Financial news: 11/17/2025, 11:00 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A100DG5 (EuroplanB6) security were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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November 17, 2025

11:00

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC), on 17.11.2025, 11-00 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 124.12) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 566.65 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) for the RU000A100DG5 (EuroplanB6) security were changed.

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.

Russian Railways has extended discounts for the transportation of a wide range of goods until 2026.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

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What discounts are we talking about:

50% – for domestic transportation of a number of goods over short distances, for imported transportation of fruit and vegetable products from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, transportation of fuel to the Otvaga station and a number of port stations of the Azov-Black Sea basin with subsequent delivery of the cargo to stations of the Crimean railway;

16.4% – for transportation of passenger cars in specialized wagons from the Far East to Moscow Railway stations, in addition;

20% – on the transportation of mineral water and carbonated drinks from the Irkutsk and Batareynaya stations in the Moscow region, discounts on the transportation of copper, copper-zinc ore and pipe blanks from a number of stations;

50% – for the transportation of ferrous metals in wagons if they pass through Russian-Kazakh border stations and then through the Turkmen Sarakhs or Akyayla along the “eastern” route of the ITC;

20% – for export-import container transportation through Russian-Kazakh border crossings subject to passage through the Bolashak-Serkhetyak border crossing;

50% – for the transportation of a number of goods for export through the Samur border crossing along the western route;

20.4% – for export-import transportation in refrigerated containers to the Astara station via Samur;

50% – for the transportation of ferrous metals through the Samur border crossing on the border with Azerbaijan and further through the Azerbaijani-Georgian border;

8.9% – for export transportation of grain and leguminous crops in wagons along the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor in the direction of Iran.

The validity of a number of tariff decisions aimed at attracting freight transport along the North-South International Transport Corridor is also being extended.

Discounts of up to 50% on passenger car transportation in specialized rolling stock from a number of stations in the European part of the country, depending on the distance of the journey, will also remain in effect until the end of 2028.

Transport and logistics http://t.te/transportandlogistic

Publication date: 11/17/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The first St. Petersburg Forum of Continuing Professional Education was held at the Polytechnic University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The first St. Petersburg Forum on Continuing Professional Education was held at the Polytechnic University. It focused on the practical development and implementation of continuing professional education programs based on Russian software. Participants explored the potential for integrating IT companies into the educational process, platform solutions, and teacher training to jointly shape the educational technology market of the future.

The forum was held as part of the "Priority 2030" strategic academic leadership program, where the creation and development of new models of continuing professional education is one of the university's priority areas of development. In this context, participants were presented with promising developments at SPbPU, including proprietary software simulators for engineering training, specialized educational kits for specialized schools, and adapted professional retraining programs for SVO participants. These projects demonstrate the transition toward creating a comprehensive ecosystem of practice-oriented educational products aimed at ensuring the country's technological sovereignty.

The forum was attended by leading experts in continuing professional education, representatives of executive authorities, leading domestic software developers, representatives of public organizations, universities, colleges, and schools.

"The role of continuing professional education has significantly increased, and without its development, it's impossible to quickly overcome staffing shortages. As a university actively working in this field, we recognized the acute need for a unified discussion platform in St. Petersburg—this is what prompted us to initiate this forum," emphasized Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU.

The forum's key event was the plenary session, which featured speeches by Andrey Lavrov, Senior Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics; Mikhail Shepel, Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at Tomsk State University; Ekaterina Sklyarenko, Head of Marketing at hh.ru Northwest; and Olga Chebunina, CEO of Agropromtsifra JSC and Deputy Chair of the Agricultural Research Center. During the panel discussion, participants discussed labor market trends, the digitalization of education, and ways to integrate continuing education into the educational process.

Continuing education isn't just a way to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies; it's a way to solve business problems. Universities are now creating problem-based continuing education. When a business encounters a problem, the university finds solutions and immediately trains employees to do so. We believe this model of continuing education is very promising, noted HSE Senior Director Andrey Lavrov.

In today's world, new technologies are emerging at a rapid pace, so it's important to quickly adapt specialists to these changes. DPO programs are very helpful in this regard, emphasized Olga Chebunina, CEO of JSC Agropromtsifra and Deputy Chair of the Agricultural Research Center.

Following the plenary session, work continued in thematic sections, where discussions of DPO issues became more substantive and focused on specific areas.

