Economic Education Driver: Polytechnic University Celebrates IPMET Anniversary

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The festivities kicked off with a series of vibrant events that brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni. And this is just the beginning of the celebration—a host of surprises and themed activities await participants throughout the academic year.

Ten years is a significant milestone for IPMEiT. During this time, the institute has become a space for active development, implementing innovative educational approaches, modern technologies, and scientific solutions. It develops competencies that meet the challenges of the times and the needs of the economy.

It's especially valuable that, as it moves forward, the institute carefully preserves the traditions of engineering and economics education established at the Polytechnic University at its inception. This is a solid foundation upon which the future is built. Today, IPMEIT is rightfully one of the leading centers for training highly qualified personnel for the development of the national economy, combining science, education, and practice.

The celebration began on March 20 with the "Day in Blue" campaign. On this day, students, faculty, alumni, and staff of IPMEIT came to class and work wearing blue, the institute's symbol. The hallways and classrooms were filled with vibrant blue accents, and photographs of the event became a symbol of unity, energy, and connection to IPMEIT's history.

The anniversary ice skating event, which has become an institute tradition, took place on March 21st. Over 150 participants gathered: the institute's leadership and higher schools, faculty, staff, activists from the Institute of Industrial Mechanics and Electronics (IPMEI) and student associations, students who have distinguished themselves in academic, scientific, and social activities, and guests of the Institute.

The event's program was packed with interactive activities, themed competitions, festive music, and a vibrant performance by Polina Chirkina, a second-year student in the International Business program. Competition winners received commemorative prizes, and all guests were treated to a boost of positive emotions and lasting impressions.

Chairman of the IPMET Faculty of Economics and Technology, Alexander Zinchenko, noted the importance of joint events in building a student community and expressed gratitude for the active participation of students and their support of student initiatives.

First-year student Vladislav Makarov shared his impressions: "This was my first time participating in the IPMEIT skating competition, and it was right at the time of our anniversary! The atmosphere was fantastic: lots of people, music, competitions, everyone interacting and supporting each other. It feels like the institute is truly a big team."

Traditionally, VTB Bank became the event's partner, for which the Institute expresses special gratitude.

The anniversary events—from the vibrant "Day in Blue" campaign to ice skating—clearly demonstrate how IPMEIT carefully preserves its traditions and creates new ones. And this is just the beginning: many more events dedicated to the institute's 10th anniversary await students, staff, alumni, and partners. These events will continue throughout the remainder of the academic year.

Our institute has come a long way in 10 years and remains a strong, dynamic, and close-knit community—not just an educational platform but also a large team of like-minded individuals. Traditions like the anniversary ice skating event help us maintain a sense of unity, support each other, and move forward together, and I hope that the new tradition, "Day in Blue," will also become an important event in the life of the institute. Exactly 10 years ago, the rector of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University decided to establish a new institute, which over the years has been fulfilling the crucial task of developing economic education, a tradition that spans 124 years at the Polytechnic University. Our students delight us with their successes, victories in Olympiads, competitions, and various events, and our graduates continue to support the institute and contribute to the "Economic Education" endowment fund. We sincerely thank our partners for their ongoing support and participation in the creation of modern educational programs," noted Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology.

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 students won the Olympiad in fundamental disciplines

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The results of a large-scale intellectual competition held at the Almetyevsk State Technological University "Higher School of Oil" have been announced. From December 2025 to February 2026, the university held the 2nd Interregional Student Olympiad in Fundamental Disciplines, bringing together talented first- and second-year undergraduate and specialist students from across the country. Polytechnic students Sergey Stepovoy and Mikhail Klepak won the competition in mathematics and computer science. The students' interest in the competition confirms the high level of preparation of our students.

The Olympiad aims to identify gifted young people, increase students' motivation to study basic sciences, and stimulate their creative and scientific growth. Participants competed in four key disciplines: mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry. The competition consisted of two stages. In the first, qualifying round, held online, students competed for the right to advance to the finals. The tasks for both stages were developed by the faculty of the Higher School of Petroleum based on current higher education programs, ensuring a high level of difficulty and compliance with academic standards.

