Second day of the forum in China: Polytechnic University presented a world-class engineering education model
The World-Class University Presidents Forum & Expo continues at the Xingqing Campus of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). The delegation of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), led by First Vice-Rector Vitaly Sergeev, took an active part in this large-scale event, which gathered heads of leading universities from around the world.
At the beginning of the second day of the forum, an exhibition of world-class universities was opened at the «Four Great Inventions» Square, where guests were introduced to the achievements of leading universities in science and education. After that, the official opening ceremony of The World-Class University Presidents Forum & Expo took place. The participants then moved on to discussions, which were divided into three thematic sections: «The Role of Higher Education in Global Governance,» «The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Higher Education,» and «Cultivating Future Talents in a Globalized World.»
Within the third section, First Vice-Rector Vitaly Sergeev gave a report entitled «SPbPU: Cultivating Talents for Technological Leadership.» He presented the comprehensive model for working with talented students, postgraduates, and young scientists that operates at Polytechnic University.
Vitaly Sergeev emphasized that SPbPU has been a winner of all national innovation development programs in science and education over the past 20 years, including the «Research University,» «5-100,» and «Priority 2030» projects. The university is implementing a new model of engineering education based on project-based learning with high involvement of industrial partners. The Advanced Engineering School «Digital Engineering» has been recognized as the best in Russia according to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. Vitaly Sergeev also presented the key mechanisms for identifying and supporting talent that are systematically implemented at Polytechnic University.
Special attention was paid to working with international students. SPbPU is a co-organizer of the «Open Doors» International Olympiad of the Global Universities Association, the winners of which receive grants to study in bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral programs funded by the Russian budget. Every year, about 100 master’s degree students and 25 doctoral students from among foreign winners of the Olympiad enroll at Polytechnic University.
In conclusion, Vitaly Sergeev invited forum participants to cooperate in areas such as preparing joint scientific publications, applying for international grants, participating in student project marathons, including the «Smart City 2030» project.
After the discussions, the Vice-President of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shan Zhiwei, summed up the forum, noting the high level of the presentations and the importance of establishing direct contacts between universities.