International summer school on cardiovascular diseases opens at UNN
The International Summer School "Diagnostics, Modelling, and Monitoring of Pathophysiological Processes in Cardiovascular Pathology" opened at Lobachevsky University on July 7. It is being held in the Nizhny Novgorod region for the second time as part of the project "Summer Multidisciplinary University" of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
"The international summer school on cardiovascular pathology launched at UNN, with the participation of 15 students from eight African countries, stands as a notable example of fruitful collaboration between the Nizhny Novgorod region and Africa. Our region maintains active partnerships with over 20 countries on the continent, and more than 1,000 African students opt for Nizhny Novgorod universities each year for their studies. I am confident that this summer school will be a significant step in fostering scientific and educational ties, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and strengthening friendly relations between the Nizhny Novgorod region and African nations," said Olga Guseva, Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod region.
"This school is a result of international trust and scientific partnership. Over the course of two weeks, students will gain valuable skills that they can apply in their laboratory, clinical, and scientific work back home. In addition, they will also learn about our culture and visit various places of interest, gaining an understanding of the daily life in our region. This project allows us to pool the efforts of different countries and train skilled professionals. We are proud to be able to share our expertise, methods, and resources. Through dialogue and practical experience, this approach leads to effective solutions. We believe that the more skilled professionals we have, the more chances there are for a healthy future for millions of people," said Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University.
Participants attending the summer school are fifteen international students from eight African nations: Benin, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria, Sudan, and South Africa.
According to Alexander Bedny, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Networking at UNN, Lobachevsky University is part of the Russian-African Network University, which brings together over a hundred universities in Russia and African countries. This network was established to create a unified scientific and educational space.
"For several years now, our university has been part of the RAFU, and today we are launching the second summer school of the Russian-African Network University. The event is hosted by our university and is designed to foster collaboration in education and science between Russian higher education institutions and African countries. Over the next two weeks, we will have the chance to showcase Lobachevsky University’s educational and research capabilities, as well as introduce the participants to our city and region. During this period, the students will enhance their Russian language skills, acquire new professional competencies, and gain a deeper understanding of Russia, Nizhny Novgorod, and its unique character," Alexander Bedny noted.
For two weeks, summer school attendees will have an intensive educational programme. The sessions will take place at the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine of Lobachevsky University in Nizhny Novgorod. The academic programme focuses on helping international students develop practical skills and competencies applicable to research, laboratory, and clinical work centered on early diagnosis and the study of cardiovascular disease mechanisms.