St Petersburg University and Kindai University intend to expand cooperation

The Deputy Rector for International Affairs, Sergey Andryushin, noted that during almost two years of joint work the mutual visits have become a good tradition. So, in March of this year St Petersburg University took part in the international forum held by the Kindai University. A little later, in May, the heads of educational institutions — Nikolay Kropachev and Yoshihiko Hosoy — held a meeting in St Petersburg.

The signed protocol on academic exchange allowed to send university students for short-term training to Japan in July this year. Also, St Petersburg University became a partner of the Kindai University in the framework of the project «Training of Engineers in Engineering Specialties "Monodzukuri" for Russia and Japan». Sergey Andryushin proposed to discuss the expansion of exchange programmes and include in them internships for scientific and pedagogical staff.

In addition, the representative of the Japanese university, Mr Kunitoshi Hishikawa, expressed interest in creating a joint educational programme of a double diploma. Sergey Andryushin noted that before the implementation of such a project it is necessary to conduct a study to select the most promising area of ​​knowledge, which is in demand among both researchers and students, and among employers. The parties came to the conclusion that among the possible areas of the programme implementation could be the sciences, which are part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), a priority for both sides.

Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev was awarded one of the highest awards of Japan — «The Order of the Rising Sun. Gold and silver stars» for the active participation in the development of scientific and academic cooperation with Japanese universities and business organisations.

Deputy Rector Sergey Andryushin also invited the guests to organise a round table in October this year with the participation of researchers from St Petersburg University and Kindai University as a part of the «Days of St Petersburg in Osaka» festival organised by the Government of the Northern Capital. Among the possible topics of discussion, the Russian side proposed the technological development of modern metropolises, as well as the global future of monodzukuri — the Japanese principle of manufacturing in the manufacturing sector, which includes technological, organisational and corporate rules aimed at producing high-quality products.

Sergey Andryushin thanked the guests from the University of Kindai for the warm welcome of the delegations of St Petersburg University, emphasising the exceptional level of organisation of events by their Japanese partners. The parties expressed their hope for maintaining positive dynamics in the development of joint projects.