The National Centre RUSSIA hosts Ministry of Science and Higher Education working meeting "Key Priorities and Objectives for the 2026/2027 Academic Year"
The first
day of the annual working meeting of the Ministry of Science and Higher
Education of the Russian Federation concludes at the National Centre RUSSIA on
27 August. The meeting brings together around 600 representatives of Russian
universities, including Vice-Rectors for Youth Policy and Student Development,
as well as staff responsible for youth policy and student development at branch
campuses. The event aims to update the key objectives in these areas for the
2026/27 academic year and establish a development strategy for the community of
university professionals responsible for this work. The event will be held at
the National Centre RUSSIA over two days.
The Deputy
Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Olga
Petrova, reviewed the results of three years of joint work with university
representatives and shared plans for the future, explaining how combining their
efforts enables them not only to respond promptly to contemporary challenges,
but also to provide targeted support tailored to specific groups. She added
that the key objectives today are to create an effective student development
environment, build professional capacity, expand successful practices and
involve more students in project-based activities.
"A
Vice-Rector for Student Development is a unique person capable of resolving
every single issue and problem. When people ask me how to find their way in a
university, I tell them that there is one person there who will always explain
how to move forward and take responsibility for every issue. I am extremely
grateful to you. It seems to me that over the entire period of our work
together, which now spans more than three years, we have become one large,
close-knit family stretching from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad. We all take a
people-centred approach and understand that whenever an issue arises, we have
both the strength and the capacity to resolve it," said Olga Petrova.
She
emphasised that universities today are becoming not only places where students
gain professional qualifications, but also centres of public life where active
and socially responsible individuals are nurtured. According to her,
universities must create opportunities for students to become involved in
volunteering, public initiatives and constructive activities. It is important
to consider the interests and needs of different groups of young people and
encourage students to develop the habit of taking action by showing them that
each of them can make a valuable and meaningful contribution.
Olga
Petrova paid particular attention to the role of teaching staff in this work,
as they are in constant contact with students and largely shape their attitudes
towards the processes taking place in the country and society. Educational
programmes for teaching staff involved in student development and youth policy
are being expanded under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Higher
Education of the Russian Federation. Around 40,000 people have already
completed this training.
The First
Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation
and State Building, Lyubov Glebova, described the key objective of the
education system as not merely imparting knowledge, but also preparing
individuals for life in society. According to her, the results of this work are
measured not only by professional skills, but also by personal attitudes, which
should not conflict with the state's norms and objectives. Lyubov Glebova added
that particular attention should be paid to developing a strong moral and
ethical core in the digital age, when traditional forms of external oversight
are absent.
The first
day of the meeting, 27 August, featured speeches by representatives of federal
executive and legislative authorities and partner organisations, as well as
presentations of the Ministry's key youth policy and student development
projects.
The first
day will conclude with the presentation of departmental awards and letters of
appreciation from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian
Federation. On Friday, 28 August, the National Centre RUSSIA will host four
thematic sessions devoted to current issues in youth policy and student
development at Russian universities.
The working
meeting is held annually by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the
Russian Federation and is one of the key events for the professional community
of managers and specialists responsible for youth policy and student
development at higher education institutions.
