. In laboratories and in manufacturing, in tropical climates and in the Far North—our researchers are working in so many places to improve life in our country. Thank you for choosing this challenging but very interesting path," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, thanks to scientists, Russia is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of research and development, and more specifically, is in eighth place.

"Domestic science is becoming stronger and more confident. The number of young researchers is growing, and spending on science is increasing significantly. Today, our scientists are breaking new ground and contributing to technological leadership. This is a national goal set by our President, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

He added that not only leading scientific centers, but also youth laboratories are working on current problems.

"This year, thanks to the 'Youth and Children' national project, there will be more than 1,100 such laboratories. To conduct world-class research, the Russian government will continue to develop a unique scientific infrastructure. This year, the Siberian Ring Photon Source will open its doors to scientists in Novosibirsk. This megascience facility will be the most advanced synchrotron in the world and will create new opportunities for breakthrough discoveries and international cooperation," noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister wished them good health, prosperity, success, and the realization of their most ambitious ideas and projects.

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.

February 9, 2026

Science Leaders 2025: Polytechnic University Awards the Best Creators of Technological Leadership

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The awards ceremony, dedicated to Russian Science Day, took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event focused on scientists, graduate students, young researchers, and media representatives who advance the Polytechnic's scientific agenda and strengthen its position as a leading scientific and technological center.

Yuri Fomin, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Research, opened the ceremony. He addressed the university's scientific community, noting the Polytechnic University's contribution to the development of engineering, energy, digital technologies, biomedicine, and humanities research, and emphasized the role of university research in addressing the country's priority issues: "We are proud of our scientists. They are at the forefront of commercializing the results of intellectual activity and publishing. This is important not only for us, but also for our country. I believe scientists are a rather creative profession. And what you create brings us ever closer to the technological leadership we often talk about."

The first category is "SPbPU Scientist 2025 – Leader in Intellectual Activity." It recognizes those whose research leads in patents and electronic certificates and delivers significant results in technology transfer.

Alexander Semencha, Head of the Applied Chemistry Department at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport; Viktor Belko, Director of the Institute of Power Engineering's Higher School of High-Voltage Power Engineering; Alexander Timin, Professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies and Head of the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology; and Irina Anikina, Associate Professor at the Institute of Power Engineering's Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy.

The "SPbPU Scientist 2025 — Leader of the Scientific Competition Movement" nomination recognized young scientists who demonstrated the greatest activity and effectiveness in competitions, grants, and scholarship programs in 2025, submitted a record number of applications, and achieved a significant number of victories.

Natalia Morozova, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production and Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology. Kapiton Pospelov, Assistant at the Higher School of Project Activity and Industrial Innovation and Junior Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Digital Modeling of Industrial Systems at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport. Ekaterina Mushenko, Senior Lecturer at the Higher School of International Relations at the Humanities Institute. Konstantin Semenov, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Computer Technology and Information Systems at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.

The "SPbPU Scientist 2025 — Scientific Conference Organizer" nomination was presented to the directors of institutes whose scientific events in 2025 were distinguished by their scale, high-quality organization, and contribution to the development of the university's scientific schools.

Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade; Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute; and Dmitry Zegzhda, Director of the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.

A special section of the ceremony was dedicated to media science. The "Polytechnic University Scientific Media Leader 2025" category recognized the scientists who provided the most expert commentary to federal media outlets in 2025, representing the academic community and fostering trust in scientific knowledge.

Alexey Fadeyev, Professor at the Graduate School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade; Andrey Dakhnovich, Research Fellow at the Graduate School of Cybersecurity at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity; and Ilya Kobykhno, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Advanced Digital Technologies at the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering."

A key part of the program included a presentation on the activities of the SPbPU Student Scientific Society and an announcement of the foresight session "Strategic Development of the SPbPU Student Scientific Society to 2030." The SSS team presented actual performance indicators for the grant from the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Key KPIs for student engagement in research and the development of student science were significantly higher than the targets set in the application. The SSS serves as a link between recognized scientific schools and student initiatives. It creates a space for young researchers to develop their first projects, collaborate, and contribute to the university's scientific agenda.

