Category: Университетская жизнь /

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Eldar Ryazanov, whose Persian name combined with his Russian surname he himself called an "exotic pun," was born on November 18, 1927. His father, an employee of the Soviet trade mission in Tehran, was repressed when the boy was nine years old. This pain remained forever etched in Eldar Alexandrovich's memory, teaching him to be so sensitive to the suffering of others, and permeated all of his work.

An unexpected incident

After school, Eldar Ryazanov, by his own admission, applied to the Odessa Naval Academy—the sea beckoned him—but never received a response. He applied to VGIK by chance, along with a friend, without even hoping to get in. This chance encounter gave us not a sailor, but a director whose films will become a spiritual touchstone for millions.

It sounds surprising now, but the master of Soviet comedy initially aspired to make serious films. His first major work, the 1954 documentary "Sakhalin Island," was so unsuccessful that a desperate Ryazanov tried to destroy the negative with a hammer. Fortunately, the film was saved. This bitter lesson became his first in mastering the art of rising from a fall.

Flight of creativity

Eldar Ryazanov didn't initially plan to pursue comedy—he dreamed of serious, dramatic films. However, the then director of Mosfilm and Soviet filmmaker Ivan Pyryev managed to change the young director's mind, and this intervention proved fateful.

Few people know that Ryazanov's debut in the light musical genre wasn't the legendary "Carnival Night," but the first Soviet widescreen revue film, "Spring Voices" or "Happy Youth," starring Nadezhda Rumyantseva, co-directed with Sergei Gurov in 1955. Afterward, the talented director was offered his first independent project, to which the insightful Pyryev brought Lyudmila Gurchenko. Thus was born the legendary Lenochka Krylova from "Carnival Night," and the songs "Five Minutes" and "Song of a Good Mood" resounded across the country, becoming anthems of a new era.

Mosfilm: Golden Collection

Ryazanov subsequently directed a whole galaxy of films that became household names: the detective story about the Soviet Robin Hood, "Beware of the Car," the daring "Hussar Ballad" about the brave partisans of the Patriotic War of 1812, the symbol of March 8th, "Office Romance," the satirical "Garage" and "Forgotten Melody for Flute," the tender, lyrical "Station for Two," and, of course, the perennial highlight of the New Year's holidays, "The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!" But a special place in his oeuvre belongs to "Cruel Romance," a virtuoso adaptation of Ostrovsky's "The Dowry," which proved Ryazanov's brilliant work in the dramatic genre as well.

A whole galaxy of stars gathered on its film sets: Larisa Golubkina and Yuri Yakovlev, Andrei Myagkov and Barbara Brylska, Oleg Basilashvili and Lyudmila Gurchenko, Svetlana Nemolyaeva and Alisa Freindlich, Andrei Mironov, Anatoly Papanov, Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Yuri Nikulin, Marina Neyolova and Nikita Mikhalkov – the list is endless.

The irony of life

The legendary director, with his characteristic sense of self-irony, never hid his love of fine cuisine. He understood that he wasn't cut out for a romantic lead. He accepted the fact that he wasn't a good-looking actor, even though women loved him—he was married three times. The director had a very different view of Oleg Basilashvili—the very actor who, according to Ryazanov, perfectly combined aristocratic good looks and remarkable talent. He encouraged Basilashvili to take meticulous care of himself and tirelessly fight his natural tendency to gain weight.

But neither his waistline nor his lack of acting ambition prevented Ryazanov from shining in his own films. He created witty cameos that became the highlights of his films. His role as Professor Smirnovsky in "Garage" was particularly memorable—an unflappable character who slept through a heated meeting of a car dealership while the turmoil raged around him. These small roles became the director's calling card—a subtle, ironic, and always recognizable signature.

Man-planet

Eldar Ryazanov's creative energy extended far beyond cinema. He became the creator and host of the cult Kinopanorama program, and later created over two hundred original programs. Viewers loved his series "Eight Girls, One Me," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Eldar Ryazanov's Parisian Secrets," and the heartfelt "Conversations in the Open Air."