The final in-person competitions took place in the Republic of Tatarstan. Students were able to test their skills in three subjects on a voluntary and free basis, emphasizing the humanitarian and educational, rather than commercial, nature of the event.

The success of Sergei Stepovoy, a student at the Institute of Power Engineering at SPbPU, deserves special mention. After a tough competition with representatives from other universities, Sergei managed to become one of the Olympiad's winners. The future winner was not surprised to learn about the opportunity to participate in the Olympiad. As Sergei himself explains, he learned about it at the initiative of his institute: "I learned about the Olympiad from Irina Evgenyevna Ryndina; she sent me information about the opportunity to participate."

Sergey attributes his motivation to a desire for professional growth and self-testing: "The Olympiad itself was quite interesting and aimed at testing my knowledge in analytical geometry and mathematical analysis. I was motivated by the desire to test my abilities and understand how well I can apply my knowledge to solving non-standard problems and finding elegant solutions."

Participating in an Olympiad of this level became an important stage in the student's personal and professional development: This Olympiad allowed me to represent Polytechnic University with dignity at the interregional level and establish myself not only as an accomplished student but also as a critical thinker and a well-rounded individual.

Mikhail Klepak, a student at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, also expressed interest in participating in intellectual competitions. According to Mikhail, his motivation for participating in the Olympiad was his athleticism: "I've always enjoyed participating in Olympiads, and I was glad to have the opportunity to continue my Olympiad activities at university."

These words confirm that the Polytechnic University provides all the conditions necessary for students to realize their potential. Our students' success is also the result of competent mentoring. Sergey prepared for the Olympiad under the guidance of experienced teachers from the Department of Higher Mathematics. The student himself gratefully notes: "My mentors were Natalya Nikolaevna Amosova, who taught me the higher mathematics course, and Maria Romanovna Bortkovskaya, who taught the Olympiad Mathematics class."

Maria Bortkovskaya, Associate Professor of the Department of Higher Mathematics, praised both the student's abilities and the atmosphere at the institute, which fosters the development of talent: "I can say that Sergey was very active as a participant in the Olympiad preparation course. He not only attended classes, but also enthusiastically participated in problem discussions and proposed his own ideas. The benefits of such trips are obvious: they broaden one's horizons and expand one's professional communication skills."

According to Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Lyudmila Pankova, winning such competitions is not only a testament to a student's talent but also the result of high-quality fundamental preparation and an example of effective student-faculty collaboration. Participation in Olympiads of this level allows young people to test their skills in interuniversity competition, gain valuable experience, and establish themselves in the professional community.

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 has developed a laser cladding technology for pipeline fittings.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has developed a laser cladding technology for restoring sealing and working surfaces of pressure-sensitive equipment. The project was implemented by specialists from the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport.

The development is aimed at restoring the sealing and working surfaces of equipment operated under pressure, primarily pipeline valve flanges.

The work was carried out as part of a research project dedicated to increasing the service life and reliability of industrial equipment. The study involved samples of 09G2S, 15Kh5M, and 12Kh18N10T steel, as well as prototype flanges for equipment and pipelines.

In the current environment, the issue of technological sovereignty in the oil, gas, and energy industries is more pressing than ever. Our engineers' development is a direct response to the challenge of import substitution. Laser cladding allows for the restoration of critical pipeline valve assemblies to as-new condition, ensuring Russian companies' complete independence from foreign service solutions and spare parts, shared Anatoly Popovich, Director of the Institute of Metallurgical Engineering and Technology.

The key objective of the project was to develop technological solutions that would effectively restore worn surfaces with minimal allowance for subsequent machining, without the need for complete replacement of parts. This approach significantly reduces operating costs and improves the cost-effectiveness of equipment repair.