Leonid Potapov, Head of ITAT Educational Program Development at Gazprom Neft, moderated the breakout session "Engineering Technologies and Domestic Software." The discussion focused on creating a holistic ecosystem for IT personnel training. Key aspects included integrating Russian software into educational programs and developing a practice-oriented approach to teaching. Particular attention was paid to building effective collaboration between universities and businesses to develop relevant competencies in students, as well as independent assessment of specialist qualifications through a voluntary certification system. All of this is aimed at developing a sustainable talent pool for the industry in the context of import substitution.

Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education at SPbPU, moderated the track "Continuing Professional Education as a Tool for Implementing National Projects and Achieving Technological Leadership." The track discussed the systemic role of continuing professional education in addressing large-scale national challenges. A key focus of the discussion was the need to develop a unified state-corporate architecture for continuing professional education, ensuring the standardization of competencies and the development of networked educational models. Participants emphasized that achieving technological sovereignty is impossible without close integration between the government, business, and educational institutions.

Pavel Kozlovsky, the project's chief engineer and the Scientific Laboratory for Strategic Development of Engineering Markets at the St. Petersburg Polytechnical School, moderated the section "The Production Framework for Continuing Professional Education." The key topic was building close integration between manufacturing companies, corporate clients, and educational institutions to develop practice-oriented programs. Participants emphasized the importance of adapting educational content to current technological trends, including the integration of domestic digital solutions and the development of data skills. This, taken together, forms a solid foundation for training highly qualified next-generation engineering professionals.

The "Innovative Educational Technologies in Continuing Professional Education" track discussed the practical application of modern digital tools to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of learning. Denis Kirikov, CEO of the Unmanned Aviation School, moderated the session. Participants examined specific case studies—from a management decision simulator for knowledge-intensive industries and virtual labs for engineering disciplines to the use of autonomous robots in education—demonstrating how these technologies are transforming the educational process.

The discussion focused on the development of an adaptive and practice-oriented training system within the "Characteristics of Modern Cybersecurity Education in an Industry-Specific Context" track. Denis Ivanov, Associate Professor at the SPbPU Higher School of Cybersecurity, moderated the session. A key topic was the need for close synergy between universities and the business community to develop educational programs that not only provide fundamental knowledge but also address specific industry requirements. Participants placed particular emphasis on integrating domestic solutions and standards into the educational process, which enables the development of specialists prepared for work in an import substitution environment and able to meet the challenges of modern cybersecurity.

A significant highlight of the forum was a large-scale exhibition area, showcasing developments from both the Polytechnic University itself and leading industry companies. SPbPU presented its solutions from the Advanced Engineering School, the Higher Engineering School, the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education, the Higher School of Power Engineering, and the Physics Department. External vendors included Bazalt SPO, UAVPROF, MGBOT, Razvitie, and Medviar. Visitors were able to not only learn about the latest developments in educational technology but also test them in real time, allowing them to evaluate the practical value of the solutions presented.

The forum also saw the signing of significant cooperation agreements. SPbPU and WINNUM, a developer of domestic software and equipment for digital production monitoring based on Industrial Internet of Things technologies, entered into a partnership agreement. This collaboration will enable the development of modern forms of supplementary education, the creation of new-generation research laboratories, and the incorporation of unique knowledge into the educational process.

The strategic alliance with Basalt SPO was also strengthened. At the ceremony, leading faculty members from the SPbPU Higher School of Engineering received "Basalt SPO Certification Expert" certificates, making Polytechnic the first educational center in Russia capable of certifying faculty for authorized training on the company's products. These agreements laid the foundation for training a new generation of IT specialists and developing the Industrial IoT.

Special attention was given to continuing professional education for participants in the special military operation. A comprehensive approach to supporting military personnel and their families was discussed at the closed panel entitled "SVO – Service, Labor, and Return to Civilian Life." Of particular importance in working with veterans is the creation of a comprehensive system of professional adaptation, where training programs are directly linked to subsequent employment. Irina Drozdenko, Director of the Leningrad Region Multicenter for Social and Labor Integration, participated in the discussion and presented a comprehensive support model that unites educational institutions and social services into a single coordination mechanism. The discussion focused on interagency cooperation and the development of personalized career paths to ensure a smooth and successful transition for military personnel to civilian professional activity.

The 1st St. Petersburg Forum on Continuing Professional Education allowed representatives of educational organizations and businesses to exchange experiences and find solutions for improving the quality of continuing professional education programs and their implementation in all sectors.

The forum's key objective was to bring together representatives from government, educational institutions, industry, and software vendors. This allowed participants not only to present their models and mechanisms but also to collaborate on new ideas. Another key goal was to create a strong partnership between qualified customers and qualified providers. This approach is critical to accelerating the market entry of continuing education programs, noted Dmitry Tikhonov.

