Category: Russian Universities

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A scientific seminar dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Lev Loitsyansky was held in the first academic building of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

Lev Gerasimovich Loitsyansky (December 13 (26), 1900 – November 3, 1991), professor, Honored Scientist and Engineer of the Russian Federation, a leading expert in boundary layer and turbulence theory, and the author of fundamental monographs and textbooks on fluid dynamics and theoretical mechanics, is among the most outstanding Russian mechanical scientists of the 20th century. A key milestone in L. G. Loitsyansky's biography was the establishment, on his initiative in 1935, of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics at the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, which he headed for nearly four decades.

Lev Loitsyansky published over 120 original scientific papers in a wide variety of areas of fluid and gas mechanics: the theory of laminar and turbulent boundary layers, the statistical theory of turbulence, the semi-empirical theory of turbulence, the theory of viscous fluid jets, the theory of gas lubrication, etc. Many of these became fundamental in the development of entire areas of fluid dynamics.

The textbook "Mechanics of Liquids and Gases" prepared by L. G. Loitsyansky for universities has gained widespread recognition. The first of its many editions dates back to 1950, and the last, seventh, to 2003. In our country, this book remains one of the main textbooks and a recognized scientific guide in this field for students, graduate students, and engineers.

More than 100 people took part in the scientific seminar organized by the Institute of Physics and Mechanics (PhysMech) of SPbPU: students of Lev Gerasimovich, teachers and staff of PhysMech, primarily the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics (HSAMCP), other divisions of the university, scientific and educational organizations of St. Petersburg (SPbSU, Voenmech, St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation, Krylov State Research Center, VNIIG named after B.E. Vedeneyev and others) and Moscow (TsAGI), graduates of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics, postgraduate students and students of HSAMCPCP.

The event's goal is not simply to pay tribute to this outstanding scientist and educator, but also to analyze how his fundamental ideas influenced the development of modern science and technology.

Vladimir Glukhov, an advisor to the rector's office and a 1970 graduate of the Physics and Mechanics Faculty (Department of Mechanics and Control Processes), addressed the seminar participants with a welcoming speech. He noted Lev Gerasimovich's caliber as a scientist and his importance to the university. According to Vladimir Viktorovich, Loitsyansky was a brilliant teacher and always treated students warmly, even if they studied in other departments.

The seminar program included thematic presentations by SPbPU professors, invited representatives of scientific organizations, and high-tech industry organizations—graduates of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics.

List of speakers

Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Wind Engineering at SPbPU (graduate of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics in 1972) Evgeny Smirnov, topic of the report: “L. G. Loitsyansky – scientist, teacher, organizer” Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chief Researcher at the N.E. TsAGI Zhukovsky Alexander Gaifullin, topic of the report: "Near-wall jets of incompressible fluid" Head of the Laboratory of Computational Hydroaeroacoustics and Turbulence PISh CI SPbPU (graduate of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics in 1970) Mikhail Strelets, topic of the report: "Experience of direct numerical modeling of turbulent boundary layers in complex flows" Technical Director of Soft-impact LLC (graduate of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics in 1999) Vladimir Kalaev, topic of the report: "From the basics of aerohydrodynamics to innovations in microelectronics" Leading engineer-technologist of JSC Concern TsNII Elektropribor Alexander Filippov (graduate of the Department of Hydroaerodynamics in 1972), topic of the report: "School of gas lubrication of L.G. Loitsyansky: theory and tasks of the high-tech industry" Technical Director of LLC Sergey Yurkin (1978 graduate of the Hydroaerodynamics Department), Research and Production Enterprise Ista, presentation topic: "From concept to multipurpose use in industrial products: a high-speed pneumatic valve developed by the Hydroaerodynamics Department of the Polytechnic University."

Participants noted the high level of organization of the seminar, the informative presentations, and the friendly atmosphere of the event. Later, in the hallways, the scientists shared their memories of Lev Gerasimovich.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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This year, the Polytechnic University's Natural Sciences Lyceum celebrates its anniversary. Thirty years ago, SPbPU Rector Yuri Vasiliev and representatives of the St. Petersburg Education Committee signed the Charter of the state educational institution of secondary (complete) general education "Natural Sciences Lyceum."

The creation of the lyceum was a response to a disturbing trend in the 1990s—a precipitous decline in interest in engineering majors. To reverse this, career guidance needed to begin well before 11th grade: this was precisely the goal the new lyceum set for itself.

