Andrey Omelchuk: “University Campus Is a Driver for the Development of the University and the Region”

11:19, June 5, 2024

A teleconference on creating a network of world-class campuses was held in Moscow

Andrey Omelchuk, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, outlined the global goals of the federal project to create a network of modern university campuses during a thematic live stream. He emphasized that the spaces created for education, personal development and recreation of students will become an impetus for the development of both universities and the regions where they are located. Victor Koksharov, the rector of the Ural Federal University, also took part in the discussion.

“New campuses are a driving force for universities because the new infrastructure should give a boost to new content. Today we are creating comfortable conditions for students and young scientists to live, work, and be creative. Of course, this is a huge boost for the socio-economic development of the regions. Out of 17 campuses, only one - the Bauman Moscow State Technical University campus - is being created in Moscow, and the rest - from Kaliningrad to Sakhalin. In other words, many regions of our country are involved in this process”, said Andrey Omelchuk.

The Deputy Minister reminded that 17 selected projects of student campuses are being implemented with the support of the national project "Science and Universities". By 2030 their number will increase to 25, and by 2036 - to 40. The total area of the 17 campuses exceeds 2.3 million square meters. The total cost of the work is more than 500 billion rubles, of which about 40% is federal funds, and a comparable amount is raised by businesses and regions.

Andrey Omelchuk paid special attention to the integration of university premises into the urban environment.

“It is important to understand that these spaces are not meant to replace the old ones, but to complement what universities have today. We propose to fill the new spaces together with new content, educational programs, research, points of interaction with industrial partners, social functions. It will be a city within a city, integrated into the urban environment, open to the citizens, living for the people and giving an impulse to the development of higher education in the region”, explained Andrey Omelchuk.

Victor Koksharov, rector of UrFU, emphasized that the new campus will create a completely new, comfortable space for living and studying, where students will want to go.

“The campus of the Ural Federal University is a modern space where new educational technologies are applied and students' ideas are immediately tested together with industrial partners. The first stage has already been completed - student buildings, sports infrastructure, community and medical centers - and for the first time in the 104-year history of the university we do not have a shortage of dormitory places. Most importantly, we are creating the center of digital transformation for the entire region, as educational buildings and new manufacturing facilities are being built next to these dormitories”, said Victor Koksharov.

Reference

A network of modern university campuses is being created by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the national "Science and Universities" project.

Anastasia Artemyeva

The news article was translated by UrFU International Marketing Office.
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