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.

RUDN University students will participate in the International Interreligious Youth Forum

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The International Interreligious Youth Forum will be held on November 23 at the National Center "Russia." Sixty RUDN University students—future political scientists, philosophers, historians, and regional studies specialists whose professional expertise is directly related to the event's theme—will participate.

"For students, the International Interreligious Youth Forum is a workshop on public diplomacy and conflict prevention, a hands-on experience with identity, values, and religious communities, and a chance to establish useful professional contacts," says Amil Veliev, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Political Science at RUDN University.

The forum was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The key goals of the event are to strengthen spiritual and moral foundations among young people, promote interfaith and secular dialogue, and build international ties. Over 1,000 students from various universities across the country and over 100 experts are expected to participate.

The forum will feature discussions on relevant topics, including: "Eternal Values in the Age of Smartphones," "Science and Religion: Antagonism, Coexistence, or Mutual Assistance," "Artificial Intelligence and Religion," and "Faith 'Beyond the Tape': The Experience of Spiritual Service in the SVO Zone." Participants will also meet with leaders of centralized religious organizations and enjoy an exhibition program dedicated to traditional Russian culture.

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.

Internship for KRSU teachers and students at the Polytechnic: exchange of experience and skills

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

As part of the implementation of the "Roadmap" of joint activities between SPbPU and KRSU for the development of engineering education at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B.N. Yeltsin, a scientific and educational internship was held for faculty and students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Construction at the institutes and laboratories of the Polytechnic University.

Eight faculty members, a graduate student, and eleven students spent a week actively collaborating at four SPbPU institutes: Civil Engineering, Physics and Mechanics, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport. Each had their own, yet highly intensive, internship program. For the faculty, this included familiarizing themselves with the laboratories, studying teaching materials, and coordinating plans for joint work and projects. For the students, this included working in the laboratories, attending lectures and practical classes in their respective fields, and learning about the work of SPbPU's industrial partners.

Teachers and students from the "Construction", "Technosphere Safety", "Architecture" and "Architectural Environment Design" departments of the Federal Agency for Architecture and Construction of KRSU completed internships at the Civil Engineering Institute.

The internship began with an official meeting with the institute's leadership, which was attended by KRSU faculty members: Department of Ecology and Emergency Management (Head Erik Mambetov and Associate Professor Ermek Sharsheev); Department of Construction (Head Elmira Sardarbekova and Senior Lecturer Ivan Chernykh-Rashevsky); and Department of Architectural Environmental Design (Head Beisen Kariev).

The Civil Engineering Institute was represented by Marina Petrochenko, Director; Maxim Terekh, Deputy Director for Academic and Methodological Work; Asiyat Eliseeva, Deputy Director for Academic Process Organization and Student Affairs; Yuri Lazarev, Director of the Higher School of Public Administration and Design; Galina Kozinets, Director of the Higher School of Public Administration and Design; Andrey Andreev, Director of the Higher School of Technical and Architecture; Margarita Perkova, Director of the Higher School of Design and Architecture; and Mikhail Romanov, Responsible for International Affairs at the Institute of Civil Engineering. The guests were introduced to the infrastructure and key areas of educational and research activities at the Institute of Civil Engineering, exchanged information on research areas and educational opportunities for joint activities, and discussed organizational matters.

KRSU faculty held a series of meetings and joint working sessions with colleagues from relevant ISI Higher Schools. They discussed joint research, the implementation of educational programs within the framework of academic mobility, inter-university interdisciplinary final qualifying theses, and also worked on joint publication and project activities.

A meeting was organized for KRSU students majoring in Technosphere Safety with Mikhail Ryabukhin, head of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps, and Oleg Savoshinsky, head of the SPbPU Civil Safety Department. The students also visited the St. Petersburg State University of the State Fire Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia named after Hero of the Russian Federation, General of the Army E. N. Zinichev.

A master class on modeling buildings and structures using construction information modeling technologies, a master class on laser scanning, and a master class on visualizing design concepts using neural networks were organized for students majoring in Construction and Architectural Environment Design. KRSU students began implementing the first project of the student design bureau, sponsored by the IRBIS engineering corporation.

Beishembek Ashirbaev, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, completed an internship at the Institute of Physics and Mechanics at SPbPU. Over the course of a week, colleagues from KRSU visited the institute's laboratories and participated in scientific seminars at the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics.