The awards ceremony also included the announcement of the results of the "SPbPU Postgraduate Student of the Year" graduate student portfolio competition. The competition aims to support the most active young researchers and promote the results of their research. In 2025, 61 graduate students from nine university institutes participated. Among the winners were representatives from six institutes. Particular attention was paid to the role of academic supervisors: a graduate student's success is seen as the result of collaborative work with their academic school and mentor.

In the field of natural and exact sciences, the following were awarded:

Ksenia Velmozhina, scientific supervisor — Natalia Politaeva; Daniil Provodin, scientific supervisor — Vadim Davydov; Anastasia Rakovskaya, scientific supervisor — Ekaterina Pchitskaya; Polina Shinkevich, scientific supervisor — Natalia Politaeva.

In the field of technical sciences:

Ekaterina Volokitina, scientific supervisor — Nikolai Razumov; Yesenia Elina, scientific supervisor — Dmitry Efanov; Kapiton Pospelov, scientific supervisor — Alexey Gintsyak; Vladislav Chernyavsky, scientific supervisor — Maxim Maksimov.

In the field of humanities and social sciences:

Victor Kukel, scientific supervisor – Grigory Tulchinsky; Alexey Melnik, scientific supervisor – Alexander Babkin; Pavel Mikhailov, scientific supervisor – Alexander Babkin; Arina Polyakova, scientific supervisor – Sergey Kulik.

The final section of the ceremony was dedicated to those who make Polytechnic's scientific achievements visible to a wider audience.

The "Polytechnic University 2025 Scientific Agenda Leader" category recognized university employees developing scientific communications.

Marianna Dyakova, Head of the SPbPU Public Relations Department. Evgeny Pleshachkov, Head of the Media Relations Department. Alina Melnikova, Leading Public Relations Specialist of the Special Projects Department of the SPbPU Public Relations Department.

The "Media Partner of the Scientific Polytechnic University 2025" nomination recognized media representatives who consistently covered the university's scientific and innovative projects throughout the year.

Yulia Strelets, special correspondent for the news department of the St. Petersburg regional information center of TASS. Anna Kazantseva, editorial producer for "MESh na Moika." Daria Pinchuk, strategic producer for the "City Agency for Television and Radio Broadcasting."

Technology transfer leaders, conference organizers, competition winners, graduate students and their supervisors, and teams that translate the language of science into the language of society collectively shape the contours of the Polytechnic University's scientific ecosystem. It's a vibrant environment in which early student projects and postgraduate research develop into major interdisciplinary centers, new opportunities for technological and social development, and long-term partnerships with industry and the media.

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February 9, 2026

Strategic and Project Management in Construction: Polytechnic University Launches New Retraining Program

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Two SPbPU institutes—the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade—have launched a joint professional retraining program, "Manager in Strategic and Project Management."

The opening ceremony was attended by Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies; Olga Kalinina, Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management at IPMEiT; Ksenia Strelets, Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Programs at the Institute of Strategic Studies; Maxim Terekh, Deputy Director for Academic and Methodological Work at the Institute of Strategic Studies; Svetlana Pupentsova, Head of the Educational Program and Associate Professor at the Higher School of Management at IPMEiT; Tatyana Kharlamova, Lecturer in the Program and Professor at the Higher School of Management at IPMEiT; and Ekaterina Fedorova, Deputy Director for Continuing Professional Education at the Higher School of Management at IPMEiT and Associate Professor at the Higher School of Management at IPMEiT.

Welcoming remarks were given by the Director of the Institute of Social Sciences, Marina Petrochenko, and the Director of the Higher School of Management, Institute of Mathematics, Economics and Telecommunications, Olga Kalinina.

The modern construction industry needs not just managers, but engineer-managers—specialists who deeply understand construction technologies and simultaneously possess strategic and project management competencies. The professional retraining program "Manager in Strategic and Project Management" combines the solid engineering training of ISI master's students with modern management practices, developing personnel capable of leading investment and construction projects and determining the direction of the industry's development, noted Marina Petrochenko.

