RosNOU delegation takes part in Russia-UK University Rectors Forum

27 January 2022

Author: Press-sluzhba RosNOU

The Rectors have discussed creating a space for effective cooperation in education and science.

The heads of Russian and British universities gathered at the Second Russia-UK University Rectors Forum that took place on 26 January 2022 at Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU).

The meeting’s participants discussed the development of research collaborations, student exchanges, academic mobility of students and professors, double degree programs, and other opportunities for creating a space for effective cooperation in education and science.

At the Forum, it was decided to extend the agreement between the Russian Rectors' Union and the Association of British Universities and sign an agreement between the student unions of the two countries. For the first time, the Forum’s program included a youth session.

The Russian delegation was headed by the President of the Russian Rectors' Union, MSU Rector Viktor A. Sadovnichiy. The British delegation arrived at the Forum led by the Chief Executive of the British Council Scott McDonald.

The Second Russia-UK University Rectors Forum

«Nauchnaya Rossiya» about Forum

— I hope that today’s meeting is going to become an important factor that demonstrates our goodwill in the development of the scientific, educational, youth, and cultural community. I am sure that the meeting shows how much the universities of our two countries aspire to create a space for effective interaction and ensure cooperation in science and academic mobility for students and professors.

Viktor A. Sadovnichiy — academician, MSU Rector

— Over the past decade, 15 thousand academic articles with an impact factor three times higher than the world average have been published jointly by Russian and British researchers. When we work together, our research gets better.

Scott McDonald — Chief Executive of the British Council

Russian New University (RosNOU) was represented at the Forum by the Rector Vladimir A. Zernov and the Director for International Affairs & Protocol George A. Gabrielian.

— It is a very good sign that rectors of the leading British universities have arrived in Russia. Besides, our British partners have a positive attitude. They are ready to take part in joint scientific and educational projects.

There was a lot of talking on the sidelines of the Forum about the importance of building good neighborly relations with our country. One of the most striking examples of cooperation between Russian and British scientists was when Ernest Rutherford’s laboratory managed to make a breakthrough on the basis of the work of Pyotr L. Kapitsa in the field of super-strong magnetic fields. I thanked British colleagues for maintaining Kapitza House, and they said in return that we need more similar examples that preserve deep friendly feelings and relations between our countries.

Today, we probably need such scientific collaboration. It is impossible to cope with global challenges on our own.

Vladimir A. Zernov

The event was timed to coincide with Russian Students Day and the day of the establishment of Lomonosov Moscow State University — 25 January. The concluding part of the Forum took place at the Residence of the British Ambassador in Moscow, Deborah Bronnert. Vladimir A. Zernov was among other Forum members that had been invited to the Embassy reception.

— This is a splendid opportunity for the heads of the leading universities to meet in person in such troubled times, despite the politically unstable relations. I am happy that the universities have ambitious plans and a great desire to cooperate.

Deborah Bronnert CMG — British Ambassador to Russia

For reference:

Cooperation between RosNOU and UK universities began in 2007 when RosNOU College signed an agreement with Walsall College on starting a joint educational program in Tourism & Hospitality. Since then, the list of partner universities in the UK has expanded, and now it includes Blackburn College, OLC Organisational Learning Centre (Bolton, UK), and Projects Beyond Borders (Manchester, UK).