A meeting was held with Maxim Frolov, Director of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics, and Konstantin Kozlov, Head of the Applied Mathematics and Computer Science educational program. The partners discussed the program's implementation and the potential for KRSU undergraduate students to complete a semester-long internship within the program.

KRSU representatives visited the Mathematical Biology and Bioinformatics Research Laboratory. They were shown equipment used to extract plant and fungal DNA. They discussed technologies for obtaining experimental data and its mathematical processing using machine learning. They also visited laboratories at the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics, where they learned about the operating principles of wind tunnels and shock tunnels and were shown several experiments.

A seminar on current research topics was held with the participation of Maxim Frolov. Faculty from the Institute of Physics and Mechanics presented their priority research areas, tasks, and projects to their colleagues from Kyrgyzstan. Another seminar was led by Sergei Lupulyak, Head of the Virtual Simulation Research Laboratory at the Institute of Physics and Mechanics. The seminar discussed the development of software for modeling various physical processes in the petrochemical, gas, and aerospace industries.

"Transport Process Technologies" and "Software Engineering" are two other areas where KRSU students and faculty have completed internships.

The internship for third-year undergraduate students of the Faculty of Engineering and Materials Science of KRSU, Ariadna Aksenova and Yulia Klets, lasted two weeks and took place at the Higher School of Transport with the participation of specialists from the Laboratory of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (for the Aircraft, Shipbuilding, and Innovative Transport Industries) of the Institute of Metallurgy and Transport.

Students gained unique experience and new professional skills, actively engaged in building traffic models, which allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of traffic flow dynamics and the impact of various factors on their operation. The knowledge gained will form the basis for further study of complex transportation systems and the development of effective solutions for traffic optimization.

Furthermore, the students mastered geographic information systems, enabling them to visualize and analyze spatial data related to transport infrastructure. Introduction to transport macromodels was an important part of their training, as they enable higher-level traffic flow forecasting and informed decision-making in urban planning and transport management. The skills and knowledge they acquire will contribute to their professional development and prepare them for a successful career in transportation engineering.

The issue of adapting and aligning the curricula of SPbPU and KRSU in the areas of "Transport Process Technology" and "Transport Logistics" was also addressed. Dmitry Glazunov, Professor of the Department of Automobile Transport at KRSU's Faculty of Economics, held several meetings with Alexey Grachev, Director of the Higher School of Transport, and Dmitry Plotnikov, Associate Professor at the School. Glazunov learned about the infrastructure of the higher school, the course work plans for the educational areas, and discussed with colleagues options for aligning the curricula in the specialized areas to enable KRSU students to complete a semester of study at the Polytechnic University as part of the network educational program.

Tariel Jalalbekov and Eldin Nazhimidinov, two first-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering at KRSU, spent two weeks exploring the educational and scientific opportunities at the Polytechnic University. As part of the advanced IT education program "Development of System and Application Software for Modern Information Storage and Transmission Systems," implemented by the Higher School of Software Engineering at the Institute of Information Systems and Computer Science at SPbPU, the KRSU students attended lectures and workshops on algorithmization and programming, and participated in seminars organized by the program's industrial partners.

The students also learned about the Polytechnic's history, campus, and infrastructure. Following their first year at KRSU (2025/26 academic year), the possibility of organizing a semester-long course for these two students at the Polytechnic University in the same advanced IT education program will be considered.

In parallel with the student educational internship, Natalia Lychenko, Head of the Department of Information and Computational Technologies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering at KRSU, completed an internship at the Higher School of Software Engineering at the Institute of Software Engineering and Science. She studied the curricula and teaching materials for the Software Engineering program to more fully and seamlessly integrate the respective educational programs at SPbPU and KRSU. An agreement was reached to further develop a networked master's program and a joint undergraduate program in Software Engineering, with the potential launch of both programs in the 2026/27 academic year. The master's program will include lecturers from the Polytechnic University, while the undergraduate program will include one to two semesters of full-time study at SPbPU.

We highly value our partnership with the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University and are pleased with the successful completion of the internship. During this week, KRSU faculty not only exchanged professional experience but also began implementing research initiatives. It was especially valuable that the students immediately applied their acquired knowledge to a real-world project at IRBIS Engineering Corporation. I am confident that such educational projects make a significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation and training highly qualified specialists for the construction industry, noted Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering.