Its mission is not simply to provide schoolchildren with a quality education, but to specifically motivate them to choose an engineering career. From the very beginning of the student selection process, the lyceum prioritized early career guidance: instead of passively waiting for graduates ready to apply to university, it began actively recruiting high school students from other schools, fostering their enduring interest in engineering disciplines.

Thus, the lyceum became a tool for systematic propaganda: through in-depth study of mathematics, physics, and other natural science subjects, it showed schoolchildren the prospects of an engineering career, demonstrated the connection between the school curriculum and real-world production, and opened doors to the world of high-tech professions.

In the 1990s, the Physics and Technology School, under the patronage of the Physics and Technology Institute and Zhores Alferov personally, became affiliated with the Polytechnic University. Its success prompted SPbPU Rector Yuri Vasiliev to create a similar structure, but one focused on engineering specialties. The Alferov School taught classical, fundamental physics, while the Polytechnic University wanted to create something more closely aligned with industry, encouraging students to pursue engineering majors. Students then decided for themselves that they would later enroll at the Polytechnic University. Today, the Natural Sciences Lyceum and the Physics and Technology School are on par in terms of training and educational quality.

On September 1, 1996, the first Lyceum students began classes. They were held on the premises of the Polytechnic University. Five classrooms were located in the Hydrotechnical Building, chemistry in the Chemical Building, and descriptive geometry in the drawing rooms of the Main Building, as well as in the first and second buildings. The most qualified faculty members taught the Lyceum students from the very beginning. The special atmosphere, businesslike approach, and a touch of democracy introduced by the first director, Elena Kharitonova, are still preserved at the Lyceum.

"The main goal is to deliver an educational program that helps children develop a healthy worldview. We teach children to speak and express their thoughts in their own words, so if we have the opportunity to ask something verbally, we always do so," noted Roman Baibikov, director of the Natural Sciences Lyceum.

Students were recruited from other schools for the senior classes. Things started off tough. Students and their parents didn't want to attend the lyceum, and there was no competition. Furthermore, there was a shortage of funding and teachers. Initially, it was decided that university professors, rather than professional teachers, would teach the lyceum students. Thus, a small group of associate professors and professors formed who enthusiastically began working with the students. This trend was later maintained.

In 2009, the Education Committee withdrew from the Lyceum's founding members, and the Polytechnic University opened a new division, the Natural Sciences Lyceum. Since 2012, all educational activities have taken place in the building on Svetlanovskaya Square.

In 2021, the Natural Sciences Lyceum opened a chemistry and biology class. This is a promising area, and the country needs such specialists.

Currently, the lyceum employs one doctor of science and 16 candidates of science. The entire teaching staff consists of 34 people, most of whom are university faculty. The remainder are college instructors specializing in humanities subjects: English, Russian language and literature. All mathematics and physics instructors work in higher education.

"I've been at the Lyceum for 25 years now. I can say it's pleasant and interesting to work here, and everyone in the team is respectful," says history teacher Sergei Lagushkin. "Almost everything has changed over the years: the classrooms and their equipment, the library collection, and the teaching staff has become younger. We have the most modern history textbooks, and the Lyceum's teachers are now graduates of the Polytechnic University, who previously graduated from the Natural Sciences Lyceum."

The lyceum is currently among the top 30 schools in the country and among the top 5 in St. Petersburg for quality of education. In 2025, it ranked 28th in the ranking of the best Russian schools for graduate competitiveness in technical, natural sciences, and the exact sciences.

The students are interested in mastering the subject, understanding the processes involved, and developing a systematic knowledge base. And, ultimately, the results of this collaborative work are visible: graduates of the Natural Sciences Lyceum excel on the Unified State Exam in physics, win physics-related Olympiads, and are admitted to the most prestigious universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Naturally, when such collaboration yields tangible results, one feels a sense of accomplishment, said physics teacher Vyacheslav Bondarenko.

The Lyceum implements the idea of continuous professional training, which allows for the most optimal solution to many of the challenges facing the modern education system.

The Lyceum supports all children's endeavors. Each student has an individual project in their curriculum, and Polytechnic University undergraduate and graduate students are involved in its implementation. All necessary equipment is readily available at the Lyceum.

The Polytechnic University frequently hosts lectures for Lyceum students given by prominent scientists. Schoolchildren also participate in all the master classes held at SPbPU during the winter school holidays.

Representatives from various Polytechnic institutes visit eleventh-graders twice a month to conduct organizational events and classes so that the students can better understand all areas of study.