By studying this program, students gain comprehensive knowledge of the organizational, economic, and technological issues necessary for effective management in the construction industry. This is a truly excellent opportunity to obtain a second qualification for career development in construction, combining their primary and secondary studies," emphasized Olga Kalinina.

The "Manager in Strategic and Project Management" program is based on the professional standard "Manager of a Construction Organization" and was created specifically for master's students at the Civil Engineering Institute in the following areas: "Information Modeling of Urban Development Projects," "Digital Construction of Buildings and Structures," "Urban Construction and Infrastructure," "Organization and Management of Investment and Construction Projects," and "Roads, Bridges, and Transport Tunnels."

The main goal of the program is to train highly qualified specialists for organizational, managerial, and analytical work in the investment and construction sectors. The duration of study is one year. Upon successful completion of the program, master's students receive a diploma of professional retraining.

For our university, a strategic goal is to design and implement continuing education programs that are in demand in the marketplace and offer real practical value in terms of content and delivery. In this case, we have created an original educational product, created by two institutions, to develop comprehensive competencies in students, says Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education.

Following the program's grand opening, Tatyana Kharlamova, a professor at the Graduate School of Industrial Management, conducted the first lesson for students in the "Strategic Enterprise Management" module.

February 9, 2026

The future of university sports was determined in Moscow: results of the RSSS conference

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

An extraordinary conference of the Russian Student Sports Union was held in Moscow. Fifty-two delegates from 49 regions of the country gathered in the Executive Committee of the Russian Olympic Committee. Officials summarized the organization's work and outlined its future direction.

Andrey Stukalov, President of the NSFL and First Vice President of the RSSS, was elected as the conference chair. Alexey Moiseyev, Advisor to the President of the NSFL, was elected as the chair of the counting commission.

Member of the RSSS Control and Audit Commission Alexey Moiseyev presented a report for 2025.

Key decisions of the conference

The organization's new charter was approved. Sergei Kryukov was unanimously re-elected as the union's leader (the position is now officially called "Chairman of the RSSU"). The union's executive committee bureau was elected, and the new executive committee's 37-member composition was approved.

The approved candidates include the heads of the country's leading sports universities. Among them is Valery Sushchenko, Director of the Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Tourism at SPbPU.

February 9, 2026

MNSC-2026: New Directions and Expanded Opportunities for Participants

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From April 15 to 21, 2026, Novosibirsk State University will host the International Scientific Student Conference (ISSC-2026)—one of the largest scientific events for undergraduate, graduate, and school students.

As usual, the conference will begin with general registration and a formal opening. The program includes an interactive platform, popular science lectures by renowned scientists, and informal networking. Throughout the week, participants will enjoy section sessions, roundtable discussions, open seminars, master classes, tours of NSU and Akademgorodok, and other events.

In 2026, the MNSK program was significantly expanded. Key innovations include:

An expanded medical program—for the first time, separate sections for "Experimental Medicine" and "Clinical Medicine" have been created, with subsections on internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology. A new focus in the "Scientific Engineering" section—the oil and gas program is now presented in the format "Digital Approaches in Oil and Gas Engineering." New legal programs for schoolchildren include the "Economics and Law" subsection within the "Socio-Economic Sciences" section and the "Jurisprudence" subsection within the Humanities section.

The International Scientific and Cultural Society (ISSC) remains a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, exchange of ideas, and introduction to the scientific community.

Particular attention is traditionally paid to the humanities and natural sciences.

"The Journalism section typically has three to four subsections: "Media Presentation of Sociocultural Phenomena," "Modern Media Technologies," "Media Languages and Discourses," and "History of Journalism." Participants come from Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, Tomsk, and other cities," notes Natalya Simonova, secretary of the Journalism section.

According to her, the topics of the papers cover a wide range of research: from the representation of social issues and identities to the analysis of the language and style of Russian media, media concepts and media images, including audiovisual formats, as well as issues in the history of journalism and its understanding in modern media. In 2026, the section hopes to expand its scope and geographic participation, including through a remote format.

The Mathematics section also offers wide opportunities for young researchers.

"The 12 subsections of the Mathematics section provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to present their work in both classical theoretical disciplines and applied fields, but all presentations remain based on a solid mathematical foundation," explains Tatyana Tikhonova, section secretary.