On the final day of the internship, a working meeting was held via videoconference between Yuri Fomin, Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU, and Evgeny Shekunov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at KRSU. Representatives of SPbPU and KRSU research groups involved in joint research projects also participated in the meeting. The colleagues discussed the current results of the SPbPU-KRSU Roadmap activities related to research, agreed on work plans for the remainder of the year, and outlined promising activities for 2026.

All faculty and students of the B.N. Yeltsin Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University received certificates of completion of a scientific or educational internship at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

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.

"Finance and Business Management": a joint educational program with KubSAU has been launched.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On November 14, the Kuban State Agrarian University's online bachelor's degree program, offering two qualifications—economics and management—in a single diploma, concluded its on-site module at the State University of Management.

The educational program opened on November 10 with a presentation by Dmitry Bryukhanov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the Kuban State Agricultural University, and Alexander Adamenko, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Credit at Kuban State Agricultural University. They explained that the joint project between the two universities is designed for undergraduate students in Economics and Management. Graduates will earn two qualifications in four years, significantly enhancing their competitiveness as specialists not only in Kuban but also in Moscow.

During a rigorous educational module at one of the country's top management universities, students were introduced to project-based activities, engaging in educational case studies and business games, and tours of the Moscow Kremlin, the Federation Council, the State Duma, and Planet KVN. Kuban students participated in SUM's Career Day, the 3rd Interuniversity Book Club Festival "Living Hat," and played volleyball with our students. A key feature of the online educational program is that the third year is held at SUM's Moscow campus, giving students the opportunity to work with practicing instructors, engage in real-world problem-solving, and utilize our university's extensive infrastructure.

The Finance and Business Management program combines fundamental economic disciplines with management and entrepreneurial practices. Students study English to an advanced level and can choose a second foreign language—Chinese. Additionally, through KubSAU's Digital Department, they can earn a third qualification in IT management and digital economics.

In short, KubSAU provides an academic foundation and regional context, while SUM provides management expertise, practice-oriented modules, and access to Moscow's professional environment. The combination of these resources creates a new model of economic education, where graduates enter the labor market prepared to manage projects, analyze financial processes, and build a career at the federal level.

"The SUM development strategy involves strengthening cooperation with regional universities and research organizations, including the creation of unified databases across various areas of work, and expanding this experience to include collaboration with educational institutions in the post-Soviet space and the Union State," noted SUM Rector Vladimir Stroyev.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 16, 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.

A lecturer at the RUDN University Engineering Academy spoke about her work

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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What's a typical day like for a professor at the RUDN University Engineering Academy? We spoke with one of them and shared her thoughts. On weekday mornings, Galina Erikovna Okolnikova, PhD in Engineering and Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Technologies and Structural Materials, wakes up around 6:30 AM. For her, this time is a time of silence and concentration.

Typically, a teacher starts the day with a cup of coffee and a quick check of email: responding to emails from students and graduate students, checking reports or course project materials. If there's little time left before the lecture, she reviews slides, updates illustrations, and adds fresh examples from recent research or real-world engineering projects.

Tests and calculations

Galina Erikovna teaches several courses, including "Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures," "Special Course in Reinforced Concrete Structures," "Engineering Structures," as well as "Design of Specialized Engineering Structures," "Design of Bridges and Overpasses," and "Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures." A typical day for the instructor includes two to three lectures, periodically accompanied by a practical lesson.

"Practical classes can follow lectures. For example, in the Building Materials and Structures Lab, students test concrete and reinforcement samples. We examine the strength of concrete cubes, documenting the appearance of initial cracks and the nature of failure. Students are particularly interested in experiments with high-strength concrete, especially when comparing standard mixtures with modified mixtures containing fiber. Without fiber, such samples often fail instantly during testing, literally 'exploding' upon reaching their ultimate strength, whereas fiber-reinforced concrete is significantly more resilient, demonstrating plasticity and controlled crack formation," says Galina Okolnikova.

According to the instructor, during the classes, students also master non-destructive testing methods, learning to operate instruments that measure the strength and density of concrete without damaging the specimen. This helps them better understand the real-world practice of structural diagnostics on construction sites and during building inspections.

"During practical classes, students not only master theory but also perform comprehensive structural calculations. They learn to select reinforcement, determine its diameter and spacing, calculate the strength and stiffness of elements, and then present the results in the form of design drawings. This approach allows them to understand the relationship between the calculation model, the design solution, and actual engineering documentation," says Galina Okolnikova.

Unexpected cracks

Galina Erikovna recalls that she and her students once conducted a series of tests in the laboratory on beams with different types of reinforcement cages to evaluate their performance under transverse loads.

