What are the SDGs and how does RUDN University help achieve them?

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Imagine a world where everyone has enough food, clean water, access to education, and decent work. A world where nature is protected and the future of our planet is cared for. These are the Sustainable Development Goals—building a sustainable future for everyone! To this end, the United Nations (UN) identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The SDGs are a global plan that helps countries and people move together toward a better future. All 193 UN member states have signed up to them.

The goals are: no poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industrialization, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land and marine ecosystems, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for sustainable development.

Our university is the leader among all 752 Russian universities in terms of its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Strategy. In 2024, RUDN University ranked second and was included in the top five universities in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for sustainable development management, according to a study by the National Rating Agency. In the Times Higher Education Impact global ranking, we are ranked first in Russia for two SDGs: "Quality Education" and "Gender Equality." We are also among the top five universities in the country for nine more SDGs. Furthermore, we were one of seven Russian universities included in the inaugural RAEX Sustainable Development Ranking. Our university was awarded the AA rating, demonstrating a very high level of work in this area.

The greenest

RUDN University takes environmental stewardship seriously. We rightfully rank first among Russian universities and 22nd globally in the UI GreenMetric ranking, earning the title of "greenest." RUDN University was the first in the country to receive accreditation for the verification of carbon reporting, climate projects, and carbon footprints, as well as the validation of climate projects across 27 economic activities. Since 2017, the university has been implementing a project to measure the environmental situation on campus and around the university, monitoring the air, soil, and vegetation year-round.

RUDN University has transitioned to energy-saving technologies. 100% of its buildings have undergone energy audits. The university has implemented measures to reduce heat and water consumption costs, resulting in a 24,000 cubic meter reduction in water consumption in 2024 compared to 2023. The university has also implemented a waste separation system and recycles approximately 3,000 tons of waste annually.

RUDN University staff and students are also making a contribution and actively participating in wastepaper collection. In 2023, over 30 tons of paper were collected, in 2024 – over 37, and in 2025 – approximately 37 tons. This translates to 17-20 saved mature trees and 20,000-50,000 liters of saved water.

In 2025, scientists from the RUDN University Institute of Ecology developed the university's first standard for determining environmental indicators for sustainable development.

Current research

Over the past year, RUDN University researchers have published over 1,930 publications on the SDGs, most of which are on medicine. Over 600 articles are devoted to SDG 3, "Good Health and Well-Being."

For example, the research of the medical institute's scientists—Doctors of Medical Sciences Timur Fatkhudinov and Andrey Elchaninov, and Candidate of Medical Sciences Andrey Makarov—covers cell biology, inflammation, regeneration, and oncogenesis, as well as the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in molecular and cellular medicine. The research team has developed a prototype biomedical cell product for immunocellular therapy, aimed at improving the effectiveness of treating socially significant diseases, including cancer. The scientists obtained results in in vitro and in vivo disease models confirming the potential of macrophages in tumor therapy: the resulting native and polarized macrophages can be used both as a therapeutic agent and as an agent for delivering antitumor drugs to the tumor site.

But it's not just research that helps RUDN University achieve SDG-3. The university runs the "Healthy Student, Healthy Employee" program, which provides employees with free health screenings from men's and women's health specialists. And starting this year, they can also take a free course of 10 consultations with a psychologist. This is how the university cares about the health of its students and staff.

Returning to research, another popular area is SDG 2 (zero hunger). RUDN University scientists published 220 publications on this topic in 2024. For example, one study by the Institute of Ecology is devoted to the development of innovative methods in plant growing based on artificial intelligence. The scientists succeeded in developing innovative models that predict plant damage by fungal diseases based on spectral reflectance data and laboratory analysis of leaves. The models are based on machine learning algorithms and can accurately determine the extent of infestation using images obtained from drones or satellites. This approach will allow agronomists to proactively identify disease outbreaks, save time and money, and apply fungicides only where truly necessary. This will reduce environmental impacts and improve production efficiency. Furthermore, the developed technologies can be integrated into smart monitoring systems that integrate satellite data, on-site sensors, and precision farming software solutions.

Quality of education

RUDN University has also made significant progress in achieving SDG 4, "Quality Education." The university offers over 800 educational programs, including those focused on SDG topics such as "Food Security," "Energy and Resource-Saving Processes in Chemical Engineering," "Expertise in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development," "Discrimination and Gender Issues in Modern International Law," and others.