Traditionally, section submissions are accepted in LaTeX format, which helps participants prepare for publication in leading scientific journals. The "Theoretical Cybernetics" and "Mathematical Modeling" subsections have been the most popular for many years—after selection, over 35 papers are submitted, so the sessions are held in several stages.

"Over the past two years, interest in the 'Monte Carlo Methods and Related Topics' subsection has grown significantly. Schoolchildren actively participate in its work, conducting undergraduate-level research," notes Tatyana Tikhonova.

The subsections "Algebra and Mathematical Logic," "Geometry and Analysis," and "Differential Equations" traditionally feature strict selection—attention is paid not only to the content but also to the style of presentation and the formatting of formulas. The subsection "Mathematical Economics" is particularly noteworthy, as participants receive assistance in refining their abstracts and refining their research papers.

For the third time, the Mathematics section will feature an English-language subsection, Problems and Prospects for the Development of the Scientific and Technological Space, where students learn to present their research in English and receive expert evaluation.

"Students from Russian and international universities, including the HSE, Tomsk, Altai, Irkutsk, St. Petersburg, Siberian, and Urgench universities, among others, regularly participate in the section's work," adds the section secretary.

The 2026 International Scientific Conference (ISC) is not only about scientific reports, but also about lively dialogue, professional connections, and the first step into a larger scientific community.

Follow the news, choose a section, and join the community of young researchers!

February 9, 2026

"Students majoring in Asian studies today truly have broad prospects, and our task is to prepare them well for this."

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On February 5, Novosibirsk State University hosted a lecture and meeting with translators of Chinese literature, timed to coincide with the premiere of the Old House Theatre's production of Chinese writer Liu Zhenyun's novel "One Day Like Three Autumns." The speakers included translators and scholars of Chinese literature—Oksana Rodionova, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Asian Studies at St. Petersburg State University, Alexey Rodionov, First Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Asian Studies at St. Petersburg State University, and Natalia Dmitrieva, press secretary of the Old House Theatre—who addressed NSU students majoring in Asian studies and faculty.

The event provided a rare opportunity for students to experience contemporary Chinese literature firsthand through live interaction with the translators of the work that formed the basis of the theatrical production.

Opening the meeting, the director Confucius Institute of NSU Yulia Azarenko noted the particular value of such events for regional universities:

"We have a truly extraordinary event today—a lecture and meeting with translators of Chinese literature. For us, located far from Moscow and St. Petersburg—traditional centers of Oriental studies—this is especially important. An academic environment is essential for development, and this time, the Old House Theatre helped us create one here in Novosibirsk. We are meeting in connection with the premiere of a play staged by a Chinese director based on a contemporary work of Chinese literature."

Elena Voytishek, Head of the NSU Department of Oriental Studies, also delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of reading and direct contact with books for humanities students:

"Our librarians always say, 'Orientalists are people who read.' Despite the digital age, humanities students need to feel a book—turn the pages, experience them tactilely. Today, we have the opportunity to experience the great culture of China through literature and through those who could be called 'carriers of meaning between civilizations'—translators. It's especially valuable that we have here both first-year students, just beginning their acquaintance with Eastern culture, and seniors who already have firsthand experience immersing themselves in it."

Alexey Rodionov noted the growing interest in Chinese literature in Russia and its significance in the contemporary cultural context:

"Oksana Petrovna and I are deeply honored to be at NSU today. I highly recommend taking this opportunity to see the performance at the Old House—it's a national cultural event with significant international implications. Orientalists are in demand today more than ever: Eastern culture has long been underrepresented in the public sphere, but that's changing."

According to him, official statistics from the Russian Book Union clearly demonstrate this process:

"In the nearly 300 years of literary ties between Russia and China, Chinese literature has never even made it into the top ten most translated literatures. But in 2021, it took 9th place for the first time, 8th in 2022, and 6th in 2024. There's reason to believe this trend will continue. Students majoring in Asian studies today truly have broad prospects, and our task is to prepare them well for this."

