Category: Russian Universities

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 21, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day – a holiday that reminds us of the value of each culture, history, and identity of billions of people.

How did this day come about?

The holiday's history dates back to 1952. On this day 74 years ago, university students in Dhaka, Pakistan, held a peaceful demonstration to protest linguistic discrimination. They demanded that Bengali be recognized as a second official language. However, the government did not support this idea and, on the contrary, decided to disperse the demonstrators with gunfire. That day, several young people, whose only desire was not to forget their native language, were killed by police bullets.

In memory of this event, in 1999 UNESCO proclaimed February 21 as International Mother Language Day, and just a year later it was celebrated for the first time throughout the world.

Interesting fact: in Bangladesh, this holiday is celebrated as Bengali Language Movement Day. The country holds various events commemorating the anniversary of the beginning of the struggle for their native language. One tradition is laying flowers at the Shaheed Monument, dedicated to the heroic martyrs.

Why is it important to preserve languages?

Language isn't just a tool for communication between people; it's a prism through which we can see the world and similar things in completely different ways. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis posits that language structure influences thinking and perception of the world around us. For example:

The Aborigines of the Australian tribe don't use "left"/"right" for orientation. They orient themselves only by the cardinal directions and say "on the north-east foot." Speakers of languages that have separate words for blue and light blue distinguish their shades faster than those who use a single word. Depending on the language, time is perceived either as distance or volume: long time/a lot of time. The Brazilian Pirahã language doesn't have a concept of exact numbers, dividing them only into "many" and "few." Most languages are egocentric, meaning they name objects relative to themselves ("on my right"), but a third use abstract landmarks—cardinal directions—and speakers of such languages have better orientation.

Today, linguists count more than 6,000 different languages. This is hard to believe, given that 80% of the world's population speaks only 80 major languages, and 40% of these are endangered—spoken by fewer than 1,000 people. According to some estimates, a language disappears every two weeks, and with it, history, culture, legends, ways of classifying the world around us, and uniqueness.

These facts prove that language preservation is our responsibility, one that cannot be ignored. After all, as the proverb goes, "The more languages you know, the more human you are." It's important to maintain this diversity and pass on knowledge to younger generations: speak to children in your native language, inquire about the cultures of small peoples, study the history of your speech, and simply appreciate how amazing it is to know a little more.

Happy International Mother Language Day! Celebrate your uniqueness – it's awesome!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 21, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 20, the State University of Management hosted a delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Russia. Second Secretary Futkhullobek Aslamov, Attaché Sukhrob Abdulloev, and employee Farrukh Ziyozoda visited the university. The guests were greeted by SUM Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department Inessa Bogatyreva, and Head of the International Projects Department Konstantin Vinogradov.

Dmitry Bryukhanov warmly welcomed the guests to the First Management School and spoke in detail about the training of specialists in management and industry economics. He clarified that a significant role is given to the training of international students, especially from the CIS countries. As of 2026, approximately 600 international students are studying at SUM, 40 of whom are citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan.

For his part, Sukhrob Abdulloev emphasized that Tajikistan is currently interested in qualified personnel with higher education. This is why the Embassy has committed to paying closer attention to the academic performance of its students and openly states, "We are always here to help and support them in adapting to a new culture."

"The Russian language is in high demand in the Republic of Tajikistan. People hold it and Russian culture in very high regard, and people are drawn to it. For example, studying at the Yuri Gagarin School in Dushanbe and sending their children there is a dream for everyone. And this speaks volumes about the positive attitude toward Russia."

Future joint plans were also discussed at the meeting. Futkhullobek Aslamov invited the SUM leadership to participate in the upcoming Forum of Rectors of Russian and Tajik Universities. According to the Second Secretary, such events open new horizons for cooperation and joint projects. He noted that both sides already have reason to be proud: the current Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, Aziz Nazarov, is a SUM graduate!