Over 80% of graduates go on to university, 55% to SPbPU. Vladimir Glukhov, an advisor to the rector's office who was at the forefront of the lyceum's founding, emphasizes: "Here, children receive a higher-quality mathematics and physics education. Lyceum students are aiming for university entrance into engineering majors. They already know where they're headed."

We treat every student as an individual. We always address them formally. We've created an atmosphere at our Lyceum where teachers are happy to come to work, are on time, and don't reschedule or miss classes without a valid reason or notice. They set an example. Children see this conscientious attitude and begin to behave in the same way," said Roman Baibikov, Principal of the Natural Sciences Lyceum.

The lyceum offers three additional educational programs for students: Elements of Higher Mathematics, Information Technology, and Olympiad Physics. These programs are available in 11th grade. Upon passing the final assessment, graduates receive a certificate awarding five additional points toward their Unified State Exam (USE) scores.

In the next few years, we plan to launch several more relevant supplementary education programs for students in grades 8 and 9. Additionally, we will develop a chemistry and biology program.

"Over the three decades of its existence, the Natural Sciences Lyceum of the Polytechnic University has become a true breeding ground for talented applicants entering the country's leading universities. It is also important that it is the alma mater for a whole host of future engineers, researchers, and scientists who shape the development of scientific and technological progress in Russia," emphasizes SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy. "The Lyceum's consistent leadership in the rankings of St. Petersburg educational institutions confirms its commitment to high educational standards, in-depth scientific training, and genuine dedication to the development of engineering professionals."

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The finals of the World Championship in Russian as a Foreign Language took place in Moscow. The "Eurasia Express" team of second-year students from the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations of the Humanities Institute of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, consisting of Maximilian Terentyev, Anastasia Choki, and Rakhmatulla Babadzhanov, won second place in the European division.

Over 4,500 people aged 16–22 from 66 countries participated in the qualifying rounds. After six remote stages, the ten strongest teams advanced to the in-person final in Moscow. The final program included discussion games, case studies, and tasks testing language proficiency and intercultural understanding.

"Eurasia Express" is an international team, featuring students from Latvia and Turkmenistan. The participants demonstrated a high level of Russian language proficiency, the ability to argue their case, and teamwork in a highly competitive intellectual environment, finishing second to only one team in the European division.

The name "Eurasia Express" reflects the idea that Russia, where we study, unites different cultures and nationalities, explained team captain and second-year Advertising and Public Relations student Maximilian Terentyev.

The final competition took the form of a tense in-person discussion game. Eurasia Express finished among the top three teams, losing to only one other team in the European division.

"Even though we took second place, it's a victory for us! The Russian language brought people together from different countries and gave us the chance to share experiences. I'm grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to participate in this event, for the new connections I made, for the chance to see the New Year's capital, and, of course, we're going to compete for the grand prize again next year," said Rakhmatulla Babajanov.

Anna Rymoshevskaya, mentor and lecturer at the Higher School of Mining and Social Sciences, commented: "The students demonstrated not only linguistic proficiency but also a mature team strategy. The trip to Moscow was an important professional and cultural experience for the students—they will return with new knowledge, contacts, and motivation for further work."

In addition to the competition, the organizers prepared an extensive excursion program—participants visited Moscow's historical center, museums, and memorial complexes, including the "Road of Memory" museum project, which further expanded their understanding of Russian history and culture.

"We were all particularly impressed by the "Road of Memory" museum complex, which encircles the main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces in Patriot Park. The gallery tells the detailed story of each day of the Great Patriotic War, creating a highly authentic atmosphere for the events of 1941-1945. "For foreign children, this is an opportunity to learn more about the most fateful war in Russian history," Anna Rymoshevskaya shared.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On the eve of the New Year, the annual match between the current team of the State University of Management Hockey Club and the "golden squad" of our national team took place. This year, the traditional match has special significance, as the SUM hockey team is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Those who created the club's history, and those who continue to write it with honor, took to the stage:

The "Golden Squad"—legendary players whose names are forever etched in the annals of college hockey—are champions who have won gold medals since 2010, and heroes who brought the university an unforgettable gold medal in the MSHL Bachelor's Division in the 2021/2022 season. Today, many of them form the core of the coaching staff, passing on their experience and winning spirit to new generations. The current team is the modern face of the club, embodying the speed, indomitable energy, and competitive spirit of today's HC GUU.