Oksana Rodionova's main lecture focused on the work of Liu Zhenyun, his biography, the historical context of his life, the characteristics of his artistic style, and the worlds presented in his works. Excerpts from the novel were also read during the presentation.

"Liu Zhenyun is one of the ten most famous contemporary Chinese writers. Six of his novels have been translated into Russian to date, and he is a favorite among Russian readers," said Oksana Rodionova. "Even in the 1980s, when China was beginning to actively absorb elements of Western culture, he remained true to himself: he wrote in simple language about the most important things."

According to the translator, it is precisely this simplicity that makes Liu Zhenyun's works particularly profound:

"There are no clearly good or bad characters in his books. Reading his texts, a person begins a dialogue with themselves, checks their internal coordinates, reflects on what is "good" and "bad." These books make you laugh, cry, and ultimately become kinder. Literature that teaches us to be human will always be relevant."

Natalia Dmitrieva, press secretary for the Stary Dom Theatre, spoke about how a literary work was transformed into a theatrical production. According to her, a year ago, the theatre invited Chinese director Ding Yiteng to conduct a series of master classes for the actors:

He is a young, incredibly energetic director who works at the intersection of contemporary theater and Peking opera. He calls himself "the grandson of Stanislavsky and Confucius." Our actors underwent intensive training in the traditions of Peking opera, where every movement has its precise emotional meaning. The immersion was total, and the director noted that the actors were in excellent psychophysical condition—a crucial aspect for the stage.

The lecture and meeting at NSU demonstrated how a literary text can exist in several dimensions simultaneously—literary, translational, and theatrical—and became an important event for students studying the language, culture, and literature of China.

February 8, 2026

Jules Verne: 198 years since the birth of the classic of adventure literature

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The French writer was born in the port city of Nantes on February 8, 1828. From childhood, he dreamed of travel and ships, and at 11, he even landed a job as a cabin boy on a three-deck ship, but never went to sea. He later wrote, "I must have been born a sailor, and now I regret every day that a naval career was not my lot from childhood."

Despite this, his father insisted on a legal career, and in 1848, he sent his son to Paris to study law. Jules rejected his father's entreaties to practice law after completing his studies. He finally decided to devote himself exclusively to writing and frequently attended literary salons, where he once met Alexandre Dumas. Thanks to his friendship with his son, Verne completed his play "Broken Straws," and thanks to Alexandre's intercession, it was staged on June 12, 1850, at the Théâtre Historique.

Verne's passion for adventure continued to live in his heart and found its way into his works. His first wave of popularity came with the novella "Five Weeks in a Balloon." Thanks not only to his personal experience but also to his incredibly rich imagination, he wrote 65 science fiction and adventure novels over the years.

Which ones should everyone read:

Children of Captain Grant The Mysterious Island The Fifteen-Year-Old Captain Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Journey to the Center of the Earth Around the World in 80 Days

Jules Verne's novels are unique works that have become classics of world literature. They have been adapted into films, television series, and animated films (A Trip to the Moon, The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne, In Search of Captain Grant, The Incredible Journeys of Jules Verne: César Cascabel, and others). Since the mid-19th century, his novels have been continuously translated and are now available in 150 languages. This makes him the second most translated writer in the world, behind only Agatha Christie and ahead of William Shakespeare himself.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 8, 2026.

February 8, 2026

Dmitri Mendeleev: creator of the periodic table of chemical elements and more

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The renowned scientist was born on February 8, 1834, in Tobolsk, the 17th child in his family. After graduating from the city gymnasium, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and enroll in the Main Pedagogical Institute, in the natural sciences department of the Physics and Mathematics Department, in St. Petersburg. His year of admission was not an acceptable one, so his mother, Maria Dmitrievna, petitioned the ministry to make an exception for her son, and an exception was granted.

The beginning of the scientific path

Studying at the institute was a privilege, which was reflected in the admission requirements, the curriculum, and funding:

Students were recruited every two years in small numbers. They were accepted on state support. The education was strong and focused on the development of individual abilities. A physics lab, a chemistry lab, and a library were located near the classrooms, which saved the students time and energy.