The delegation also met with their compatriot students. The guests reminded them of the importance of abiding by Russian laws, encouraged responsible study, and assured them that the Embassy is always ready to assist them to ensure their studies are not only successful but also comfortable.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 20, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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Yesterday, the Marble Hall of Moscow City Hall was a truly celebratory and moving occasion: the city's brightest and most talented students gathered there. They were awarded the Moscow Government's personal scholarship for their contributions to science, social projects, and ideas that are already changing lives around them. The ceremony was opened by Yevgeny Andriyenko, Director of the Development Center, and warm words of encouragement were delivered by Moscow City Duma Deputy Alexander Semennikov.

Ekaterina Glyzina, a third-year student at the State University of Management, is among the scholarship recipients. She is studying Logistics and Supply Chain Management and has already made a name for herself in the academic world. She recently received a first-place diploma at the Moscow Academic Economic Forum.

Her research focuses on neural networks that help ensure fast, accurate cargo delivery while mitigating potential problems. Experts praised her work for its clear methodology, straightforward structure, and, most importantly, its tangible practical benefits.

The State University of Management and the Department of Logistics and Transport-Technological Systems sincerely congratulate Ekaterina on her achievements! We wish her science brings joy, opens up new opportunities, and inspires her to tackle the most daring projects!

We believe that the determined students of the State University of Management have many exciting things ahead of them!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 20, 2026.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Dear Polytechnicians!

On February 23, our country celebrates an important holiday: Defender of the Fatherland Day. Its history is inextricably linked with the heroic past of the Russian army. The founding date was the creation of the first military units in February 1918, when they were called upon to defend the young Soviet state. This day was originally conceived as a tribute to the heroic deeds of the Soviet Army and Navy.

The security and prosperity of any society require reliable protection. First and foremost, we express our gratitude to those who serve in the Russian Armed Forces today—they are the ones who guard the sovereignty and security of our country.

With deep respect and gratitude, we remember the veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Their courage, fortitude, and selflessness helped liberate the world from fascism and became a shining example of love for the Motherland. The memory of their heroic deeds is unshakable: it forms part of our historical truth, which cannot be erased or distorted.

We also bow our heads to our contemporaries—Russian soldiers who perform their duty in local conflict zones, defending the interests of the country, including beyond its borders.

Traditionally, this holiday is considered a men's holiday. But we know that women serve in the army too. And during the trials of war, they defend the Motherland shoulder to shoulder with men.

Today, February 23rd, is a national day in Russia celebrating the strong-willed, courageous, and strong-willed. These are the people who have stood the test of their strength and proven themselves worthy of this lofty title—Defender of the Fatherland.

Happy Holidays!

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Rector's Ball is one of the most vibrant and anticipated events at the Polytechnic University. Every year, on the university's anniversary, the best students gather in the reading room of the Fundamental Library and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old-fashioned balls. This year, in honor of the Polytechnic University's 127th anniversary, 240 of the university's finest students were invited to the ball.

At the ball's opening, members of the Polivoks vocal studio performed the Polytechnic Institute's anthem, accompanied by the SPbPU pop and symphony orchestra. Then, a recording of the Polytechnic Institute's first director, Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, delivered a farewell speech 124 years ago, in 1902, to the first students on the day classes began.

SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy greeted the ball participants: "The relevance of engineering education has not faded over the 127 years of our university's existence. Your hearts are now filled with pride, hopes, dreams, and the understanding that the best is yet to come. I understand you, because I was once here in your place and felt the same. You are the most gifted, the most unique. You are the support and hope of our country."

The hall was filled with the best students of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, winners and runners-up of regional and national student olympiads, as well as medalists of the All-Russian student olympiad "I am a Professional." At the beginning of the ball, the rector awarded the best of the best.

Nikita Okhtin, a student at the Physics and Mechanics Institute and gold medalist in the All-Russian Olympiad for students of various fields of study "I am a Professional" in the Oil and Gas Engineering program. Aidar Ibragimov, a student at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport and winner and runner-up of regional Olympiads in engineering and computer graphics. Anastasia Volgina, a student at the Physics and Mechanics Institute and gold medalist in the Open International Student Internet Physics Olympiad. Ekaterina Kondaurova, a postgraduate student at the Humanities Institute and gold medalist in the All-Russian Olympiad "I am a Professional" in the Psychology program.