The match, as befits a meeting of generations, was tense and competitive. The youth and drive of the current squad met the invaluable experience, skill, and teamwork of the veterans.

Ultimately, the champion team confirmed its high class by winning convincingly with a score of 8:4.

This was the final game of 2025, as all of the GUU sports teams took their traditional New Year's break to recharge for new achievements.

We look forward to seeing our athletes on the ice and sports fields in January 2026, where new games, challenges, and victories await!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 29, 2025.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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At the Polytechnic University, four agreements were signed between SPbPU and St. Petersburg Government institutions supervised by St. Petersburg Vice Governor Evgeny Razumishkin.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Governor of St. Petersburg, Evgeny Razumishkin; Advisor to the Vice Governor, Anastasia Melnichenko; Chairman of the Housing Committee, Denis Udod; Chairman of the Committee for Improvement, Sergei Petrichenko; Head of the State Administrative and Technical Inspectorate, Aleksey Gerashchenko; Acting General Director of the Fund for the Regional Operator of Capital Repairs of Common Property in Apartment Buildings, Leonid Vishnevsky; and Head of the Public Relations Department of the Housing Committee, Elena Grigorieva.

The event was attended by SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Affairs Stanislav Vladimirov, SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov, and Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko.

The extensive cooperation program envisaged by the agreements is aimed at developing educational and research initiatives planned for implementation within the framework of the activities of the Civil Engineering Institute.

The Housing Committee ensures the implementation of state policy and public administration in the area of maintenance and repair, including capital, housing, and non-residential property in St. Petersburg, as well as the reform of the housing and utilities sector. The agreement with the Housing Committee provides for joint work on projects related to the management of maintenance and repair, including capital, housing, and non-residential property in St. Petersburg.

The Committee for Urban Improvement implements state policy and exercises public administration in the area of urban improvement, including gardening, park management, forestry, road maintenance, and other urban improvement projects. It also coordinates the activities of other executive bodies of St. Petersburg's government in this area. The agreement with the Committee for Urban Improvement opens up extensive opportunities for projects aimed at improving the quality of the urban environment, improving urban spaces, and implementing modern technologies and materials for urban development.

The State Administrative and Technical Inspectorate (GATI) monitors compliance with legislation during excavation and construction work, as well as the creation, modification, placement, maintenance, repair, and use of public amenities in St. Petersburg. The inspectorate also coordinates the activities of the city's executive authorities in these areas. Cooperation with the State Administrative and Technical Inspectorate includes the implementation of educational initiatives aimed at improving the quality of the urban environment and preserving its elements, through the completion of coursework and final qualifying projects by SPbPU students.

The St. Petersburg Capital Repairs Fund's core business is organizing and implementing capital repairs of common property in apartment buildings in St. Petersburg. As part of the educational programs in Construction, SPbPU plans to integrate project and research projects into its practical training, aimed at improving the efficiency of capital repairs in apartment buildings.

Agreements were also reached on the inclusion of SPbPU representatives in public and scientific-technical councils of partner institutions and organizations, and the holding of joint conferences, seminars, and other events.

"The Polytechnic University has always been actively involved in the life of our city. We highly appreciate that the developments and projects of our researchers, faculty, and students always receive the support and encouragement of the St. Petersburg Government and are implemented for the benefit of the city. I am confident that the series of agreements signed today will allow us to expand the opportunities and scope of our joint activities in improving the quality of the urban environment and housing and utilities in St. Petersburg," noted SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A delegation from the Polytechnic University of South Africa paid a working visit to the Republic of South Africa and held a series of business meetings with relevant ministries, universities, and research centers in Pretoria. The visit was organized as part of efforts to develop partnerships with South African scientific and educational organizations, including the expansion of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) across Africa. The Polytechnic University was represented by Maxim Zalyvskiy, Head of the RAFU Project Office, and Nikita Golovin, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department.

On the South African side, the visit was organized with the support of the South African Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and was a continuation negotiations and working meetings between representatives of this Ministry, the South African Technology Innovation Agency and the South African National Research Foundation, which took place at the Polytechnic University in October of this year.