His first major research project was his dissertation, "Isomorphism in Connection with Other Relationships of Crystal Form with Differences in Composition." He wrote it under the supervision of Professor Alexander Voskresensky upon graduation from the institute. Mendeleev graduated in 1855 with a gold medal, defended his master's thesis in 1856, and in 1865, his doctoral dissertation, "On the Combination of Alcohol with Water." At the time, such an academic degree and professorial title were typically awarded to those approaching 40 years of age, after many years of service, but Mendeleev was only 33 at the time. This achievement was a true milestone in the world of science! He also began working as a privatdozent at St. Petersburg University, but also taught at other institutions of higher education.

Discoveries and achievements

Dmitry Ivanovich made his greatest discoveries, which revolutionized science, in the fields of chemistry and physics:

In 1869, he created the periodic table of chemical elements, which became the basis for atomic-molecular theory. In 1861, he published the first Russian textbook on organic chemistry. In the 1870s and 1874s, he studied gas elasticity and proposed a new derivation of the generalized equation of state of an ideal gas (the Clapeyron-Mendeleev equation). In the 1870s and 1880s, he researched metrology and refined the laws of atmospheric pressure dependence on altitude. He developed a precise theory of scales, proposing improved designs for the beam and arrester. Under his leadership, the pound and arshin standards were updated from 1893 to 1898, and Russian measures were compared with English and metric ones.

Mendeleev considered it "harmful" for a professor to simply teach his course. He should not only be actively engaged in scientific work but also be able to apply it. Therefore, he sought to make a practical contribution himself:

In the 1860s, he developed a technology for producing machine oils. In 1888, the scientist inspected coal deposits in the Donets Basin and drew up a plan for clearing the Don. He wrote a major work with an overview of Russian industry, which became an economic encyclopedia of Russia at that time. He worked in the scientific and technical laboratory of the Naval Ministry, developing a technology for the production of smokeless gunpowder. He edited sections of the famous Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary that were close to him, and wrote dozens of articles for it himself. At the age of 65, Mendeleev led an expedition to the Urals, which spent several months studying how to stimulate the industrial development of the region.

Dmitri Mendeleev was one of the most outstanding scientists of his time. This physical chemist's discoveries had a significant impact on the development of science and demonstrated how brilliant ideas can change our understanding of the world. His legacy lives on in every laboratory where research is conducted.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 8, 2026.

February 8, 2026

RUDN University scientists and students discussed their research

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In honor of Russian Science Day, we're featuring leading and young scientists at RUDN University, as well as promising students making their first breakthroughs in research. We've prepared brief information about each subject's achievements and provided them with the opportunity to share quotes about their work and the importance of science in their lives. The leading and young scientists featured in this article are recipients of the RUDN University Prize in Science and Innovation. The prize will be presented at an extended meeting of the University's Academic Council on February 16.

Dmitry Evgenievich Kucher

Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor and Director of the Department of Rational Nature Management at RUDN University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Ecological Academy.

He is the author of over 200 scientific papers, including monographs and publications in leading international journals. He is a leader in the commercialization of scientific research at RUDN University. Under his leadership, dozens of studies have been conducted, attracting significant funding and implemented in real-world practice—from risk management systems to environmental safety measures for facilities and territories.

"For me, science is the discipline of honest doubt. The art of asking nature and society honest questions and accepting the answers, even if they challenge our accepted worldview. It provides tools for transforming uncertainty into manageable risks and challenges into meaningful decisions. My research is based on the creation of a risk-based management system where human safety and organizational resilience become measurable and manageable variables. A single model combines "pure" risks to life, health, and the environment with "speculative" risks—managerial and financial ones. This can be used as an organizational standard: a risk register, metrics, regulations, staff training, scenario modeling, and a package of engineering and organizational measures. The risk-based approach has already been implemented at the Leninsky Branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Moscow Region and at the Ryazan State Agrarian and Technological University named after P.A. Kostychev," says Dmitry Kucher.

Olga Valentinovna Lomakina

Doctor of Philology, Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Philology, RUDN University.

