On April 16, 2025, a significant event took place at the Interuniversity Campus where students engaged with leading employers from the region to discuss the critical intersection of science and business. This meeting was marked by the participation of notable figures, including Stepan Kalmykov, the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who emphasized the increasing demand for scientific expertise in practical applications.
As part of a thematic week, a discussion on the support for young scientists was held at the House of the Eurasian Research and Education Center (REC) in Ufa. This event brought together representatives from the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Sistema Charitable Foundation, who explored contemporary high-tech demands and the role of scientific research in addressing them.
Natalia Latypova, the Director of the REC, highlighted the center's success in uniting scientists, students, and enterprises, facilitating the integration of scientific findings into the economy. "Our center is pivotal in bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs," Latypova stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration.
During the event, opportunities for young people were showcased, including a competition supported by 18 high-tech companies aimed at fostering innovation and talent among students. Larisa Pastukhova, President of the Sistema Foundation, elaborated on the expansion of nominations and the expertise offered to researchers, indicating a robust support system for emerging talents.
Furthermore, similar events are scheduled to take place throughout the week in the Meleuzovsky, Ishimbaysky, and Sterlitamak regions, designed to introduce students to modern professions and career paths in high-demand sectors. Lenara Ivanova, the Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Protection of the Population in the Republic of Bashkortostan, emphasized the proactive role of employers in preparing the workforce and announced the upcoming All-Russian Employment Fair, along with other initiatives aimed at professional orientation for youth.
In a parallel development, the North-Western Institute of Management in St. Petersburg held its traditional competition, "Stars of RANEPA St. Petersburg," which aims to showcase the talents of students from various disciplines. This year's competition theme focused on ethnicity and cultural identity, addressing the pressing issue of cultural heritage preservation.
The competition, which has been a staple for several years, allows students from the first to fourth year to participate and express their unique talents. Thousands of students, along with faculty and administration, closely followed the events. "Our global task as a university is not just to prepare professionals with a solid theoretical foundation but to cultivate individuals capable of creative solutions in today’s challenging environment," remarked Andrey Khlutkov, Director of the Presidential Academy in St. Petersburg.
Throughout the competition, finalists shared insights into their nationalities, traditions, and customs, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. The final show, which occurred on April 16, 2025, at the Palace of Arts of the Leningrad Region, marked the culmination of months of preparation and qualifying rounds for the participants.
Winners were announced across various categories, including "High Intellect," awarded to Mariana Gabrelyan and Ilnur Kulushev, and "Only Forward," which recognized Anastasia Kobelev and Vladislav Alexandrov. Other categories included "Expert Opinion," awarded to Elizaveta Farukshina and Pavel Nesterov, and "Culinary Mastery," which went to the same pair, showcasing their diverse skills.
Mariana Gabrelyan and Ilnur Kulushev also took home the award for "Unyielding Aspiration," while Anna Kaltyga and Ilnur Kulushev were recognized for "Best Creative Performance." The audience award was given to Gabrelyan and Arame Ayrapetyan, highlighting their popularity among peers.
The recognition from the Alumni Association went to Anastasia Kobelev and Vladimir Pinemasov, while Daria Malysheva and Pinemasov received the special prize from PSB Bank. The prestigious title of "Star of RANEPA St. Petersburg 2025" was awarded to Elizaveta Farukshina and Alexander Sofronov, marking a significant achievement in their academic journeys.
Reflecting on his experience, Alexander Sofronov expressed his admiration for the competition, stating, "Honestly, I am amazed by the competition! Two months flew by in an instant, and I realize that all the efforts put into participating were worthwhile." His sentiment captures the essence of the event, which not only celebrates talent but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among Russia's future leaders.
As the week unfolds, both initiatives highlight the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, paving the way for a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern world. The focus on cultural identity and the support for young scientists underscore a commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in the region.