During the research and development work, laboratory specialists completed a full cycle of technological and experimental studies. Specifically, they developed a laser cladding technology for six base metal–cladding material combinations, covering the most common restoration scenarios. For each pair of materials, laser cladding samples were produced, followed by a series of mechanical tests.

Particular attention was paid to the corrosion resistance of the fusion zone and deposited coatings. Tests were conducted for various types of corrosion, including general, pitting, intergranular, and stress corrosion. The practical significance of the work was confirmed by testing the developed modes on flange prototypes.

"We're focused on developing technologically proven solutions that can be implemented in industrial practice. Laser cladding allows us not only to restore the geometry of parts but also to create coatings with specified performance properties," noted Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory at IMMIT SPbPU.

Based on the results of the work, a list of recommended equipment for implementing laser cladding technology in industrial conditions was compiled, and process maps and recommendations for restoring the sealing surfaces of flanges of vessels, apparatuses, and pipelines were developed.

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.

Service in the SVO zone and the capabilities of UAVs were discussed at a Courage Lesson at the State University of Management.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The State University of Management held its latest "Courage Lesson," where students met with Ivan Bondyukov, a participant in a special military operation.

As director of the Vershina military-patriotic education center and a UAV and parachute training instructor, Ivan Bondyukov discussed the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles, their various uses, and the importance of supporting one's country today.

The defender shared his personal combat experience and real-life stories with the students and answered their questions.

As a reminder, recruitment is currently underway for the Unmanned Systems Troops, a new high-tech branch of the Russian Armed Forces. Students are being offered special terms: a one-year contract, service without interruption to their education, and compensation of up to 5.5 million rubles. Learn more at the Information Center for the Unmanned Systems Troops and Assistance to the Air Defense Forces (GUK-150) and apply here.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 25, 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.

NSU students are creating a prototype of a body signal reading system that will allow prosthetic hands to be used as if they were their own.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A prototype system that will collect and combine signals obtained from the human body using electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) and, based on these signals, recognize what movement the person wants to perform is being developed by master's students. Faculty of Information Technology of Novosibirsk State University (FIT NSU) Alexander Sartakov and Pavel Bortnikov, under the scientific supervision of Ivan Brak, a leading analyst at the Inzhevika Scientific and Technical Design Laboratory and a candidate of biological sciences, are working on their development. Their development is recognized as making control of a prosthetic hand more natural, faster, more intuitive, and closer to that of one's own hand compared to existing high-tech bionic devices.

— Most modern commercial prosthetics are controlled quite simply: a user tenses one or two forearm muscles, and the prosthesis responds to these actions according to a predetermined pattern. Essentially, this isn't a full-fledged "movement, like a natural arm," but rather a switching of modes through muscle contraction and relaxation. However, the human body generates much more information about movement intention than is used in such systems. Currently, real-world devices utilize only a small portion of the rich signal generated by muscles, neural activity, and limb movements. They operate by reading electrical impulses (EMG signals) generated by tensing the antagonist muscles of the remaining arm. This is typically done using two channels: one sensor reads limb flexion, and the other reads extension. We want to increase the number of channels and explore options for capturing other data from the human body using EEG. We believe this is important, since the very idea of performing a particular movement originates in the human brain. In any case, the more channels involved in signal transmission, the more data will be received and the more opportunities for interpreting it will appear, said Alexander Sartakov.

The young scientists intend to utilize 6 to 18 channels transmitting signals from the prosthetic user's hand. This will take into account not only the tension of certain antagonist muscles but also its strength (intensity), which will affect the device's actions: for example, partial flexion or extension of the fingers will be possible, as desired by the user. Currently, due to the limited range of data received from a small number of sensors, most only allow full actions—flexion or extension—but when more data is available, the device will be able to interpret it more diversely and broadly, and prostheses will gain new capabilities—they, as "artificial limbs," will be able to assume intermediate states.

The use of sensors that read brain signals using EEG will also contribute to the improvement of bionic prostheses.