Our students study 14 languages. Seventy-two programs at the university are taught in English, French, Chinese, and Spanish. Joint master's programs and other projects are being implemented with Sber, Alfa-Bank, X5, and other strategic partners. RUDN University has over 250 cooperation agreements with international universities and research centers, and 176 joint international educational programs. Academic exchanges, internships, and scientific collaborations—the university's international activities are widespread. SDG 4 is also a research focus for RUDN University researchers. Last year, over 120 scientific articles were published on this topic, and over 20 R&D projects were completed.

Digitalization also plays a significant role in ensuring the quality and accessibility of education. RUDN University has a digital preparatory faculty, thanks to which thousands of international students have learned Russian and prepared for admission to Russian universities. Furthermore, the university has its own Multifunctional Center, which provides over 95 services—from dormitory rental agreements to registering international students for migration purposes and visa extensions. The university's mobile app includes essential student features such as student ID cards, personal progress reports, class schedules, and electronic grade books. Faculty also benefit from convenient electronic transcripts and an electronic attendance and grade book.

Over 200 laboratories operate at the university to conduct various experiments, conduct research, and prepare scientific publications. These include a VR lab at the Engineering Academy, where students can work with modern 3D projects in mechanical engineering, architecture, mining, and transportation, as well as prepare and defend their term papers and final theses with visual presentations of their work in a fully immersive virtual environment. Furthermore, over 1,300 companies collaborate with RUDN University on graduate employment opportunities. Students have numerous opportunities to complete internships at public and government organizations, industrial enterprises, and public and private clinics. These opportunities also include preparing final theses on real-world projects and company challenges, with the potential for subsequent employment.

Our university rightfully occupies a vanguard position in the global educational and scientific arena. RUDN's contribution to achieving the SDGs is, without exaggeration, endless. These aren't just words, but real achievements, confirmed by international experts.

Incidentally, it has become a good tradition to hold the International Scientific Conference "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, and Technology" annually in November at RUDN University. The conference serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and developing practical solutions for achieving the SDGs.

The main theme of 2025 is the achievement of 17 sustainable development goals by CIS member states by 2030.

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.

25 years of the Russian National Anthem

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 30, 2000, the new National Anthem of the Russian Federation was officially performed for the first time.

A few days earlier, on December 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Federal Constitutional Law "On the National Anthem of the Russian Federation" and approved the music, retaining the work of composer Alexander Alexandrov, composed back in 1939 and approved as the anthem of the USSR in 1944 by Joseph Stalin personally.

"We need an anthem with words"

After the collapse of the USSR, a melody based on M. I. Glinka's "Patriotic Song" performed without words was adopted as the anthem of the Russian Federation.

Athletes have repeatedly noted that the inability to sing their country's anthem negatively impacts morale and patriotism. Their concerns were heard in 2000 at a meeting in the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vladimir Vladimirovich drew public attention to this issue and emphasized that the legislative enshrinement of state symbols (anthem, coat of arms, and flag) should be a priority for the state.

As a result, by the end of 2000, Russia had a new anthem with lyrics by Sergei Mikhalkov, which is known to all residents of the country today.

First performance

On December 30, 2000, the country's leading politicians, prominent businessmen, and representatives of the arts gathered at the Grand Kremlin Palace for a gala reception. The meeting included the first official performance of the country's new anthem by opera and pop stars. Vladimir Putin, who delivered the speech, emphasized the importance of the country entering the new millennium with new state symbols.

Russians heard the new anthem on January 1, 2001, after the New Year's address of the President of Russia.

You can hear the Russian National Anthem performed by GUU students on our official platforms: MAH, VKontakte, and Telegram.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 30, 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.

The Faculty of Economics and Management prepared a textbook jointly with the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

At the end of 2025, the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (TASU, Republic of Uzbekistan) published a textbook, "Marketing," authored by professors from SPbGASU and TASU.

The authors from SPbGASU are Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Galina Tokunova and Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs Olga Bochkareva, and from TASU are Professor of the Department of Management Dilfuza Berdieva and Associate Professors of the Department of Management Nadira Mamatkulova and Ezoza Khaidarova.