The director's literary legacy is also impressive: his books "The Sad Face of Comedy, or Finally Summed Up," "These Frivolous, Frivolous Films," and the poem cycle "The Departing Nature" reveal to the reader the complex inner world of the master.

Incidentally, the title of this poetry collection became the name of Dmitry Iosifov's nostalgic multi-part melodrama about the everyday lives of Soviet filmmakers. And the creative struggles of the young Ryazanov served as the inspiration for the character in Valery Todorovsky's series "The Thaw": the young director Yegor Myachin, played by Alexander Yatsenko.

Eldar Aleksandrovich also possessed an exceptional poetic gift. He wrote the lyrics to many of the songs in his films—"Song about the Weather," "Love is a Magical Land," "Don't Be Afraid"—although, out of modesty, he often attributed the authorship to others. There's even a well-known case of exquisite directorial revenge: when Andrei Myagkov criticized one of the songs for "Office Romance," Ryazanov stripped the actor of his lines in his next film. According to the script for "Garage," Myagkov's character loses his voice due to stress and communicates through signs for most of his screen time.

In short, from the musical "Carnival Night" to the biopic "Andersen: Life Without Love," every film by Eldar Ryazanov was a revelation. He passed away on November 30, 2015, but his films continue to speak to us about the most important things: love, loneliness, friendship, and simple human happiness. And his legacy lives on—not only in immortal films, poems, and books, but also in the starry sky: one of the minor planets in our solar system bears his name.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 18, 2025.

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.

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Our own Santa officially found a permanent home in 1999, when Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda Oblast was declared his birthplace. Since 2005, November 18th has been celebrated as his birthday: on this day, theatrical performances are held at the residence of the fairytale lord of winter, and fellow wizards come to visit from various corners of Russia—for example, Pakkaine in Karelia, Tol Babai in Udmurtia, and Yamal Iri in Yamal.

Magical contract

It's worth noting that the concept of Santa Claus isn't just a cultural archetype; it's a brilliant contract between the worlds of reality and magic, a lifelong commitment. Because we all go through three stages of growing up: when we believe in Santa Claus, when we don't, and when we become Santa Claus ourselves.

The first stage is childhood. The world is full of wonders, and goodness comes by magic: for little ones, Father Frost is an absolute reality. A gray-haired wizard who sees their dreams, remembers everyone, and manages to visit millions of homes in a single night. His existence requires no proof—it is felt in the rustle of gift paper, the twinkling of garlands, the smell of hot spicy sbiten, pies, and the inevitable Moscow salad.

The second stage is adolescence. We grow up, unravel the mechanics of New Year's—and it seems to us that the magic has disappeared. We learn that behind the beard is Dad, in the noise on the roof is the wind, and under the tree is Mom's care. Magic seems a deception, and Santa Claus a silly fable for the naive.

But then comes the third stage—we ourselves begin to create New Year's magic for our younger brothers and sisters, nephews, nieces, and our own children. And here's where the most important thing happens: we realize that magic hasn't disappeared. It's simply ceased to be an external force and has become our conscious choice. We now create it ourselves, out of care and attention, which create a true miracle—the fulfillment of a dream. A profound understanding dawns that the adult donning the wizard's mittens is not a deceiver, but a guide who has taken up the baton of creating miracles from a generation of parents and grandparents.

The Story of Winter Magic

The kind and generous wizard we know today was born from the stern lord of cold, who personified the Russian winter cold. In Slavic legends, Moroz was modeled on the formidable spirits of winter—Studenets, Treskun, and Krachun. People tried to appease them with offerings, believing that this would protect the harvest from the bitter cold.

This transformation was largely influenced by the radiant image of the nation's most beloved saint, St. Nicholas. It was from him that the wonderful tradition of secretly bestowing gifts on children originated. The modern image of the wizard began to take shape in 19th-century literature. Vladimir Odoevsky's "Moroz Ivanovich," published in 1840, became a landmark work. His hero, though still stern, was now portrayed as a wise and just elder who rewarded hard work and condemned laziness.