"We reviewed existing studies on the correlation between signals generated in the brain and limb movement, since the initial intention for movement originates in the central nervous system. Scientists have identified a direct correlation between the impulse and the movement of a specific body part. A complete picture of movement intention was obtained. Knowing this, we can calculate the impulse in the user's brain directed, for example, to move one finger of a prosthetic hand. We based our further research on this," explained Pavel Bortnikov.

Capturing signals using both methods and converting them into movement will expand the capabilities of the system being developed by young scientists. Using EMG, the signal from the arm muscles will be read after it has passed through the body from the brain, while EEG will allow the signal to be "read" directly from the brain instantly—even before it reaches the muscle in the limb. Commercial bionic hand prostheses rarely use EEG. Over the past ten years, few studies have been conducted to interpret the data obtained using this method, but in those cases, signals from the brain were captured using chips implanted in the user's head. The user could control the movement of a three-axis bionic prosthesis placed on a tabletop using thought alone.

"By supplementing the system with surface sensors installed on the same limb, the accuracy of signal interpretation will dramatically improve. Our goal was to create prosthetics that not only functioned like a real hand but were also comfortable. It was important that the entire sensor system be lightweight and user-friendly, with no wires entangling the user's body, as movement signals would be read from the user's head. This was a challenging task, as the sensor array would be bulky. We needed to make it lightweight and easy to use. Therefore, from an engineering perspective, we explored the possibility of wirelessly transmitting signals from the sensors to the prosthesis with minimal latency. Ultimately, we decided to create individual modules that would wirelessly transmit data to a computing module," said Alexander Sartakov.

The developers envision a device for recording EEG readings, consisting of a cap containing dry electrodes. Another set of sensors, for recording EMG signals directly from the limb muscles, will be attached to a tightly fitting elastic fabric that fits around the arm like a wide bracelet. These two components of the signal-reading system will collect information and transmit it to a computing module. It is assumed that the computing module in the current concept could be a device capable of processing neural networks at a sufficiently high speed. The creators of the device are considering the possibility of integrating this computing unit into a smartphone.

From there, the final control signal will be sent to the prosthesis itself. As with existing systems, the new development will operate using pre-defined algorithms, but it should now be more precise and functional due to the greater volume of information collected by the sensors.

The project is currently in the feasibility study phase. Young researchers have interpreted and analyzed open-source data from the internet and are now planning to collect as many signals as possible from a real person, then combine them in a specific way. Signal processing and noise removal sequences have been selected, and a basic RL neural network has been written for this purpose.

The creators of the new signal reading system face a major challenge: adapting it to urban environments. Laboratory conditions are ideal for signal reading because they avoid noise and interference. In open spaces, extraneous sounds and signals, including those from nearby areas, are added. Even noise from clothing can affect signal interpretation.

"It's impossible to statically separate a signal from extraneous noise and interference in order to interpret it. Therefore, to eliminate unwanted elements, we plan to use mathematical extraction. Rather than taking a pure signal, we transform the "contaminated" signal into a numerical array using specific methods and then feed it into a neural network. RL is a reinforcement learning model that can adjust weights during operation to better interpret the data in a specific environment. We've done this for both sensors reading signals from the upper limb muscles and for reading signals coming from the brain," explained Alexander Sartakov.

It will take two to three years to create a prototype system, but initially, the young researchers need to determine whether it is suitable for use in open areas, rather than in laboratory conditions. If the results are positive, collaboration is planned with the Russian cybermedical company Motorika, which specializes in the creation of general-purpose prosthetics. It was this company that initiated this project.

Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

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.

Department opening and summing up: a meeting of the Academic Council was held at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On March 24, the State University of Management's Academic Council held its regular meeting. The agenda was packed and included topics related to the implementation of the University Development Program and the Youth Policy Strategy, research and publication results for staff, the Institute of Economics and Finance's 2025 results, the establishment of a new department, and the opening of a memorial auditorium named after Professor Gabdelakhat Latfullin.