This textbook is designed for students majoring in economics, as well as students enrolled in continuing professional education programs. It aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the marketing management system and the main marketing tools. Structurally, the textbook comprises fifteen thematic chapters that consistently explore key aspects of the subject.

The textbook became part of the educational and methodological work carried out by SPbGASU and TASU under a cooperation agreement concluded in 2006. This activity is aimed at strengthening international ties between two leading educational centers in the field of architecture and construction in Russia and Uzbekistan.

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.

Helping those in need: Blood Donor Day 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.

A two-day blood drive, "SPbPU Donor Day," was held at the Polytech Tower. The event, organized by the university's Department of Social Programs in collaboration with the City Blood Transfusion Station, collected over 44 liters of donated blood to replenish the city's medical supplies.

Students and university staff who met standard medical requirements for donors participated. As usual, volunteers from the Polytechnic University's student teams played an active role in organizing and supporting the event. They registered participants and provided assistance throughout all stages of the event.

133 people participated in the event, 99 of whom successfully donated blood. This allowed them to collect 44.55 liters of blood, as each donor can donate 450 milliliters. Representatives from all SPbPU institutes participated, demonstrating the high level of social responsibility of the Polytechnic University.

Medical specialists ensured full compliance with blood collection procedures and safety requirements. All interested participants were able to pre-register through the university's website or the official social media page.

SPbPU Blood Donor Day brings together people willing to help others. We see how one act of kindness inspires others, building a community of caring individuals. During the event, you especially feel the kindness around you and realize how many people are willing to take a step toward helping others. Over time, you become involved in the process and begin to see donation as an important and necessary part of life. Not only does it help build a vital blood supply for those in need, but it's also beneficial for the donors themselves in terms of health. And you're left with a warm and pleasant feeling from the act—only positive things, noted Diana Grigorieva, director of the event at the Polytech Tower.

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.

The government has set a new quota for the export of ferrous scrap and waste metals.

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.

Resolution of December 27, 2025 No. 2175

Document

Resolution of December 27, 2025 No. 2175

Effective January 1, 2026, the quota for exporting ferrous scrap and waste metals outside the Eurasian Economic Union will increase to 2.2 million tons. A resolution to this effect has been signed.

This quota will be in effect until December 31, 2026. This decision will allow industry participants to sell additional raw materials on the external market that are not in demand domestically.

Compared to the previous Cabinet decision, adopted in August 2025, the quota volume will increase by 400,000 tons. The quota will be distributed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade among foreign trade participants.

When exporting scrap and waste ferrous metals within the quota, the duty is 5%, but not less than 15 euros per ton; in excess of this, the duty is 5%, but not less than 290 euros per ton.

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.

The government has approved the procedure for assigning a new annual payment for families with children.

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.

Resolution of December 27, 2025 No. 2173

Document

Resolution of December 27, 2025 No. 2173

An annual family payment will be introduced in Russia starting in 2026. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree establishing the procedure for its implementation.

This additional support will be available to every working parent with two or more children under 18 or under 23 enrolled full-time. The family's per capita income must be less than one and a half times the regional subsistence minimum.

The payment will be made in a lump sum at the end of the year. It will amount to more than half of the parents' personal income tax, which will be recalculated at a reduced rate of 6%, and the difference will be refunded.

Applications for the 2025 payment can be submitted after the end of the tax reporting period—between June 1 and October 1, 2026. This can be done through the government services portal, at a multifunctional center (MFC), or at a Social Fund office.

The federal budget allocates almost 120 billion rubles for these purposes in 2026, more than 128 billion rubles in 2027, and over 138 billion rubles in 2028.

Federal Law "On the annual family payment to citizens of the Russian Federation with two or more children" was developed by the Government and signed by the President in 2024.

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.

The government approved the regulations on the commission for the implementation of state national policy

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.

Resolution of December 25, 2025 No. 2125

Document

Resolution of December 25, 2025 No. 2125

A special government commission will be responsible for implementing the state's national policy. A resolution establishing it has been signed.

The main goal of the new structure will be to ensure coordinated actions by federal and regional authorities and organizations to develop unified approaches to the implementation of state national policy, as well as to develop areas for improving legal regulation in this area, develop measures to strengthen the unity of the multinational people of Russia and the ethnocultural development of the peoples of Russia, the formation of an all-Russian civic identity, civic unity and patriotism, and ensure interethnic and interreligious harmony.