I'm currently a first-year doctoral student. My journey with "I Am a Professional" began in my third year of undergraduate studies. Over the years, I've been a bronze medalist and finally, in my second year of master's degree, a gold medalist in psychology. Furthermore, since last year, I've also been a leader of this movement. My job is to tell new students about this event and motivate them to get involved. "I'm very grateful that such an event exists, where Andrey Ivanovich personally recognizes and awards medalists," Ekaterina Kondaurova said about her path to success with "I Am a Professional."

The Rector's Ball was hosted by choreographer and St. Petersburg Youth Prize laureate Maxim Salomatov. Accompanying the ball was the Pop and Symphony Orchestra of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, conducted by Dmitry Misyura. Pavel Zhukov, a graduate of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport, conducted the performance.

Throughout the evening, students learned classical dances such as the polonaise and waltz, participated in ballroom games, and during breaks, enjoyed wonderful performances of modern musical hits from soloists of the Polivoks vocal studio, winners of Russian and international competitions, and leaders of the musical project "Ne spit" (Not Sleep).

"I was delighted to participate in this celebratory event for the entire university. It was wonderful to see so many friends and acquaintances invited to the ball. I'd like to thank the orchestra, the hosts, and all the organizers for the fun and energetic dance program," Aidar Ibragimov shared his impressions.

The Saint Petersburg TV channel aired a broadcast about how the Rector's Ball went at SPbPU.

Photo archive

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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On the Polytechnic's birthday, a traditional ceremonial meeting of its ambassadors and benefactors was held.

Guests gathered in the lobby of the Technopolis Polytech Research Building, where they viewed paintings while waiting for the festive event to begin. St. Petersburg artist Elena Artsutanova— the great-granddaughters of Prince Andrei Gagarin, the first director of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, whose 170th birthday the Polytechnic Institute is celebrating this year. Among those invited to the high-ranking meeting was Andrei Grigorievich's second great-granddaughter, Yulia Andreyevna Gagarina.

Opening the meeting, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy welcomed the university's partners and benefactors, and, of course, the alumni who maintain ties to their alma mater: "I am happy to see familiar faces in the hall today—these are the faces of friends, thanks to whom our Polytechnic University grows stronger and more beautiful. On behalf of both staff and students, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your kindness. I often recall the words of the great philosopher Anthony of Sourozh: a person is rich in what he gives out of love. This is true of you. And I urge us all to continue to give our hearts and souls out of love to our Fatherland, our beloved city, our beloved university, our children, our loved ones, our friends, and our work. To give our hearts simply to people."

Then the Polytechnic University's updated board of benefactors was unveiled. A year ago, during a similar meeting, The plaque was ceremoniously installed in the lobby of the NikaSince then, the number of people participating in the formation of the SPbPU Endowment Fund has increased, and their names have also appeared on the list.

"We knew the number of benefactors would continually grow. So we decided to make a large plaque out of high-quality material, displaying the names of our patrons. We'll update the list every year—let this become a tradition at our meetings," Andrey Rudskoy announced.

Following the ceremony, guests were shown the film "St. Petersburg Polytechnic," and then the rector of SPbPU presented letters of gratitude and commemorative medals to the university's benefactors, partners, and employees.

In the year of the 170th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian scientist and inventor, the first director of the Polytechnic University, Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, the university established a new award: the Prince Gagarin Memorial Medal.

The first recipients were Bank Saint Petersburg, represented by Senior Vice President Vladimir Zhirov, and Renat Yakushevsky, head of the Reval Group of Companies. Polytechnic University expressed its gratitude to its partners for their contribution to preserving the university's historical heritage and promoting the perpetuation of the memory of Prince Gagarin.

The Sergei Yulyevich Witte Memorial Medal was established in 2024 for multiple benefactors of the SPbPU Endowment Fund, such as VTB Bank. This year, the award was presented to Maxim Kushch, Head of Key Corporate Clients for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region at VTB Bank and Vice President of the Bank.

Also, for their assistance in developing the University Endowment Fund, the following received gratitude and commemorative medals:

Arman Energo (the award was presented to Denis Peschaskin, Deputy General Director for Finance at Arman Group), Igor Sobol, General Director of Axis, Vladimir Ustinov, Chief Designer of the NPO TsKTI project, Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU, Maxim Terekh, Deputy Director of the Civil Engineering Institute, Andrei Andreev, Director of the Higher School of Technosphere Safety, and Natalia Ermakova, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes at the Physics and Mechanical Institute.