On the first day of the visit, the Polytechnic delegation held talks with Cecil Masoka, Acting Director of the Department of International Bilateral Cooperation at the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation; Majola Fikiswa Liseka Mpumalanga, Deputy Director for Space Science and Technology; and Mohapi Mirranda Mmafehello, Assistant Director for Europe and the Middle East. The partners discussed cooperation in higher education and research in priority areas of development in South Africa: space technology (including small satellites (Cubesats)), artificial intelligence, digital technologies, agricultural innovation, biotechnology, and healthcare. South Africa proposed intensifying cooperation within the framework of the country's presidential postgraduate program. The parties expressed their willingness to work on economic digitalization, information exchange through technology transfer, agricultural technology, and food security. They also discussed the development of a comprehensive space technology program in South Africa, which would include student training, including scholarship support, internships, and joint projects.

Separately, the South African side expressed support and interest in collaborating with the Russian-African Network University (RAFU), currently coordinated by the Polytechnic University. The association of leading public universities, Universities of South Africa (USAf), which unites 26 universities in the country, could act as the coordinating body on the South African side.

Cecil Masoka has proposed holding a Road Show in several South African cities in the spring of 2026 with the participation of leading Russian universities to present educational programs and opportunities for joint research projects.

The second ministerial meeting took place at the South African Ministry of Higher Education and Skills, represented by Philip Tshabalala, Director of the Department of International Relations; Mokgadi Tena, Head of the Global International Partnerships Unit; and Mtheto Temwa Moyo, Head of the International Scholarships Unit. The partners discussed existing experience implementing winter schools in Russia, particularly at SPbPU, with the participation of students from South African universities; opportunities for mutual academic mobility; attracting South African applicants to study in Russia under Russian Government quotas; and identified challenges associated with applying for Russian quotas on the South African side. South Africa also expressed interest in partnering with the Russian Presidential PhD program and joint PhD programs in areas such as energy, water management, natural resource extraction, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and others.

During the visit's business program, a meeting was held with Luvuyo Mabhali, Executive Director of the Centre for Future Manufacturing, part of the South African Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Mutual interest exists in cooperation in the development of innovative materials, robotics, additive manufacturing, photonics, and the treatment of diseases using advanced technologies. Polytechnic University representatives visited the biophotonics laboratory, where they learned about research into laser technologies for solving problems in the medical industry.

Talks were held with Mahloubi Mabizela, Chief Operating Officer of USAf (the Association of Universities of South Africa). USAf is an association of 26 public universities in South Africa. The Association's activities are focused on six strategic areas, including support for innovative research, project funding, training, and professional development. During the meeting, the parties presented the activities of RAFU, USAf, and SPbPU and expressed mutual interest in partnership. Priority areas of cooperation between the two universities included biotechnology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, materials science, blockchain, space technology, and joint summer and winter schools in the natural sciences.

At the University of Pretoria, one of the largest and leading universities in South Africa, the SPbPU delegation met with the Director of the Department of Internationalization and Strategic Partnerships of the University of Pretoria, Dr. Rakeshni Ramoutar-Preisl, representatives of the international office of the university, the dean and leading professors of the Faculty of Engineering, Construction and Information Technology. During the meeting, presentations of both universities were presented, their key educational and scientific areas, the main tasks of developing international partnerships and international academic mobility. Professor Alta van der Merwe, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Information Technology, made a presentation from her faculty. The Faculty is one of the largest and most prestigious engineering faculties in South Africa and the African continent as a whole. The faculty includes three large schools: engineering, construction and information technology. The teaching population is more than 9,000 students. The main areas of teaching and research are industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering and infrastructure, information systems, smart cities and sustainable environments. Almost all of the key areas of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Pretoria overlap very closely with the research and educational areas of the main institutes of the Polytechnic. And in this regard, the parties agreed in January-February 2026 to continue the discussion and conduct a series of online meetings between the scientific groups of the two universities. Based on the results of these meetings, 2-3 most interesting areas will be identified and the development of joint events will continue based on them.

Following the working meeting, the SPbPU delegation was given a tour of the research centers and laboratories of the School of Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering, Construction, and Information Technology.