By the beginning of the last century, Father Frost had become firmly established in Christmas traditions. However, after the 1917 Revolution, he, like other archetypes of the "Old World," was banned. The character's rebirth occurred in the mid-1930s, when he returned in a new capacity—as a symbol of the secular New Year.

But his faithful companion, Snegurochka, the snow maiden from folk tales, appeared a little later. Together, they first appeared before children at official New Year's parties in 1935. It was then that New Year's received its canonical design, and the inseparable duo—Father Frost and his granddaughter Snegurochka—were established as the main symbols of the magical New Year.

Visiting a fairy tale

The wizard's modern history took a new turn in 1998 with the launch of the "Velikiy Ustyug – Father Frost's Birthplace" project. It was then that the idea of establishing an official birthday for him emerged. The choice fell on mid-November—the time when the first snow usually falls and frosts set in in the Vologda region, signaling the arrival of winter.

Since its inception, the holiday has acquired vibrant traditions, with Veliky Ustyug invariably remaining the heart of the celebrations. Thousands of guests flock here annually to personally congratulate the birthday boy or girl and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a winter fairytale. A rich program is prepared for visitors: theatrical shows, folk festivals, fun contests, and winter sports competitions. On this day, Father Frost's New Year's post office opens. You can send a letter with your heart's desires through special postboxes that appear in many cities across the country during the pre-holiday period.

The holiday will come to us

A key moment is the ceremonial lighting of the country's first New Year's tree. The following day, November 19, a special Father Frost train departs from Veliky Ustyug to spread festive cheer throughout Russia. The train features a "Father Frost reception car," a Snow Queen car, a "Fairytale Village," a stage car, a puppet theater car, a refreshment bar, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop. This year, the route, covering over 20,000 kilometers, passes through 70 Russian cities, giving children from across the country the opportunity to meet the main wizard of winter in person.

The fairytale train will make its grand arrival (1) in Moscow on January 2, 2026. For just one day, the capital will host a true winter festival with interactive areas, hot tea, and a meeting with the country's chief wizard. On January 3, the train will move on to Veliky Novgorod and St. Petersburg. And as long as the desire to bring dreams and magic to others lives in our hearts, Father Frost will return every year to bestow upon us the warmth and radiance of a New Year's fairytale.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 18, 2025.

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In the assembly hall of the State University of Management, cultures and hearts met, united by memories and respect passed down from generation to generation. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, one understands especially deeply the importance of gratitude to our defenders and unity in the face of new challenges.

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Science of Russia, greeted those gathered and said she was pleased to be present at such a grand celebration dedicated to our unity. She remarked, "All of you, each of you, are heroes of your nation. We are many, we are diverse, but this is precisely the strength of our unity, for we are united by the same spiritual and moral values and an understanding of the significance of historical memory. The understanding that the cultural code, the identity ingrained in each of us and passed down from generation to generation, is precisely the connecting thread, the foundation of our sustainable development."

Our honored guest wished the students to always remember the greatness of our homeland, to be proud of it, and to understand that Russia's future depends on each of us. Olga Petrova's final words were drowned out by a standing ovation: "Believe in yourselves, dream, always be an active citizen, and help us solve the important challenges facing the Russian state. And may we succeed!"

The hall also warmly welcomed Biysultan Khamzaev, a deputy of the VIII State Duma from the United Russia party, who first greeted his fellow Dagestani citizens with the traditional "Salam aleikum!", which elicited thunderous applause.

Biysultan Sultanbievich emphasized: “It’s clear that anything cultural is a good thing. And in general, what unites us all is wonderful. We walked through the foyer and saw how the children had prepared for the festival: the food, the costumes, the flags. It’s wonderful that we want to showcase the best we have, our greatest strengths. But most of all, I like your festival slogan: ‘Hero of His People.’ You’ve emphasized what truly unites us all. Next year has been designated by the President of Russia as the Year of Unity. And it’s important not just to talk about this, but to demonstrate it with concrete examples. You have a long life ahead of you; you’ve chosen to lead. I wish you the best of luck in completing your studies at this university and finding your way in life, becoming the very people who will have every opportunity to build and develop the state. Because the future of Russia depends on you; you will lead, demonstrate strong character, and, among other things, tirelessly support the ‘age-old union of fraternal peoples,’ as the wise words of our anthem say.”