For long-term and fruitful cooperation with the Polytechnic, the following were awarded the "For Merit" badge:

Deputy General Director of TGK-1 Eduard Lisitsky, General Director of TurboService Rus Oleg Shevchenko, First Deputy General Director and General Designer of Power Machines Alexander Ivanovsky, Director of the Engineering Center of Power Machines Konstantin Savichev, General Director of Alliance-Stroy Vasily Minkov, General Director of the power engineering company Rus-Turbo Oleg Dmitriev, lawyer, member of the Council of Delovaya Rossiya in the Leningrad Region Arsen Magomedov, head of the central branch of the Leningrad Regional Bar Association Vladimir Anisimov.

For their significant personal contribution to preparing talented schoolchildren for university entrance, the following were awarded the Polytechnic University "For Merit" badge:

Director of the Academy of Talents of St. Petersburg Egor Kireev, Deputy Director for Innovation and Methodological Work of the Academy of Talents of St. Petersburg Natalia Ilyina, Director of the Presidential Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 Maxim Pratusevich, Physics and Astronomy Methodologist of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg Elena Kolpakova.

Among the polytechnicians, the following received the “For Merit” award:

Professor Vasily Makarov of the Higher School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade; Vladimir Andreev, Head of the Materials Science and Technology Educational Laboratory at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport; Valentina Andreeva, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Physics and Materials Technology at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport; Marina Olennikova, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy at the Humanitarian Institute; Vladimir Chudny, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems at the Institute of Power Engineering; Elena Yakovleva, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes at the Physics and Mechanical Institute; and Olga Petrova, Specialist at the Directorate of the Institute of Power Engineering.

In 2024, in memory of the university's founder, the outstanding Russian statesman, financier, and diplomat Sergei Yulyevich Witte, the SPbPU Academic Council reinstated the Witte Scholarships, paid from income from the management of the Polytechnic University Endowment Fund.

Four students who passed their winter exams with flying colors became winners of the Witte scholarship competition:

Victoria Golubkova from the Institute of Energy, Alevtina Getmanskaya from the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, Anton Kalininsky and Egor Shchepilov from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

At the end of the ceremonial meeting, the Polytechnic ambassadors, graduates of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Evgeniya Lastochkina andDmitry Gomonov We congratulated SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy on his birthday, which, by a surprising coincidence, coincides with the Polytechnic University's birthday.

Photo archive of the meeting of ambassadors and philanthropists

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A large-scale interdisciplinary project, "Comprehensive Graduation Thesis on the Development of a Family of Digital Models for Urban Electric Transport Network Management," has been launched at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. It is being implemented as part of the "Project as a Graduation Thesis" strategic initiative and commissioned by the St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans.

The project brought together four undergraduate students from various fields of study. Their shared goal is to create a set of digital tools for analyzing, modeling, and optimizing the St. Petersburg tram and trolleybus network. The models being developed will allow for identifying traffic bottlenecks, analyzing route loads, creating network management scenarios, and evaluating the effectiveness of data-driven decisions.

The project's unique organizational model is "client-bachelor-students-managers." This format ensures a synergistic effect between education, science, and practice. Employees of the company serve as mentors on behalf of St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise "Gorelectrotrans." This allows students to immerse themselves deeply in real production processes and establish direct communication with the client.

Marina Bolsunovskaya, head of the Industrial Stream Data Processing Systems Laboratory at the St. Petersburg Polytechnical School of Economics, associate professor at the Higher School of Computer Technology and Information Systems at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and leading researcher at the Research Laboratory for Fundamentals of High-Tech Medical Rehabilitation, notes: "This project is a shining example of how academic education can directly impact the quality of urban life. By combining the efforts of students from various fields—from programmers to business analysts—we are creating not just a theoretical model, but a living digital tool that is already helping Gorelektrotrans make data-driven decisions. It is especially valuable that the undergraduate students are working with real-world problems: identifying route bottlenecks, modeling the impact of schedule changes, and proposing solutions that could reduce tram wait times for thousands of St. Petersburg residents tomorrow."

