Outcomes of the forum «Universities 2030: Science — Competencies — Youth»

On November 6, Lobachevsky University hosted the forum «Universities 2030: Science — Competencies — Youth». The forum was the first face-to-face meeting of the Russian university community after the pandemic and the first offline platform for discussing the key tasks of the national project «Science and Universities». More than 3 000 persons took part in the forum events (online and offline), including top officials of higher education and regional authorities, leaders of public and youth organizations, representatives of leading Russian universities.

Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia:

«It is very symbolic that we are in this city today. Nizhny Novgorod has always been famous for its universities, its research institutions and scientists. This is the region where the first of Russia’s five research and education centres has been established. Today’s priority task for universities is to increase their research potential. In the 21st century, universities must have more influence on the economy and on technological development. There are 724 universities in Russia, and those that have become research universities are capable of a real breakthrough. There is no doubt that closer cooperation between universities and the Russian Academy of Sciences will help achieve common ambitious goals».

Alexander Sergeev, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences:

«The task of universities is first and foremost to train good professionals. All over the world, the ratnking of a university directly depends on how much its graduates are in demand... The idea of consortia, which is highlighted now, will allow us to launch a positive dynamics of university development under limited funding. This interaction should be built with great care so that every element of the consortium understands its objectives and appreciates its participation... The prestige of universities is formed by its graduates. This is why graduates and rectors need to cooperate».

Gleb Nikitin, Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region:

«For us, universities are first and foremost a factor that can transform the region’s economy. Universities are the main drivers in this process. We have serious plans to change the urban environment around universities and create comfortable conditions for young people. I believe it is also possible to use here the opportunities provided by other national projects, such as „Housing and Urban Environment“. When it is convenient and interesting to live near a university, jobs will be created there and young people will stay in their home region».

In the opinion of the UNN Rector Elena Zagaynova, Lobachevsky University is an example of a successful modern university that is ready to meet all the challenges of our time.

Elena Zagaynova, Rector of Lobachevsky University:

«We have extensive experience of cooperation with the Russian Academy of Sciences and with business. We will develop additional professional education programmes in line with academic and public demand. We are ready to develop new areas of study to cater for the needs of the world of work and we have everything to do this».

Olga Petrova, UNN Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs:

«The concept of our University is «The University for a Lifetime». You want to go back to such a university over and over again, because there is an ecosystem where development and success are inherent elements. Thus, the university creates points of growth for all its «residents».

The messages and decisions of the «Universities 2030» forum will provide the basis for a new vector in the development of Russian higher education. According to Evgeny Szhenov, Programme Director of the Forum, this event was an opportunity for everyone to «compare notes and understand where we are going».

Evgeny Szhenov, Programme Director of the Forum, Scientific Director of the Analytical Centre «Scientific and Educational Policy»:

«The priority questions are (1) how science and universities will work in a concerted fashion, (2) will business and universities find opportunities for a dialogue . The logic of these processes is embedded in the National Project „Science and Universities“. Today’s dialogue has confirmed that the leadership of the all parties involved is aware of the importance of teamwork... The Forum is not just an opportunity to discuss. Today, several important agreements were concluded and numerous arrangements emerged».

It is expected that the Forum «Universities 2030: Science-Competencies-Youth» will take place in Nizhny Novgorod every year.