The deputy explained that he represented his beloved Dagestan in parliament, invited everyone to visit, and added that his republic is as unique and multinational as the rest of Russia—each of its peoples has its own distinct character, but we are all united by respect for traditions, a caring attitude toward family, and a boundless love for our homeland. Biysultan Khamzayev called for a round of applause for those who defend our values during the special military operation, which the young men gladly did.

It's worth noting that our university prepared a tasting of national cuisines for the celebration of our fellow countrymen—the foyer was filled with delightful, spicy aromas. During the concert, short but powerful video stories about those who performed heroic deeds in the name of the Fatherland were shown on the screen: the names of heroes of the Soviet Military District, the Great Patriotic War, freedom fighters, doctors, scientists, poets, and writers were featured. University performers delighted the audience with rousing folk dances, songs, and theatrical sketches featuring elements of sbandieratori—a traditional Italian flag-juggling technique that originated on battlefields in the 15th century as a heraldic accompaniment to troops.

The atmosphere was incredible: the audience sang along with their fellow countrymen, the kids chanted the names of their countries, and even danced in the aisles. As one of our employees, who was celebrating her anniversary that very day and was present at the festival, said: "It was the best birthday of my life!"

So, hurray to you, GSU! We're back on top!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 17, 2025.

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.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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Do you know what all students around the world—from Prague to Tokyo, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro—have in common? A stubborn desire for freedom and an incredible ability to make friends across borders and language barriers. This is the spirit that permeates International Students' Day, celebrated on November 17.

The Birth of Student Solidarity Day

The history of this day began with a genuine student uprising. In the fall of 1939, in Nazi-occupied Prague, students and faculty from Charles University took to the streets to celebrate the birthday of their country, Czechoslovakia. The authorities responded brutally: medical student Jan Opletal was riddled with bullets. His funeral turned into a massive protest, after which the Nazis closed all Czech universities, executed nine students on the spot, and sent more than 1,200 others to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

It was these tragic events that led to the creation of International Students' Day. In 1941, representatives of the university community from around the world gathered in London to honor the memory of the fallen Czech students and establish November 17 as a symbol of youth solidarity worldwide. Thus, the day of mourning became a day of unity and hope. Since 1946, following a decision by the World Students' Congress, this day has been celebrated in over 100 countries, hosting a wide range of events—from ceremonies to festivals, from academic debates to charity events. Students prove that youth and friendship transcend any borders!

Russia: 4 million talents

Today, Russia boasts a vast student community—over four million! The government supports them through scholarships, grants, internship programs, and academic exchanges. Our students don't just study—they create startups, win international competitions, and contribute to science and the volunteer movement.

This day is special for the State University of Management. SUM students continue the best traditions of our university community, which has existed—just think about it—since the late 19th century: they help each other in their studies, create joint projects, and organize events. And they prove that student years are a time of true friendship and bold achievements.

We are proud that our walls are nurturing future leaders capable of changing the world for the better. International Students' Day is a celebration for those who believe in combining study and friendship, serious research projects and joyful student traditions. It is students, with their vibrant energy, bright minds, and incredible ability to unite for the sake of peace, who are creating a future with greater justice, knowledge, and mutual understanding.

Happy holiday to all students—former, present, and future! Happy holiday, my dear alma mater! And, as they said and sang in the days of the first medieval universities, gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus—let's have fun while we're young!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 17, 2025.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Engineers from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University are developing an improved mixing grid for a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), designed for additive manufacturing. This development is unique worldwide. Using SMRs with optimized mixing grids will make it possible to provide lower-cost electricity to the most remote and inaccessible areas of Russia in the future. This work is being supported by the federal program "Priority 2030."

The economic efficiency of using nuclear power plants with small modular reactors lies in their long operating cycles, meaning that a single fuel load allows them to operate for several years without refueling. This makes them more cost-effective than traditional combined heat and power plants and fuel oil-fired stations, including by reducing the cost of fuel delivery.