The President ordered the formation of a Government Commission on the Implementation of State National Policy following a meeting of the Council on Interethnic Relations held on November 5, 2025. The draft resolution on the creation of the commission was approved. at the Government meeting on December 24.

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.

A research team from the Gazpromneft-NSU Scientific and Educational Center conducted synchrotron studies of hydraulic fractures at the KISI-Kurchatov facility in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The work was carried out at the MEDIANA experimental station, designed for synchrotron X-ray microtomography research. The purpose of the trip was to study the creep of hydraulic fracturing (HF) fractures, which is caused by proppant intrusion into the rock under lithostatic pressure. This process leads to a decrease in fracture opening and deterioration of reservoir filtration properties. Although the creep effect is widely observed both in oil fields and in laboratory conditions, its mechanisms at the pore-space scale remain poorly understood.

To visualize and analyze this process, synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used, allowing for non-destructive investigation of the evolution of the core's internal structure and the spatial distribution of proppant. Experiments were conducted on core samples with an artificial fracture filled with proppant. The samples were placed in a specialized high-pressure, X-ray-transparent cell, which simulated reservoir conditions.

The obtained experimental data are planned to be used to analyze the mechanisms of hydraulic fracture degradation, as well as to clarify the influence of rock creep on the filtration properties of fractured reservoirs. The research results will be used to construct digital core models and reduce uncertainty in assessing the properties of oil and gas reservoirs.

The trip was funded by a grant from the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, aimed at developing infrastructure and methods for using synchrotron radiation to solve problems related to the extraction of hard-to-recover oil and gas reserves. The project involves developing and testing new approaches to digital and in-situ studies of core and fluids in oil and gas reservoirs, including experiments in specialized cells simulating reservoir conditions, as well as methods for studying non-stationary filtration and geomechanical processes.

The research trip was attended by Mikhail Fokin, a research fellow at the Gazpromneft-NSU Scientific and Educational Center, Alexey Novoselov, a research fellow at the Gazpromneft-NSU Scientific and Educational Center, and E.S. Kovalenko and A.A. Kaloyan, research fellows at KISI-Kurchatov.

Explanations for the images:

Image #2: A high-pressure radiolucent cell with a core sample mounted on the turntable of the MEDIANA station. Images #3, 4: Three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of a core sample with a fracture filled with proppant. Image #4: Central slice of a three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of a core with a fracture filled with proppant, obtained at different points in time during the experiment.

The event was implemented within the framework of the grant of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia No. 075-15-2025-510

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 Strengthens Partnership with Leading Chinese Universities: Results of Visits by Chinese Delegations

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Visit of the delegation of Shandong Polytechnic University

A delegation from Shandong University of Technology paid a working visit to St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The meeting focused on deepening partnerships, exploring new educational models amid the transformation of the two countries' higher education systems, and developing research collaboration.

The visit began with talks at the International Activities Resource Center. The key topic was the discussion of an ambitious project—the creation of a joint institute. The parties also discussed a wide range of opportunities for collaboration, focusing on developing flexible frameworks for implementing joint educational programs. Their Chinese colleagues expressed significant interest in the "4.2" model: four years of study in China leading to a diploma from Shandong Polytechnic University, followed by two years of study at SPbPU in a specialist's program, which is equivalent to a master's degree in China. More traditional, but no less relevant, formats were also discussed in detail: the "2.2" and "3.1" bachelor's programs, the "1.1" master's program, as well as the expansion of academic mobility programs and student participation in summer and winter schools at the two universities.

"During our constructive dialogue, we not only exchanged views on the current situation but also focused on finding practical, viable solutions," noted Vladimir Khizhnyak, Head of the International Cooperation Department. "Changes in the regulatory framework present new challenges, but also create new opportunities for creatively reshaping cooperation with our key partners in Asia."

The second part of the visit included a tour of the Polytechnic University's scientific infrastructure. The delegation visited the laboratories of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems and Control, where Vyacheslav Potekhin, Deputy Director of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems and Control, presented the university's research potential. The parties outlined steps for developing scientific cooperation, including preparing joint publications and submitting grant applications under bilateral intergovernmental programs.