The meeting began with a congratulatory ceremony. Letters of thanks from the Kherson Oblast Government were awarded to: SUM Rector Volodymyr Stroyev, Vice Rector Maria Karelina, Rector's Advisor Serhiy Chuyev, and staff members Mykhailo Polyakov, Bayrta Ubushaeva, and Dmitry Nikitin. Maria Karelina also received a Letter of Gratitude from the Rector from the Mayor of Moscow and a Letter of Gratitude from the 33rd V.F. Margelov Detachment of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Dmitry Nikitin also received a Letter of Gratitude from the detachment. Vladimir Stroyev then presented a PhD in Economics to Nikolay Solovyov and associate professor certificates to Mykhailo Polyakov and Ekaterina Bondarovich, and congratulated the birthday celebrants of the month.

GUU Vice-Rector Pavel Pavlovsky spoke about the university's Youth Policy Strategy, highlighting key achievements in this area.

"Over the course of the year, the university hosted 1,018 events. Their successful organization and execution is the result of the coordinated efforts of the entire university. Students were able to explore a wide range of activities and roles. I am confident that a manager and leader can only become one through practical, hands-on process management; theory is insufficient. We are also doing important work to develop KVN (KVN), as it's not just a comedy game, but a large-scale movement whose participants have become prominent figures not only in the media but also in the economy and at various levels of government over the years," noted Pavel Pavlovsky.

The vice-rector emphasized patriotic work, noting that for the younger generation, the Great Patriotic War, like the War of 1812 for us, "is a historical backdrop with which there is no personal association or emotional involvement. And our task is to correct this."

Vladimir Stroyev agreed with the speaker and noted that much work lies ahead in many areas, and it's important to prioritize them, as it won't be possible to hold every desired event for objective reasons. The emphasis should be on quality and goals, not quantity, while enhancing the university's prestige.

Vice-Rector Maria Karelina reported on the implementation of the SUM's scientific work plan and publication activity for 2025.

"The volume of scientific research has tripled since 2023, more than half of which is technical. SUM is committed to participating in the technological leadership agenda, but there are also projects in economics, transportation, and socio-political science. We've discussed each project in detail many times, and you're all familiar with them. I consider receiving a grant from the NTI Foundation to develop a UAV swarm control technology a significant victory. This is a relevant and promising project. In 2025, SUM will open two new youth labs as part of the "Youth and Children" national project: a CNC lab, and a digital innovation lab for industry. Collaboration is planned with the Bars-Sarmat Special Purpose Center, the Fatherland Defenders Foundation, and the A.I. Meshcheryakov Family Center," said Maria Yuryevna.

In addition, the vice-rector emphasized the steady growth in the number of dissertations defended at the SUM, citations, the Hirsch index, and the total number of publications, and recalled that three of the SUM's four scientific journals were included in the "white list."

The rector of the State University of Management noted that science is actively developing in our country and there are real results.

"Over the years, we've built many foundations and achieved many successes, and we're confidently moving toward reviving engineering and economics education at our university, which is more in demand than ever. Our goal is to train production managers and develop a concept for such training not only at our university but at any university. We're ready to take this on. Speaking of specific projects, our joint RosGeoTech Engineering School with the Millionshchikov State Petroleum Technological University is completing this year, and we plan to launch our own Advanced Engineering School. The competition is fierce, but I'm confident we'll succeed," concluded Vladimir Stroyev.

Galina Sorokina, Director of the Institute of Economics and Finance, discussed the Institute's work results for 2025 and development plans for 2026.

"The indicators are growing in almost all areas. More students have joined, especially in the Finance and Credit department, and the share of students studying under contract has increased. This year, we opened a new classroom with Expobank, equipped with the latest technology and software for learning. Our students consistently receive several scholarships from the university's partners, and we plan to expand this number," said Galina Sorokina.

Acting Vice-Rector Nikolai Mikhailov presented the results of the SUMU Development Program for 2025, noting that all planned indicators have been achieved and that a new Development Program, aligned with the university's current goals and objectives, will be developed in the near future.