Small modular nuclear reactors are based on the most common type of reactor in the nuclear power industry today, the pressurized water reactor (VVER). Their operating principle involves heating pressurized water through contact with honeycomb-structured fuel assemblies. A key component of such an assembly is the mixing grid, which is designed to enhance coolant mixing and reduce uneven thermal flow characteristics. On the other hand, bubbles form on the surface of the fuel elements (which make up the assembly), which can lead to boiling zones and overheating. Therefore, the second objective of upgrading the mixing grid, in addition to enhancing heat transfer, is to eliminate these boiling zones.

The uniqueness of the SPbPU team's development lies in the fact that they are the first in the world to design a new product directly for production using 3D printing. Traditional manufacturing technologies based on the processing of solid metal sheets have exhausted their potential for further efficiency gains. Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, allows for the creation of parts with complex internal geometries, the optimization of which significantly improves the hydrodynamic and heat-removal properties of the grid. Ultimately, the use of modernized mixing grids will reduce the cost of generated electricity by 5%.

The development of small modular nuclear reactors is a long-term project, actively supported by the state through its programs. Achieving technological leadership is impossible if we only address current challenges. Furthermore, Russia is currently implementing the national project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies," which, among other things, aims to ensure sovereignty in the nuclear sector and develop small modular reactors, notes Nikolai Efimov-Soini, Deputy Director of the Computer Engineering Center at the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering" at SPbPU.

SPbPU engineers are designing a mixing grid using the CML-Bench® digital platform for developing and applying digital twins. This platform is unparalleled in Russia in terms of the volume of digital and design solutions it offers (over 375,000), including for the nuclear industry. Using advanced digital twin technology not only reduces the cost of product development and production but also significantly reduces the number of required full-scale tests by conducting a large number of digital tests on specialized rigs and testing grounds.

The project is scheduled to last three years. Currently, the scientists are developing a digital design methodology that will determine all necessary parameters (including physical ones), their mutual influence, and the final result, as well as an improved design of the mixing grid itself with improved target function performance.

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.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University participated in the Metal-Expo 2025 international industrial exhibition, presenting the latest solutions in laser, additive, and materials technologies. The university's exhibit attracted significant interest from the professional community and became a significant event for the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport.

Anatoly Popovich, Director of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Chief Designer, and Head of the Key Scientific and Technological Area "New Materials, Technologies, and Production," participated in the roundtable discussion "Metallurgy Today and Tomorrow. Challenges of the Modern Age," organized by Rosatom's Mechanical Engineering Division.

Anatoly Anatolyevich focused on SPbPU's leadership in engineering education in Russia. Currently, the Polytechnic University's educational model includes a multi-tiered training model with the ability to choose an educational pathway tailored to the needs of a specific employer. At the same time, the industrial partner is actively involved in the educational process at all stages, including developing requirements (professional competencies) for graduates during the curriculum design stage, participating in the admissions campaign (promoting applicants, implementing targeted recruitment, organizing seamless pathways in collaboration with affiliated colleges), organizing practical training at the enterprise, and conducting joint R&D.

A representative example is the corporate track created as part of the pilot five-year bachelor's degree program in the 22.03.01 "Metallurgy" program. This program includes both theoretical training with opportunities for networking and additional skills development at Cherepovets State University, as well as a six-month internship with the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification.

The Polytechnic's stand featured projects from three of the institute's research divisions: the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory, the Lightweight Materials and Structures Laboratory, and the Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Materials Research and Education Center.

Specialists from the LiAT Research Laboratory demonstrated industrial prototypes created using laser cladding, hybrid laser-arc welding, and direct laser deposition. The solutions presented included refurbished gas turbine engine components, power and aviation parts, and complex geometry samples manufactured using additive manufacturing methods.

