Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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At the end of 2025, RUDN University announced the results of its competition for the best professional student association (PSO) at the university. A total of 75 applications were submitted from 41 associations. The largest number of applications came from students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the Faculty of Philology.
The competition was won by nine PSOs representing the Medical Institute, the Faculty of Philology, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Economics, and the Graduate School of Management.
The best associations were selected in five categories:
Application of cross-professional competencies; organization of work with the target audience; implementation of socially significant initiatives; organization of an information campaign; the best PSO leader.
In several nominations, first and prize-winning places were taken by associations of the Medical Institute, the Philological Faculty, and the Economics Faculty.
Winners in the category "Best Application of Cross-Professional Competencies in the Work of a Search and Rescue Team":
1st place: PSO "International School of Service" (Higher School of Management, Department of Hotel and Restaurant Business); 2nd place: PSO "Organizers and Leaders of Healthcare" (Medical Institute, Department of Public Health, Healthcare and Hygiene); 3rd place: PSO "REMEDY" (Medical Institute, Accreditation and Simulation Center).
"The International School of Service's victory in this category means that we're not just acquiring professional skills, but also brilliantly learning to apply soft skills in practice, developing into highly qualified industry professionals. We're able to instantly assign roles when volunteering for events and successfully interact with guests and world-class experts. We're able to see the entire event process—from logistics to final service—and quickly adapt to changes. We're comfortable working under tight deadlines and high standards, where there's no room for error," says Rimma Akhmedova, head of the International School of Service and senior lecturer at RUDN University's Graduate School of Management.
Among the association's notable achievements in 2025 were volunteering at the Forum of Russian Regions and the PIR EXPO exhibition. Activists worked at the country's main business venues, providing impeccable service and gaining unique experience in organizing high-level events. Students also participated in organizing and catering large-scale banquets for 500 or more guests as part of the university's partner events. Furthermore, a significant project was the first international project school, organized jointly with the Project Workshop "Traveling the Planet" and Istanbul Yıldız Technical University. For the first time, HSTU students immersed themselves in intensive project work on an international stage. Their task was to develop and analyze premium tourist routes.
Winners in the category "Best Organization of an Information Campaign for a Future Profession and PSO":
1st place: PSO "Case club" (Faculty of Economics, Department of Economic and Mathematical Modeling); 2nd place: PSO "Clio" (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Russian History); 3rd place: PSO "World soul of RUDN" (Faculty of Philology, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy).
Winners in the category "Best Socially Significant Initiatives of PSO Participants":
1st place: PSO "Case club" (Faculty of Economics, Department of Economic and Mathematical Modeling); 2nd place: PSO "RUDN-POISK" (Faculty of Philology, Department of Mass Communications); 3rd place: PSO "Viaduct" (Institute of Russian Language, Department of Russian Language No. 4).
"Among the Case Club initiatives that earned us first place, I'd like to highlight the career media project "STUDMAYAK": we record podcasts and produce useful materials for students in collaboration with partner companies. Another project is Ted Talks. This is a conference we've already held twice with partners on the topics "Project Manager's Day" and "What Kind of Analyst Are You?" And the third project is an intensive case-solving course. In the sixth season, we awarded certificates to 19 students who successfully completed the three-month training and defended their projects in a local case championship before a panel of judges. Overall, the secret to Case Club's success is its creative and motivated students, with whom we always develop relevant and interesting projects. I enjoy sharing knowledge and positive energy with the students, which motivates both them and me to continually develop," says Vlad Khramov, Chairman of Case Club.
Winners in the nomination "Multifaceted talent of a leader and professional in organizing the work of a search and rescue team":
1st place: PSO "Organizers and Leaders of Healthcare" (Medical Institute, Department of Public Health, Healthcare and Hygiene); 2nd place: PSO "Case Club" (Faculty of Economics, Department of Economic and Mathematical Modeling); 3rd place: PSO "Eastern Spectrum" (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Theory and History of International Relations).
"The PSO and SNC 'Healthcare Organizers and Leaders' has won the university competition for the best PSO for three years in a row. The secret to success lies in maintaining traditions and continuity in the work of the Department of Public Health, Healthcare, and Hygiene. After all, for many years, it has been training healthcare managers. We strive not only to instill a love of the profession but also to develop students' various skills and critical thinking, study history and culture together, and don't forget about creative expression," says Elena Kaverina, MD, Associate Professor, and Head of the PSO.
Elena Valeryevna also noted that PSO activists are students from over 40 countries; the association even has an interactive world map. Students actively participate in youth policy implementation: they present scientific and educational projects, lectures, and master classes, and engage in scientific activities through events such as Science Talks, Science Slam, and others. They regularly win professional competitions. Elena Valeryevna herself is a moderator, curator, expert, mentor, and organizer of federal events, forums, and projects (the All-Russian forums "Territory of Meanings," "Amur," and "Arctic," the flagship project for training youth management reserves, "Voice of a Generation," and the All-Russian competition "Your Move"). She also mentors winners of federal competitions and generously shares her experience with student members of PSO.
Winners in the category "Best Organization of Work with the Target Audience of the PSO":
1st place: PSO "Organizers and Leaders of Healthcare" (Medical Institute, Department of Public Health, Healthcare and Hygiene); 2nd place: PSO "World Soul of RUDN" (Faculty of Philology, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy); 3rd place: PSO "REMEDY" (Medical Institute, Accreditation and Simulation Center).
About PSO
Professional student associations (PSO) are a system of interaction between undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and practicing specialists in their respective fields of study. Professional immersion can take the form of industry tours, meetings with recognized professionals, joint projects and events, business games, and master classes.
The first RUDN University Geologists Search and Rescue Team was founded in 1961 at the Engineering Academy and remains active to this day. The university currently has 114 search and rescue teams, each with a membership ranging from 5 to 60.
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