SPbPU held a video conference with Leibniz Universität Hannover
Within the framework of “SPbPU Week of Science”, our university held a videoconference with Leibniz University of Hannover (Germany). The subject under discussion was “Strategic partnership in action”.
Videoconference took place within the framework of the "5-100-2020" program implementation and the partnership development with world's leading universities. The purpose of the meeting, which was held in the format of video presentations, became a report on 2015 collaborative events and the coordination of cooperation plans in 2016.
Our University was represented by the Vice-Rector for International Relations D.G. Arsenyev, Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering N.I. Vatin, Director of the Institute of Energy and Transport Systems N.A. Zabelin, Deputy Director of the Library complex N.V. Sokolov and other members of SPbPU's scientific groups involved in the project and research work with Leibniz University of Hanover.
Professor Volker Epping, President of Leibniz University greeted all the participants. "I appreciate the achievement of your University and observe the evolution of our partnership. I’m glad that we maintain longstanding traditions and we are on a steady course for the innovative future. It is the best moment now to discuss our prospects and plans. We have lots of them, "said Mr. Epping.
Leibniz University of Hannover has been one of SPbPU's key partners for many years. The 30-year cooperation is confirmed by numerous joint achievements and projects. On behalf of SPbPU Rector, D.G. Arsenyev thanked partner representatives for the development of mutually advantageous cooperation and implementation of promising joint projects. "The main factor of our work is the quality of the educational process. Mutual visits of professors from both universities contribute to the generation of relevant and current research, stimulating scientific work and strengthening the industry of our countries," said Dmitry G. Arsenyev.
The head of DAAD in Saint Petersburg Dr. Michael Kleineberg supported his colleagues and emphasized the importance of academic exchanges: "The cooperation strategy of SPbPU and Leibniz University of Hannover complies with the ideology of the German service of academic exchanges. We observe the increased mobility of students. The more they are, the better! ".
Natalia Butich, the German project coordinator of the International Office, presented the results of the joint activities. She emphasized the role of academic mobility. "We have a large number of SPbPU students studying in our university in Hannover. Some of them are planning to defend their graduation projects in Germany. We are sure that internationalization of education and adherence to global trends expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge and affect positively all the social and political processes, " explained Natalia Butich.
DAAD is currently considering a joint grant application from the two universities. This grant is aimed at providing further support of strategic partnership program. Financing the previous application was aimed at developing the Russian and German universities and obtaining high results of such a cooperation. The expectations of the grant providers were justified, and the «Strategic partnership action" project was acknowledged as best.
It should be reminded that Leibniz University of Hannover and SPbPU collaborate in the following areas: "Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology", "Material Science and Laser Technologies”, “Metalworking Technologies», «Applied Mathematics, Mechanics and Process Control", "Civil engineering", "Power Engineering", “Mechatronics and Control Systems and Technologies ". Task groups are actively developing and implementing joint programs in the field of quantum optics, integrated electronics, linguistics, economics and management and library systems. During the videoconference, leaders of 14 research teams from SPbPU and representatives from Leibniz University of Hannover informed of the joint work results and plans for the future.
In 2015 our universities organized a large number of events, such as conferences and workshops, actively developed exchange programs of students; invited professors for lectures and scientific workshops. The digest of reports, containing 19 collaborative articles was published. 65 scientists were involved in the academic mobility program.
The jointly organized annual “Hannover Messe” exhibition is another remarkable achievement during the period under review. This exhibition is one of the most outstanding events that present industrial technologies. Among other achievements are: launch of the research laboratory in SPbPU; development of the first network master's program “Power Engineering Technology” (cooperation between SPbPU, Leibniz University of Hannover, Lappeenranta University of Technology); creation of student video blog initiated by the Institute of Humanities and aimed at the professional communication and exchange of experience.
It is also worth noting that in 2015 the German research community (DFG) along with the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) provided the substantial financial support of projects that are of strategic values. "Double Degree Educational Programs of SPbPU and Leibniz University of Hannover are very popular with students. This combination of the Russian and European practice contributes to the best result and competitive advantages on the international market of educational services’, confirmed all the participants of the bilateral meeting.
At the end of the videoconference the 2015 totals were summarized and the basic plan of activities for 2016 was mapped out. As before, these activities include: joint research and publications in national and international journals, academic mobility programs, seminars and workshops, participation in summer schools, internships, double degree programs, etc. Vice-Rector D.G. Arsenyev thanked all the participants of the conference and offered "not to be complacent»: "The year of 2016 will be a crucial one. Scientific groups will work hard to meet the initial targets of this project: development of joint postgraduate programs and joint theses defense programs; confirmation of the after-project cooperation "profitability", increased citation rates of scientists through collaborative publications in high-impact journals. I am sure that our dialogue will continue. No doubt, it will be successful and fruitful. "
International Cooperation Office