Another important issue at the meeting was the creation of a new department of digital engineering and industrial automation, which Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov discussed, noting that it would serve as a foundation for new specialized educational programs.

Nikolai Mikhailov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Elders of the State University of Management, and Galina Serebryakova, Acting Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, proposed opening an auditorium named after Professor Gabdelakhat Latfullin in LK-511, where a commemorative exhibition could be held. The Council unanimously supported this initiative.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 24, 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.

An agreement to establish a consortium for the preservation of architectural heritage was signed at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On March 24, the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering held a ceremonial signing of an agreement to establish the "Preservation of Architectural Heritage" consortium.

The event brought together representatives of the academic community, government agencies, and industry partners: SPbGASU, the Committee for State Control, Use, and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Government of St. Petersburg (KGIOP), the Russian Association of Restorers, Nanosoft Development LLC, and Wizardsoft JSC.

The initiative aims to consolidate efforts in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, as well as to develop scientific research, educational programs, and the introduction of innovative technologies into the industry.

SPbGASU Rector Evgeny Rybnov addressed the ceremony participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized the importance of creating the consortium for the university and the professional community:

"Today, we are creating a unified platform for interaction between the government, science, and business. This will allow us to build a sustainable system for preserving architectural heritage as a vital foundation for society's sociocultural identity."

According to the rector, the consortium will become a center for the development and implementation of advanced restoration solutions, promote scientific research, train in-demand personnel, and digitally transform the industry.

During the ceremony, participants noted the key role of SPbGASU in training specialists for the restoration industry. It was emphasized that the university has remained a key hub for developing the industry's human resources for many years, actively responding to modern challenges and introducing new educational approaches.

Special attention was paid to digitalization. Industry representatives noted the university's significant achievements in integrating digital technologies into the educational process, including in the areas of modeling and restoration, which opens up new opportunities for solving practical problems.

The creation of the consortium is seen as an important step toward establishing an effective mechanism for interaction between all industry participants. In the near future, it is planned to determine the consortium's governance structure and develop a plan for joint activities, including holding federal-level scientific and practical conferences.

Participants expressed confidence that combining efforts will not only preserve the unique architectural heritage of St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia, but also elevate the restoration industry to a qualitatively new level of development.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of an agreement and a discussion of further steps to implement joint initiatives.

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 6th National Conference "Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage" has opened at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Svetlana Golovina opens the conference

On March 24, the 6th National (All-Russian) Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, "Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage" (RRAN 2026), opened at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The event will run through March 27 and bring together leading scholars, representatives of the professional community, and educational organizations from Russia, China, Armenia, and neighboring countries.

The conference became a key platform for discussing current issues related to the preservation of cultural heritage sites, the implementation of modern technologies in restoration, and the training of a new generation of specialists.

Svetlana Golovina, First Vice-Rector of SPbGASU, delivered a welcoming speech. She emphasized the strategic importance of developing educational programs in the field of restoration:

"This year, alongside restoration architects, we will for the first time be recruiting applicants for the building and structure restoration program, qualifying as a restoration engineer. Our initiative to introduce this new specialty has received broad support from the academic and professional community."

The importance of developing new professional fields was also emphasized in his speech by Alexey Mikhailov, Chairman of the Committee for State Control, Use, and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg: "An architect-restorer is a specialist who must understand the vision of previous generations and pass it on. But an equally important field is the restoration engineer. This is a unique profession that requires a deep understanding of the history of architecture and the ability to integrate modern technologies."

According to the speaker, the most important conditions for improving the quality of restoration work remain the development of a scientific and research base, technological advancement, and a rethinking of approaches to heritage preservation, as well as new directions in the training of qualified specialists.

To achieve these objectives, an agreement was signed at the conference to establish the "Preservation of Architectural Heritage" consortium, which aims to unite scientific, educational, and industrial organizations. The agreement was signed by SPbGASU, the Committee for State Control, Use, and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Government of St. Petersburg, the Russian Association of Restorers, Nanosoft Development LLC, and Wizardsoft JSC.