To address the challenges, a team of students from four SPbPU higher education institutions was formed. Alexander Faida (IPMET) is analyzing transport datasets and identifying key performance factors. Pavel Sobolev (IKNiK) is developing the architecture, optimization algorithms, and software implementation of digital models. Yan Levkovich (IMMeT) is analyzing network performance issues and developing process management proposals, and Gleb Vasiliev (IMMeT) is responsible for developing a performance indicator system and a set of management scenarios.

On the SPbPU side, the project is led by a team of leading specialists representing various scientific and educational fields, headed by Marina Bolsunovskaya. The academic leadership team also includes Alexey Gintsyak, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Project Activity and Industrial Innovation at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering (IMW&T), Associate Professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering"; Dmitry Plotnikov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Transport at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering and Technology; and Angi Skhvediani, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, Head of the System Dynamics Research Laboratory, and Leading Analyst of the Department of Scientific Certification and Training of Highly Qualified Personnel. This composition of academic advisors ensures the interdisciplinary nature of the project and a comprehensive approach to solving its tasks.

Consultants from St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans also play a key role in supporting the project: Elena Yezhelina, Director of Internal Control at Gorelektrotrans, and Alexey Vishensky, Deputy Head of the Gorelektrotrans Traffic Safety Service. In-person working meetings and a student tour of the enterprise were important elements of collaboration with the industrial partner.

During their visit to St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelectrotrans, the project participants visited Tram Depot No. 5, the Shavrova Street tram production and technical department, and the company's management units. The tour not only provided students with initial data and clarified their objectives but also provided a deeper understanding of the urban electric transport production and management processes. The students learned about the full cycle of preparing rolling stock and personnel for deployment, the operation of the dispatch service, the principles of creating release orders, and the economic aspects of transportation operations—from cost accounting to cost analysis.

Special attention was paid to the modern technological solutions used at the enterprise, including the operation of the testing ground and the tram with an active driver assistance system. The final part of the program was devoted to a discussion of contract support, penalty analysis, risk management, and evaluating the effectiveness of transport operations. The opportunity to directly ask questions of subject-matter experts and receive detailed answers became an important source of practical knowledge for the students, which is already being used in developing digital models and formulating management scenarios.

"Participating in this project is both an interesting and challenging experience," shared Pavel Sobolev. "Creating a system of this scale requires working with enormous amounts of data, accounting for numerous details, and building a complex architecture. Despite this, we are moving forward confidently. Alexey Igorevich Vishensky has been a great support to us—thanks to his involvement and expertise, we have developed a truly productive collaboration. I am glad to be part of this project."

For St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans, the project has practical significance already at the development stage.

"For Gorelectrotrans, this project isn't just a student project, but a real step toward digitalizing our transportation," emphasizes Elena Yezhelina. "We're gaining the opportunity to use tools for route analysis and overall tram fleet management. This is a mutually beneficial collaboration! After all, the students aren't just tackling our challenges as a formality; they view them as a real opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Their digital models, in pilot mode, are already allowing us to conduct experiments without risking real-world operations. Collaborating with the Polytechnic University has a dual benefit: we're gaining useful solutions for our daily work and meeting talented individuals who could potentially strengthen our team. This format is an investment in the future of St. Petersburg's electric transportation: more comfortable for passengers and more efficient for the city."

The project's implementation is important not only for the university and the client company, but also for the city as a whole. The development of a domestic software suite for critical urban infrastructure contributes to technological sovereignty and is consistent with the Electric Transport Development Concept through 2030. The project's results will ultimately improve travel comfort, optimize routes and operating costs, reduce service intervals, and reduce congestion on the road network.

For students, participation in the project is a significant step in their professional development: in addition to preparing their final qualifying work, they gain experience working on a real industrial project. St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans has already expressed its willingness to give priority consideration to project participants for employment.

The defense of the comprehensive final qualification thesis is planned for the summer of 2026 at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Successful implementation of the project will be another step toward establishing a sustainable model for training practice-oriented specialists through the implementation of interdisciplinary projects for the benefit of industrial partners.

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.