Researchers from the Lightweight Materials and Structures Laboratory demonstrated a wheel rim printed using WAAM technology for the Magnetic Hydrodynamics Research and Production Center. It boasts increased strength and reduced weight. Forum participants also noticed a gas turbine impeller manufactured using WAAM technology for Gazprom PJSC as part of the Priority 2030 federal program. Creating the impeller using electric arc melting reduces production costs and allows for rapid configuration changes.

The Scientific and Educational Center "Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Materials" presented samples grown using selective laser melting (SLM). The developments showcased at IMMiT demonstrate its high potential for developing engineering solutions for power engineering, aviation, metallurgy, and industrial robotics.

The awards ceremony for the winners of the Young Scientists competition took place at the exhibition. This program gives talented specialists the opportunity to establish themselves, showcase fresh ideas, and introduce innovative technologies to metallurgy. Eight students and postgraduates from IMMiT were named laureates: E. O. Frolova, M. V. Larin, D. V. Kurushkin, S. A. Kuzin, L. S. Zhukova, K. A. Egorova, E. V. Volokitina, and A. A. Ananyev.

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.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Egor Ivanov and Ekaterina Romanova, students of the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education at SPbPU, won the 5th St. Petersburg Governor's Cup "Best Junior of St. Petersburg Cuisine 2025."

Professional chefs and students (juniors) from St. Petersburg, Moscow, Orenburg, and Kostroma participated in the anniversary Governor's Cup.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was represented by students from the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education, Yegor Ivanov and Ekaterina Romanova. They demonstrated excellent professional preparation and determination in a thrilling competition.

The competition task involved preparing "Novomikhaylovsky cutlets" and a dessert—two dishes from St. Petersburg cuisine, served in a restaurant setting, using recipes from 19th-century cookbooks. One of the requirements was to use a specific list of ingredients, such as chicken and fresh lemons.

The competition jury consisted of leading chefs, restaurateurs, and recognized experts in the culinary arts and hospitality industry from St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia. Among the jury members were ISPO teacher Tatyana Tsvetkova — expert of the "St. Petersburg Cuisine" project and curator of the St. Petersburg Museum of the History of Public Catering.

Our talented juniors presented a set of dishes called "Merchant's Expanse." To prepare the main course, "Novomikhaylovsky cutlets with mashed potatoes, wine apples on a cheese bed, and creamy mushroom sauce," we adapted Pelageya Alexandrova-Ignatyeva's recipe from the book "Practical Foundations of Culinary Art." The chicken was chopped using a food processor rather than by hand, the cutlets were baked in a combi-oven, and served as a side dish: mashed potatoes with sautéed onions garnished with olives; apples poached in dry red wine with sugar; cheese mousse with fresh dill; choux pastry chips; and a creamy mushroom sauce made from dried porcini mushroom powder.

The "Catherine's Ring" dessert was based on Ignatius Radetsky's recipe for "Viennese Sponge Cake" from the book "St. Petersburg Cuisine." It was complemented with a ring of mango mousse, frozen in a blast freezer, strawberry sauce, and mascarpone cream for a delicate touch. It was garnished with mint leaves, blueberries, and dragon fruit cubes, representing the dice on the merchants' tables.

The jury praised the originality of the concept and execution. As a result, Yegor and Ekaterina became winners of the 5th St. Petersburg Governor's Cup "Best Junior of St. Petersburg Cuisine – 2025."

Egor Ivanov shared his impressions of the competition with us: "I'd like to commend the top-notch organization. It was very important for me to participate in the Governor's Cup final, as our institute is actively developing "St. Petersburg cuisine." The path to victory was very challenging: passing an internal selection process, searching for and refining historical recipes numerous times. My greatest thanks go to my assistant, Ekaterina Romanova, as well as the entire coaching staff for their collaboration, and to the students, faculty, and my family for their help and support.

Teacher Anna Selifontova and mentor Alexander Kulgin organized and prepared the students for the competition. They made a significant personal contribution and demonstrated exceptional skill during training and in developing the competition dishes. The institute also thanks Tatyana Pishtokova, Head of the Department of Catering, Economics, and Service, for the opportunity for students to prepare for and participate in professional skills competitions, and Nikita Baklanov, a student, for his assistance in organizing and assembling the team.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) has completed a unique continuing education program, "Qualified Customer – Qualified Contractor: Digital Modeling in Industry." The program was developed by experts from SPbPU and the Institute of Problems of Regional Economy (IPRE RAS) with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science and the Priority 2030 program. The program was led by Yuri Fomin, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Research.