The Robotics and Future Manufacturing Research Center (ROFMC) in Pretoria is a leading research center in South Africa in the field of Industry 4.0 technologies. The center develops and introduces advanced manufacturing technologies and robotics into South African industry. Key areas of applied research and development of the center: industrial robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, digital design and modeling, artificial intelligence and data analysis for production, advanced materials and their processing technologies. The SPbPU delegation visited the ICR&BP as part of its big visit to the educational and scientific centers of South Africa in Pretoria. At the meeting with the head of the center, Sanviir Matadini, projects of the Polytechnic University in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence in industry, and intelligent transport systems were presented. The center presented projects on the development of industrial robots, including collaborative, autonomous transport systems, as well as educational projects in the field of industrial automation (Learning Factory: specialized courses and development of training programs at the request of the industry). Areas of activity of the center and various laboratories of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (for example, the Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics and Cyber-Physical Systems and the Laboratory of Intelligent Industrial Automation Systems of the Higher School of Cyber-physical Systems Management of the IKNK, the Laboratory of “Industrial Stream Data Processing Systems” of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering”, a number of laboratories of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and transport) overlap very much, but at the same time they have their own unique sides. In this regard, issues of developing a partnership between SPbPU and ICR&BP were discussed with the aim of exchanging experience and launching joint projects using the experience and competencies of the parties. As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to hold a series of online meetings/webinars between the scientific groups of the center and SPbPU in the second half of January to discuss specific joint tasks and projects.

At the Tshwane University of Technology, the SPbPU delegation met with colleagues from the international office and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, which was represented by Prof. Yvonne Paul, Associate Dean Mlindelwa Lupankwa, Research Fellow and Professor Thierry Regnier. South African colleagues presented their university as a whole, as well as its priority areas of development. Professor Yvonne Paul made a presentation about the Faculty of Science, which is the largest, practice-oriented department at Tshwane University of Technology, which trains highly qualified specialists in the field of natural and applied sciences. The faculty conducts active research in the fields of physics, laser technologies, new materials, renewable energy, biotechnology and environmental protection. Of particular interest to South African colleagues is the possibility of joint work on the use of data from small spacecraft for environmental monitoring and environmental research. SPbPU presented presentations of priority scientific and educational areas in the field of natural sciences, applied physics, and space research. In addition, the possibilities of student participation in academic mobility programs, as well as in short educational programs (“Winter/Summer School”, “Winter University”) were discussed. In particular, representatives of the University of Tshwane gave feedback on the participation of 3 university students in the “Winter University in Engineering Sciences”, held at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University from November 24 to December 7.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to begin drafting a cooperation agreement between the two universities in January, including on the principles for implementing academic mobility programs.

At a meeting at the South African Technology Innovation Agency (SATI), Patrick Krappie, Acting Director General of the Agency, presented key goals and objectives for the development of innovation and technology in South Africa. The Agency supports cutting-edge research in all priority areas conducted at South African universities and research centers, but only funds projects at the UGT 4 level ("A detailed prototype solution has been developed to demonstrate the viability of the technology") and above. Projects with Russian research centers are implemented through bilateral competitions. On the Russian side, the projects are supported by the Foundation for Assistance to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FASIE) and are primarily focused on small and medium-sized enterprises. As a first step in building cooperation between the Agency and Russian universities, the parties discussed the possibility of supporting joint student research initiatives and the creation of laboratories led by young scientists, involving senior students from universities in both countries.

Additionally, the busy business program included working meetings at the High Performance Computing Center, the South African Space Agency, and the South African Council for Agricultural Research. At the meeting at the supercomputer center, representatives from Polytechnic University and South Africa presented promising areas of research using supercomputer power to solve applied problems in various fields—from mathematical modeling of engineering systems to environmental and bioinformatics problems.

At a meeting at the South African National Space Agency (the government organization responsible for the promotion and development of aeronautics and space research in South Africa), the SPbPU delegation learned about its priority goals in space science and astrophysics, the use of small satellites for environmental monitoring, resource management and disaster risk reduction, and the training of engineers in space technology. SPbPU representatives, in turn, presented the university's projects in the field of space research and expressed interest in developing cooperation with the Agency and South African research centers in this area.

The SPbPU delegation also visited the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa's leading research institution in the field of agricultural technology. The Polytechnicians were hosted by Ms. Takalani Bridget Murowri, Head of International Relations, and leading researchers Dr. Mariette Truter and Dr. Quengtin Santana, who presented the objectives and research areas being conducted in the RAC's laboratories. They discussed potential joint projects, including within the RAF and with relevant universities in St. Petersburg and Russia.

The SPbPU delegation also met with Roman Ambarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to South Africa, at the Russian Embassy in South Africa. The Polytechnic University representatives outlined their goals and objectives for developing cooperation with South African educational and scientific organizations, key areas in which the university is interested in implementing joint projects, and the main outcomes of past meetings with South African organizations. Roman Ambarov emphasized the importance of expanding academic contacts between Russia and South Africa and expressed his readiness to provide the necessary support to the initiatives of the Polytechnic University and other Russian universities.

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.