"I sincerely hope that the consortium will become a focal point for fundamental research, the development of laboratory facilities, support for scientific schools, and the implementation of modern technological solutions," noted Svetlana Golovina.

Dialogue between science, education and industry

During the plenary session, participants covered a wide range of topics: from the prospects for the development of historical territories and digitalization in restoration to current regulatory challenges in the development of the field of cultural heritage site (CHS) preservation and changes to the procedures for carrying out work at CHS from March 1, 2026.

The moderator was Nadezhda Akulova, Acting Head of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Participants plan to discuss the historical aspects of various restoration schools, the development of St. Petersburg's industrial heritage: continuity and modernity, engineering aspects of adapting cultural heritage sites to modern use, and the use of new materials and digital technologies.

Particular attention will be paid to education issues – from secondary vocational to additional education, as well as mentoring in the field of restoration and participatory design in the educational process.

The conference will conclude with a "Dialogue of Experts" between Viktor Dolbinin, a Russian historian, inventor, local historian, and PhD in architecture, and Sergei Semenov, a professor and consultant in the Department of Urban Development at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, a Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, and a Doctor of Architecture. They will discuss known and unknown historical facts related to the Constantine Palace, as well as the historical development of St. Petersburg and its suburbs, in a dialogue format.

The significance of the conference

Over the years, the RRAS conference has become a respected platform for professional dialogue and the development of practical solutions in the field of architectural heritage preservation. In 2026, the event will confirm its status, bringing together the scientific community, government agencies, and businesses.

Following the conference, a collection of scientific articles will be published, reflecting modern approaches and research results in the field of restoration.

The organizers are confident that RRAN-2026 will be a significant milestone in the industry's development and will contribute to the development of new professional standards, strengthen cooperation, and introduce innovative solutions into cultural heritage preservation practices.

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.

SPbGASU specialists took part in a meeting of the RAASN Representative Office in the Northwestern District

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On March 19, the general meeting of the representative office of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAACS) in the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD) was held in the historic House of Architects in St. Petersburg. The event brought together leading scientists and industry specialists and provided a platform for discussing current scientific and professional issues.

Welcoming remarks were addressed by the Chairman of the Representative Office of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences in the Northwestern Federal District, Academician of the Department of Architecture Mikhail Mamoshin, Academician of the Department of Urban Planning Sergei Mityagin, Academicians of the Department of Construction Sciences Vladimir Travush and Yuri Panibratov (Consulting Professor at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering), and Academician of the Department of Architecture Dmitry Bush.

One of the key events of the meeting was a presentation by Veronika Asaul, Head of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Utilities at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chair of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences' Scientific Council on Economic Issues in Architecture, Urban Planning, and Construction Sciences, and Doctor of Economics. Her presentation focused on the continuity of scientific knowledge as a fundamental principle for the development of economic science.

Veronika Viktorovna noted that for many years, the Scientific Council was headed by Yuri Panibratov, a member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences and a Doctor of Economics. Over the past decade, under his leadership, issues related to improving the efficiency of urban planning and construction have been actively addressed, including life cycle assessments of facilities, economic justifications for energy-efficient technologies, the development of digital design methods (BIM), and mechanisms for sustainable urban development.

In 2026, Veronika Asaul assumed leadership of the Scientific Council. In her speech, she placed particular emphasis on the continuity of scientific schools. As she emphasized, this principle ensures the preservation and development of scientific knowledge, its critical rethinking, and its transmission to new generations of researchers. Over 20 years of collaboration with Yuri Panibratov have allowed for the formation of a sustainable scientific tradition that continues to evolve. This year, the scientific schools merged, and the school led by Veronika Asaul was included in the register of leading scientific schools in St. Petersburg.

Veronika Asaul identified the industry's key economic challenges as a lack of funding and investment, rising costs of construction materials, labor shortages, technological lag, and the need for digitalization and environmental compliance. These challenges determine the direction of future scientific research and will be a focus of the RAASN Scientific Council.