She is the author of over 270 scientific publications, a recognized leader in the field of linguistics, and a guest editor for Scopus journals. Since 2015, she has led an international paremiological seminar, bringing together researchers from around the world. She is the recipient of honorary diplomas from the Rector of RUDN University and a letter of gratitude from the Russian Ministry of Education.

"For me, science is a dialogue with the past, without which it is impossible to understand the future. After all, the past is only one chapter, but all subsequent chapters are written on its basis. My research is devoted to the multi-paradigmatic study of set units in different languages. I explore how the value system of an entire people is reflected in small genres of folklore—proverbs and sayings. The uniqueness of this approach lies in its multifaceted nature, thanks to which the paremiological space of a language appears as an expanded text, allowing us to learn even more about a specific linguistic culture. We don't simply study texts; we decipher the cultural code, revealing the unity and diversity of value orientations in a multi-ethnic society," says Olga Lomakin.

Konstantin Gennadievich Gomonov

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Economic and Mathematical Modeling of the Faculty of Economics of RUDN University.

An economist specializing in sustainable development and energy. He has led six research projects, including a grant from the Russian Science Foundation and a grant from the President of the Russian Federation. He is the author of over 40 scientific papers, including publications in Q1-Q2 journals and a monograph.

"For me, science is an opportunity to combine in-depth analysis with practical application. When your calculations and models help optimize public investments in energy efficiency or assess the environmental impact of a new production facility, that's the best reward. I believe that a scientist should be more than just an observer, but a designer of the future: creating tools that make the economy more sustainable, the environment cleaner, and the energy sector safer for the country and everyone. My team and I are currently developing a comprehensive hydrogen energy decision support system for Russia and the EAEU. Our goal is not simply to study the energy transition, but to create tangible tools that will help governments and businesses make informed decisions in the context of global decarbonization. We are developing agent-based models and dynamic optimization systems that will allow us to forecast the development of the domestic hydrogen technology market, assess geopolitical risks, and model regional cooperation within the EAEU, BRICS, and the SCO," says Konstantin Gomonov.

Vyacheslav Olegovich Begishev

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Probability Theory and Cybersecurity at RUDN University.

A leading scientist in the field of next-generation wireless communication networks, he is the director and implementer of Russian Science Foundation grants. He has authored over 30 articles in leading international journals, including top-1% and top-5% publications (Scopus). He is a member of the dissertation councils at RUDN University and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and a regular reviewer for prestigious scientific journals.

"For me, science is a tool that transforms bold hypotheses into reliable technological solutions. When your algorithms, tested on mathematical models, start working in a real prototype and deliver gigabit speeds, that's the best reward. We're developing innovative solutions for 5G/6G networks at RUDN University. The uniqueness of our development lies in our comprehensive approach, which combines mathematical modeling, methods of queuing theory, stochastic geometry, and machine learning, with experimental verification on a real 6G communication system prototype. For example, we've developed a proactive algorithm that detects potential radio channel blocking (for example, by a human body) in advance and switches the connection before the signal is lost. This reduces the likelihood of connection interruptions from 30% to 5% and creates the foundation for the development of digital infrastructure for smart cities, the Industrial Internet of Things, unmanned vehicles, and next-generation communication services," says Vyacheslav Begishev.

Leonid Finarevsky, a student at the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences at RUDN University

Over the past two years, Leonid has won numerous awards at prestigious international and national Olympiads, including silver and bronze at the International Mathematics Competition (IMC), two gold medals at the All-Russian Olympiad in Elementary Geometry, and overall first place in the superfinal of the Open International Internet Olympiad. In 2025, his research project on creating a platform for assessing the mathematical capabilities of neural networks won a grant of 1 million rubles from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE).

"For me, science is primarily a hobby, something I enjoy doing. Without that, science, especially mathematics, is difficult. In addition to fundamental research in polyhedron theory, I'm currently passionate about an applied project that lies at the intersection of mathematics and artificial intelligence. Together with my colleagues, we're developing a unique platform for comparing neural networks. The idea is to give neural networks the opportunity to solve math Olympiad problems that aren't available in open databases. This way, we can objectively evaluate not their memory, but their actual mathematical abilities and logic. This project has already received support from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises, and we see great potential for creating new AI testing standards," says Leonid Finarevsky.