"In one of the specimens, upon reaching the design moment, cracks began to develop not in the tension zone, as expected, but diagonally, intersecting the compressed portion of the section. We paused the test, recorded the crack formation pattern, measured the crack angles, and noted how the stress distribution in the reinforcement changed. Afterward, the class discussed why the diagonal cracks formed earlier than predicted by the models and how the stirrup placement influenced this. This case became a good example for subsequent laboratory exercises and the analysis of the behavior of reinforced concrete elements in ultimate states," says Galina Okolnikova.

Galina Erikovna also leads the professional student and scientific student society "Composites and Nanocomposites." The "Composites and Nanocomposites" professional student and scientific student society is a club for future civil engineers researching technologies for producing modern building materials with predetermined properties: fiber-reinforced concrete, cinder concrete, textile-reinforced concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete (expanded polystyrene concrete), polymer concrete, cautons, nanoconcretes for 3D printing, and wood-based composites.

"A special place in my work is devoted to research with postgraduate students (I have over 30 of them) and master's students. Currently, we conduct research with postgraduate students in the field of materials science: we are developing and studying the properties of new high-strength concrete compositions, fiber-reinforced concrete, polymer concrete based on liquid rubber (cautones), concrete using industrial and agricultural waste, and wood-based composites. We also study the stress-strain state of structures reinforced with external reinforcement systems; the specific features of the combined operation of reinforced concrete structures and permanent formwork; and the operating mechanism of dowel joints in wooden structures modified with composite materials," says Galina Okolnikova.

According to the professor, undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Construction Technology and Structural Materials actively participate in research project competitions, international forums and exhibitions, and international conferences, publish articles in VAK and Scopus journals, and receive grants.

Always in touch

Galina Erikovna notes that students sometimes stay in the labs or office after class, asking her questions and asking for clarification on project calculations. She also stays in touch via email and instant messaging, where she also answers questions about diploma and course projects and provides literature recommendations. Once every two weeks, the teacher holds an hour-long consultation—students come to discuss drawings, calculation details, reinforcement selection, or clarify the specifics of GOSTs and standards for design projects.

"Every month, I organize a scientific seminar for the Department of Industrial and Civil Engineering, attended by renowned world-class scientists. I invite undergraduate and graduate students, and colleagues to discuss recent publications and modern research in the field of construction. These meetings help connect theoretical knowledge with practice and demonstrate how research results are applied in real-world projects," says Galina Okolnikova.

According to Galina Erikovna, this connection is especially evident during off-site events and excursions. Recently, for example, they took a trip to the MonArch Innovation Technologies Plant, where students were able to see production processes, testing equipment, and modern technologies in action.

"I participated in this excursion as the department's responsible person, and for the students, it was a great addition to the lab classes and project calculations they complete at the university," says Galina Okolnikova.

Moscow through the lens

To take a break from her work, Galina Erikovna spends her time photographing Moscow's architectural landmarks—the facades of ancient buildings, bridges, structures, and unusual cladding solutions. As the teacher emphasizes, this is both a creative passion and a way to see structures from a different perspective—not only from an engineering perspective, but also as a visual expression of form and aesthetics.

"I also enjoy nature walks—short forays through Moscow parks or out of town—listening to the silence and occasionally taking notes for publications or lectures in the fresh air. I also love going to the theater, visiting art galleries and museums—such outings broaden my horizons and provide new experiences that sometimes inspire both teaching and research. Sometimes in the evenings, I read fiction or listen to music to unwind after a busy day of technical work; I regularly go to the gym and swim in the pool," says Galina Okolnikova.

According to the teacher, by 6:30–7:00 PM on weekdays, she tries to complete her work cycle: writing out tasks for tomorrow, checking email again, and preparing a draft of a lecture or assignment. Before bed, she drinks a cup of tea and reads or skims through articles on professional topics.

"And, of course, I'm busy planning: mentally planning the next day, including discussions with colleagues, suggestions for improving the course, or new ideas for graduate students' research," says Galina Okolnikova.

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 rector of Cuba's leading technological university visited the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A delegation from Cuba's leading technical university, the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría" (CUJAE), led by Rector Marta Dunia Delgado Dapena, paid an official visit to Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

The Cuban guests met with SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev, Director of the Institute of Energy Viktor Barskov, and Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko. They discussed the development of a strategic partnership between the universities.

