On Wednesday, April 1, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (UNN) hosted the first meeting within a new government project looking at the long-term future development of university complexes in Russia. The meeting was led by Ms. Ekaterina Tolstikova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, who is overseeing the work.

The project involves the study of patterns of maintenance and development of property complexes of higher education institutions in Russia and the Ministry is committed to creating a robust evidence base required to underpin university systems strengthening. The Ministry is piloting the project in Nizhny Novgorod this year.

Prior to discussions on this project, Ms. Ekaterina Tolstikova explained the project’s aims to rectors and senior administrators of higher education institutions as well as senior officials of the regional government who attended the meeting.

UNN Rector Evgeny Chuprunov and UNN President Roman Strongin, along with other participants, outlined the most frequently voiced problems and described factors that may facilitate more efficient solution of issues related to university complexes.

The project draws on universities’ expertise and collaborative work to assure quality and maintain high standards. Project meetings will be scheduled on a regular basis.