The meeting focused on modern advances in the construction industry. Rashid Mangushev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences' Scientific Council for Geotechnics, Professor of the Department of Geotechnics at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Doctor of Engineering, presented a report titled "Foundations of Unique Buildings and Structures Constructed in the Past 10 Years in St. Petersburg," which explored innovative solutions in the field of foundations and foundations.

The meeting featured presentations by candidate members of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering (RAACS): in the architecture department – by Yulia Yankovskaya, Head of the Urban Planning Department at SPbGASU, Doctor of Architecture; and Pavel Sokolov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Chief Architect of St. Petersburg, and a graduate of LISI (now SPbGASU); in the urban planning department – by Sergei Lutchenko, Associate Professor of the Urban Planning Department at SPbGASU, Chief Architect of the Leningrad Region, and Candidate of Architecture; and in the construction sciences department – by Rashid Mangushev.

Following the meeting, participants noted the high level of scientific discussion and the importance of the issues discussed for the development of the architectural and construction industry. The event contributed to strengthening professional ties and identifying priority areas for further research.

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 drone racing facility has opened at the Polytechnic University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has opened a training facility for drone racing athletes and competitions. This new infrastructure project is part of a comprehensive training model for the unmanned aerial systems industry. It is being implemented with the support of the Priority 2030 federal program.

The development of a drone racing sports and technology team is an additional component of the practice-oriented training program for UAS specialists. It helps trainees develop robust piloting skills, spatial orientation, and decision-making in dynamic environments. The new training facility includes professional quadcopters, control equipment, and FPV equipment (an FPV drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that allows the operator to see the surroundings through the drone's "eyes" via special helmets).

The 300-square-meter training ground contains everything necessary for the training and professional preparation of drone racing athletes, including participation in national tournaments. The site has two tracks: one for large drones (200/330 classes) and one for small drones (65/75 classes). The facility also features Nazgul Evoque F5X V2 quadcopters, BetaFPV Meteor75 Pro quadcopters, RadioMaster Boxer ELRS control equipment, FPV goggles, helmets, and all necessary accessories and consumables. The training ground also includes Quadrosim and UAVProf simulators, which house computer-based training rooms.

Drone racing is the sport of the future, requiring both quick reactions and strategic planning. Now, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has the necessary foundation for its development. SPbPU has effectively built a two-tier training system, which includes drone piloting training and competitive training. The necessary equipment has been approved by the St. Petersburg Drone Racing Federation and has received high praise from experienced FPV racers, commented Timur Akhmetkhanov, captain of the SPbPU drone racing team and a student at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, on the new facility's capabilities.

It's worth noting that the opening of the Drone Race competition site at the Polytechnic University is a continuation of the comprehensive model for training personnel for the unmanned aerial systems industry, which encompasses continuing professional education, youth engineering team activities, scientific research, and the development of specialized infrastructure. SPbPU is the focal point of the federal project "Personnel for Unmanned Aircraft Systems," and the educational model is built on the principle of "learning through practice" with a focus on solving real-world industry problems.

The Polytechnic University is consistently developing its training infrastructure, which includes specialized laboratories for UAV operators, simulator complexes, an expanded fleet of drones, and test sites. The university views unmanned systems holistically, therefore also conducting research in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned boats, underwater robotics, and machine vision systems for ground-based unmanned platforms.

Training specialists in unmanned aerial systems requires not only a theoretical foundation but also deep immersion in real-world production processes. We integrate educational programs with industry challenges, developing students' engineering thinking, practical competencies, and readiness to work in a rapidly changing technological environment. This approach allows us to provide the country's economy with qualified personnel capable of creating competitive solutions that meet the strategic objectives of the country's technological development," noted Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU.

Due to the expansion of SPbPU's infrastructure for training drone racing athletes, the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has announced an additional recruitment call for participants to join the university team.

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.