The Chinese partners expressed interest in developing cooperation in a number of strategic areas that correspond to the profile of both universities, such as automotive engineering and new energy sources, mechanical engineering, new materials, electronics and artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

This visit strengthened the mutual understanding between SPbPU and Shandong Polytechnic University and laid a solid foundation for taking the partnership to a new level in the coming years.

Working visits by delegations from two leading Chinese universities—Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and Southeastern University—took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Both meetings focused on deepening long-standing cooperation and launching new joint initiatives in key areas of science and education.

Strategic Reset with Harbin Institute of Technology

The delegation from HIT, one of China's oldest and most respected technical universities, was led by Vice-Rector Fan Feng. The two sides have a long-standing partnership dating back to 2012. They particularly noted their successful collaboration in new materials, energy sources, and aerospace, including joint work on the development of small satellites.

The key topic of the talks was developing cooperation in civil engineering, architecture, and urban planning for cold climates and the Arctic. The Chinese side presented a comprehensive roadmap based on three pillars.

Joint training of personnel: launching dual degree programs under the "3.1" and "4.0" schemes, deepening cooperation in graduate programs, and organizing thematic schools. Creation of scientific platforms: inviting SPbPU experts to join the newly established Chinese-Russian laboratory on construction technologies for cold regions, access to HPU's unique infrastructure for space materials testing. Academic mobility: establishing regular exchanges of professors and researchers to deliver lectures and jointly develop courses.

New partnership with Southeastern University

Just a few days later, a delegation from Southeast University (Nanjing), led by Vice President Qiu Haibo, paid its first official visit to SPbPU. The meeting resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the foundation for future cooperation.

The parties identified priority areas for joint work.

Biotechnology Automation, robotics and AI Energy, ecology and electrical engineering Civil engineering and transport systems Russian language and linguistics

Agreements were reached on developing models for joint educational programs, student exchanges through winter and summer schools, and developing contacts between specialized scientific laboratories and institutes.

Both visits demonstrated SPbPU's dynamic strategy for developing cooperation with China's leading technical universities. While the visit with Harbin Institute of Technology is aimed at "resetting" and deepening the long-standing strategic partnership with a focus on Arctic and space technologies, the visit with Southeast University laid the foundation for a new, promising alliance with a strong biomedical and IT component.

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.

Tangerine Boom: Polytechnic University Brings New Year's Spirit

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On New Year's Eve, a special atmosphere reigned within the walls of SPbPU—the university was immersed in a pre-New Year's fairy tale thanks to the annual "Tangerine Boom" event. For several years now, this event has become a true island of joy for students amidst the stress of their studies.

The festival was initiated by Super-Kultorgs with the support of PROF. The main goal of the event was to give students a dose of New Year's spirit through the familiar aroma of tangerines. And judging by the sparkling eyes and sincere smiles, the idea was a complete success.

The celebration took place at six locations across the university: Main Building; Building 1; Building 3; Building 16; Building 50; and the Hydrotechnical Building.

In one day, students received a whopping 65 kilograms of juicy citrus fruits. Add to that the ton of tangerines the United Student Dormitory Council distributed to campus residents, and the scale of the event is astounding.

What made this day truly magical?

First, the atmosphere. The hallways and corridors were filled with the inimitable scent of tangerines—the very scent that instantly transports you back to childhood, to a decorated Christmas tree and the anticipation of miracles.

Secondly, there was human warmth. The cultural workers didn't just hand out fruit—they interacted with the students, joked, and wished them a happy holiday. These simple moments are what truly create a festive atmosphere.

Third, the element of surprise. For many, receiving a tangerine in the middle of the school day was a pleasant surprise, allowing them to momentarily forget about deadlines and exams.

The "Tangerine Boom" reminded everyone that student life isn't just about notes and lab work. It's also about those moments when one small act can unite hundreds of people in anticipation of a miracle.

Such events create a sense of community among students, help relieve emotional stress during exam periods, foster warm memories of their student years, and strengthen the traditions of university life.

And while tangerines may be just a fruit, in the context of the "Tangerine Boom" they become a symbol of the New Year's magic we create ourselves. This means the tradition will certainly continue at the Polytechnic University next year.

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.