Nikola Balev, a student at the RUDN University Graduate School of Management

One of the most successful student entrepreneurs and researchers in the tourism and hospitality industry. In 2025, he received a grant from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE) for the Student Startup program, won the "Intellect of the Year" category at the "Moscow Student of the Year" competition, and was ranked among the top 50 in the all-Russian "Startup as a Diploma" competition of graduate theses. Nikola is the author of 16 scientific articles and five patents, chairs the RUDN University Student Scientific Society, and is the best undergraduate graduate in his field.

"Science for me is a system of life. I'm currently fully immersed in the development of the QuestBook digital platform. My team and I are exploring how artificial intelligence can help create unique, customized tours, automating routine tasks and optimizing human resources. This isn't just technology—it's reengineering the entire process of creating a tourism product in the digital age. Our goal is to give every guide and tour operator a smart tool that will transform their ideas into ready-made, well-thought-out itineraries in minutes. Our project has already been patented and was awarded the "Best Oral Presentation" award at an international conference in China," says Nikola Balev.

On the results of the past year

These scientists and students contributed to the overall success of the university's scientific activities in 2025. Here's what our university is proud of:

RUDN carried out eight projects within the framework of state programs and two projects in the interests of regional authorities. The total amount of their funding amounted to more than 270 million rubles. Key project topics: medicine, sustainable urban development, plasma physics, agricultural science, urban ecology.
RUDN University doctors won a grant from the Russian Science Foundation with a total funding amount of 108 million rubles for 4 years. The goal of the project is to develop antibiotics against mycoplasma for the agricultural sector. The research is co-financed by JSC Reftinskaya Poultry Farm, one of the largest meat industry enterprises in Russia.
University scientists continued to implement two mega-grants from the Russian Science Foundation: on smart technologies for sustainable urban development and on the development of new algorithms for personalizing the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. The total amount of support for the year is 56 million rubles.
The university ensured the commercialization of the results of intellectual activity in the interests of the real sector of the economy in international markets for a total amount of 2.1 million rubles. Enhanced oil recovery technology, relevant for Kazakhstan, was developed at the Institute of Ecology. And the secret of production in the interests of Iran’s food-tech industry is in the Agricultural-Technological Institute.
27 out of 33 journals affiliated with RUDN University are included in the national “White List”. 10 of them go straight to the first (highest) level. In addition, for the first time, 3 RUDN journals in linguistics took 3 first places among the journals of Russian publishers indexed in the database in the Scopus Scimago Journal Rank (SJR). These are the publications “Russistics”, Russian Journal of Linguistics and “Theory of Language. Semiotics. Semantics”.
The Center for Scientific Development “Mathematics for Promising Young People” has been opened at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. It is focused on the development of a mentoring system and the training of gifted youth.
25 RUDN student startups became finalists of the scientific accelerator. Among the topics of their projects: medical technologies, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, agricultural technologies, social innovations.

We congratulate all the scientists and research teams of RUDN on their professional holiday and wish them new achievements!

February 8, 2026

Happy Russian Science Day!

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dear teachers, researchers, postgraduate students and students of the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering!

Please accept my sincere congratulations on Russian Science Day—a holiday that unites people passionate about the pursuit of knowledge, the pursuit of development, and responsibility for the future of Russian science and education.

Research has always been an integral part of life at SPbGASU. Here, scientific schools are formed and developed, promising ideas are born, and fundamental and applied research is conducted to address pressing challenges in architecture, construction, and engineering. Thanks to your professionalism, perseverance, and creativity, the university makes a significant contribution to the development of the country's scientific potential.

Special thanks go to the faculty and academic advisors who pass on their knowledge and experience to new generations of researchers and inspire undergraduate and graduate students to pursue independent scientific inquiry and bold experiments. It is precisely this continuity of tradition and openness to innovation that allows the university to confidently move forward.

We wish you scientific inspiration, fruitful work, successful research projects, professional recognition, and new significant discoveries. May your ideas find support, your research find practical application, and your scientific work bring you satisfaction and pride in your chosen path.

Happy Holidays!