The program's primary objective is to improve skills in developing technical specifications for digital modeling projects in industry and to train qualified university specialists. Particular attention was paid to the application of artificial intelligence in digital modeling processes.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Denis Sekirinsky, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov, First Vice-Rector of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Vitaly Sergeev, Director of the Institute of Regional Economic Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexey Shmatko, and others.

At the President's direction, we are implementing a major program to develop a talent pool for management in science, technology, and higher education. The fourth cohort has already launched. The program proposed by Polytechnic University should be a key operational and substantive element of the extensive personnel work we are undertaking at the President's direction as part of the Decade of Science and Technology, Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, told the program participants.

The speaker hoped that the audience would not only gain relevant knowledge and make useful connections, but also hoped that the training would provide impetus for the development of new projects for the benefit of Russian industry. The program is aimed at training key specialists—"qualified customers"—who are able to competently formulate technical specifications for the most complex research and development projects. Without these skills, Russia will not achieve technological leadership.

The very concept of a "qualified customer" was enshrined in the federal law "On Technology Policy in the Russian Federation" in 2024. However, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has been building its interactions with high-tech companies through the format of qualified partnerships for a long time. Moreover, we not only adapted to the new norm, but also developed and successfully defended our own proven model of such partnerships at a strategic session before the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the development of our course is, on the one hand, timely, as it ultimately allows both customers and contractors to operate under the same concepts and speak the same language. On the other hand, it is a significant step in formalizing the very concept of a "qualified customer" and a direct consequence of our previous work, commented Yuri Fomin, Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU, on the relevance of the course.

A total of 68 applications were submitted for participation in the program, of which 30 were selected—representatives of academia (including representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science's personnel reserve), high-tech and knowledge-intensive businesses (for example, Gazprom Neft, Power Machines, and JSC UEC-Klimov), and the Ministry of Education and Science's personnel reserve.

A qualified client isn't just about science and development. We believe that any technology implementation should be accompanied by qualified training. Formulating a comprehensive request that integrates all aspects is the goal of developing technical specifications for students, added Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU.

Over the course of four days, participants attended lectures on computer modeling of materials and industrial AI. In particular, Alexander Sitov, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation, and Trade, delivered a lecture on the role of the state in forming strategic partnerships between qualified customers and scientific organizations. Alexey Borovkov, Director of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School and Chief Designer of the key scientific and technological area of "System Digital Engineering," spoke about the role of qualified customers and contractors in implementing advanced digital technologies at enterprises, presenting the experience of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School.

The course's students also participated in discussions on the role of the state and grant funding mechanisms. They engaged in practical work in teams supervised by leading scientists, including experts from Skoltech and the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia.

Additionally, program participants visited Geoscan's high-tech UAS production facility. As a result, program graduates acquired key competencies in developing technical specifications for complex research and development projects, deepened their knowledge of computer modeling and industrial artificial intelligence, and explored grant funding mechanisms. Through practical teamwork under the guidance of leading scientists and visits to high-tech production facilities, they learned how to build effective industrial and educational partnerships to achieve technological sovereignty in accordance with the requirements of the "qualified partnership" concept.

Participating in the program was a truly meaningful and practical experience for me. It provided a clear understanding of how clients can effectively work with contractors, and how contractors can accurately interpret the client's needs and offer well-founded solutions. The combination of analytical sessions and practical case studies was complemented by teamwork on preparing technical specifications for research and development, which allowed me to go through the entire process—from problem formulation to structuring requirements and coordinating the parties' positions. Understanding the university's role as a platform for experts, project teams, and industrial partners to meet was particularly important. I am grateful to the organizers for the high-quality content and practical focus of the training," said Leyla Gamidullaeva, Head of the Management and Public Administration Department at the Institute of Economics and Management at PSU.

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