"Cuba isn't just a friendly country for Russia; it's an incredibly bright image we all imbibed in our youth. Cuba is vibrant, creative, and youthful, with unique energy and potential. I'm confident that our countries will soon embark on a new round of joint activities, and I'm proud that Polytechnic University, as always, is at the forefront of this work!" Andrey Rudskoy greeted his colleagues from Havana.

The delegation visited the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Institute of Power Engineering. They were met at the Institute by Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Institute; Maxim Terekh, Deputy Director for Academic and Methodological Work; Mikhail Romanov, Person in Charge of International Affairs; Vyacheslav Burlov, Professor of the Higher School of Technosphere Safety; Maxim Polyukhnovich, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Technical and Biological Safety; Yulia Logvinova, Senior Lecturer; and Yegor Melekhin, Assistant Professor of the Higher School of Industrial, Civil, and Road Construction. Representatives of SPbPU's international services also participated in the event: Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, Head of the Department of International Interuniversity Cooperation; Taisiya Kletskina, Specialist; and Leoandris Martinez Serrano, a graduate student of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management and a Cuban citizen studying at the Polytechnic University.

Colleagues from CUJAE learned about the "MetaCampus Polytech" scientific and educational project being implemented at the institute. Egor Melekhin presented the concept of a digital twin of the university campus, developed by ISI students and faculty, and demonstrated the functionality of the digital platform that provides comprehensive management of the university's property assets—from classroom reservations and space occupancy analysis to space functional analysis. Marina Petrochenko discussed the institute's organizational structure, key scientific and educational areas, and the history and prospects of collaboration between ISI and CUJAE.

The discussion focused on the implementation of a joint international educational project on digital modeling of cultural heritage sites in Russia and Cuba, aimed at their digitalization, preservation, and restoration using modern BIM technologies. Special attention was given to the joint research project "Development of a Decision-Making Model for Optimal Operation of an Electric Power System Under Extreme Weather Events," led by Professor Vyacheslav Burlov with the participation of Maxim Polyukhovich, Yulia Logvinova, and colleagues from CUJAE.

The visit of the Havana Technological University delegation to the Civil Engineering Institute marked an important milestone in the development of our strategic partnership. The implementation of joint projects will facilitate not only academic exchange but also the creation of innovative solutions in sustainable development and digitalization of the construction industry. We are confident that the implementation of these initiatives will significantly contribute to the training of a new generation of engineering professionals and strengthen scientific and technical cooperation between Russia and Cuba, noted Marina Petrochenko.

The guests' attention was particularly drawn to the laboratories of the Institute of Energy, as energy security and the stable operation of power grids are more important than ever for Cuba, which has recently been hit by a series of natural disasters and man-made accidents. Viktor Barskov demonstrated the entire educational trajectory of students at the Institute of Energy—from studying power grids, turbines, and power devices on mock-ups and models to digital design and hands-on equipment handling. The research work of master's and doctoral students is carried out in collaboration with industry and qualified clients—either at enterprises or at SPbPU, using equipment provided by industrial partners. The Rector of CUJAE expressed interest in the experience of interacting with industrial partners and creating specialized laboratories on campus. Viktor Barskov received an invitation to visit CUJAE in February 2026 to participate in a major scientific and technological congress, where meetings with representatives of Cuban industry will be provided.

Summing up the talks, Dmitry Arsenyev, SPbPU Vice-Rector for International Affairs, noted, "This visit is a strategic step toward strengthening our alliance with one of Cuba's key universities. We already have a solid foundation in the form of successful joint projects in digital modeling of cultural heritage sites and in the energy sector. Our goal now is to take our cooperation to a new level by actively engaging our students and researchers in joint activities, ensuring high-quality training for both Cuba and Russia."

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 and Gazprom Neft experts discussed the strategy for implementing AI and digital twins in the fuel and energy sector.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A panel discussion, "Visioning Digital Twins: Strategic Issues and Global Trends," was held at the Europa Hotel as part of the "Integrated Digital Twins 2025" conference. The event served as a platform for dialogue between Gazprom Neft and SPbPU. Oleg Tretyak, Head of the Digital Transformation Department at Gazprom Neft, opened the discussion.

At the beginning of the conference, Gazprom Neft's Director of Science, Mars Khasanov, presented the company's strategic approach to artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the value of AI is determined by its ability to solve production problems with measurable economic impact—from accelerating field modeling to risk management.

Modern intelligent systems are based on the synergy of neural and symbolic approaches, creating the foundation for conceptual engineering—a key discipline in managing the lifecycle of complex systems. The future of digital transformation is defined by a combination of hybrid AI methods with a focus on solving applied problems. In his presentation, he described the company's methodology in detail. This hybrid strategy combines the power of machine learning with the precision of physical models and the logic of expert systems.

Yuri Fomin, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Research, spoke from an academic perspective. He noted that effective collaboration between science and industry requires finding a balance between different planning horizons: businesses aim for quick results, while the university operates within a longer research cycle, combining both fundamental and applied research.

"We understand the business need for operational solutions and are actively developing applied areas ourselves," the vice-rector noted. "However, some tasks require more in-depth scientific research, which doesn't always fit into annual planning cycles."

The key challenge, according to the vice-rector, remains access to data due to security requirements and its incompleteness.

In such cases, digital twins come to our rescue—they allow us to work with the client to develop solutions and demonstrate their effectiveness, added Yuri Fomin.

He also discussed the current 2025 results of the POLANIS platform. The "Automation of Seismic Data Processing Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)" project, part of the Scientific and Technical Complex 3 (KNTN-3), is integrated into the universal POLANIS platform-ecosystem at SPbPU. The platform's development is being implemented within the framework of the "Priority 2030" program.

Alexander Paivin, Head of Asset Potential Management Methodology at Gazprom Neft, discussed the value of digital twins in the oil and gas industry and application examples. Dmitry Makeenko, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprom Neft, discussed scalability: how to move from pilot projects to industrial applications.

Ilya Odnokolov, Head of the Prospective Development Program at Gazprom Neft, emphasized data as a foundation for determining the standards and approaches needed.

The conference was organized by the Industrial Innovations Association, intellectual partner Skoltech, general partner Gazprom Neft, and Peter the Great Polytechnic University.

Participants concluded that a strategic alliance between science and industry is necessary to create breakthrough technologies and ensure the technological sovereignty of the domestic fuel and energy sector.

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.

60 years with students: the anniversary of the Polytechnic University Students' Trade Union

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In 2025, the Student Trade Union of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University celebrates its anniversary. For 60 years, the Student Trade Union (PROF) has remained an integral part of university life, uniting active, proactive, and caring students.

Historical path: from the foundation to strengthening the role of student government

The student trade union was founded on November 16, 1965, when the idea of a separate student body capable of representing student interests was first voiced at the M. I. Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnic Institute's trade union report and election conference. Thus, an independent body—the LPI Student Trade Union—came into being.

From its first years of operation, the Trade Union took on the task of improving students' living conditions: sports and cultural initiatives were developed, the infrastructure of dormitories and cafeterias was improved, and a system of student self-government was formed.

Over the years, the organization has experienced various eras—from the development of traditions and strengthening of its material base in the 1970s and 1980s to its anti-crisis leadership in the 1990s, when the Trade Union became an important voice for students during a period of transformation. In the early 2000s, the Trade Union gained new momentum—modern work formats emerged, an emphasis on developing youth initiatives and student associations, and expanded opportunities for creativity, recreation, and self-realization.

Today, PROF SPbPU is the largest student organization in Northwest Russia.

Today, PROF is one of the largest student organizations in the region and the largest trade union for students in Northwest Russia. It is an independent, non-political, and non-profit organization working exclusively in the interests of students.

PROF's main goal is to be a support system for every student: to protect their rights, provide opportunities, assist in difficult situations, and create conditions for a fulfilling student life.

Key areas of work of PROF

Representation and protection of students' interests Creation and support of university events Organisation of student recreation Support of student associations

A modern PROF is not just a trade union in the classical sense, but also an entire ecosystem of five services:

PROF.help — financial and legal assistance, support in difficult situations, IT developments (including "Digital Pelican"). PROF.life — recreation and leisure activities at the Polytechnic University, health improvement, partner bonuses. PROF.event — creation of large-scale university-level events and competitions, training for organizers, and assistance with the implementation of student projects. PROF.edu — informal education, soft skills development, internships, career support, and educational projects. PROF.union — support for student associations, creation of new clubs and communities.

In recent years, PROF has initiated significant changes at the university:

Reintroducing mandatory winter breaks after winter midterm assessments; successfully and repeatedly promoting initiatives to increase stipends; sending contract students on vacation; ensuring that final qualifying work and coursework are submitted electronically; reinstating the PGAS for first-year master's students; combining the PGAS with the basic stipend and grading it.

PROF is about people. The union exists thanks to a team of students who want to change life at the university for the better. Being a PROF member means participating in major projects, receiving support, making friends, creating your own student community, and having a voice at the university level.

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.