"Our task is to choose the strongest": a delegation of the Argentine Republic at St Petersburg University

Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, addressed the guests with a welcoming speech. He expressed hope for the active participation of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the implementation and development of the joint educational and research projects and shared the sad statistics of previous years regarding academic exchange. 

"This year, a small number of students from Argentina has been admitted to the University. We are trying to increase this number and expand our international cooperation. We hope that more active interaction with Argentine educational organisations and scientific institutes will attract more students interested in long-term academic and cultural exchange," said the Rector of St Petersburg University. He also recalled that St Petersburg University has remained the most popular educational institution in Russia among international students for six years. The competition is 21 applications per place. The selection of the strongest and most successful candidates is a key task for the University.

As part of cooperation agreements, St Petersburg University has a network of partnerships and cooperations with three higher educational institutions in Argentina, including the National University of La Plata, the Catholic University of La Plata, and Austral University. Academic staff of St Petersburg University are engaged in conducting joint research projects and preparing joint publications with international colleagues, which is evidenced by 52 papers co-authored with colleagues from 18 scientific centres and educational institutions of the country.

Apart from the agro-industrial and economic sectors, one of the priority areas for the country’s development is the modernisation of the scientific, educational and cultural spheres, the exchange of the best practices and effective mechanisms for solving socio-economic problems, said the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic. Strengthening international scientific and educational ties, especially with Russia, is an essential part of Argentina’s strategic development, he added. "Many of our students are striving to study in Russia. We see great potential in cooperation with your University and are ready to offer various forms of support: establish inter-university contacts, send requests to ministries, and facilitate the signing of agreements. You can always rely on us," said Mr Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieyra. 

The special status of St Petersburg University ensures that the University has more academic freedom, independently implement unique academic programmes and work directly with various ministries and authorities, said Nikolay Kropachev. St Petersburg University responds to requests from the administration of Russian regions and provides assistance in drawing up a plan for improving urban infrastructure, establishing transport logistics for the region, and training medical staff who can work with high-tech equipment. St Petersburg University signs agreements with foreign provinces, establishing partnerships not only in educational cooperation, but also in the field of socio-economic development.

St Petersburg University is a huge world. We have museums with three million exhibits; the Research Park, with the equipment infrastructure of more than 7.5 billion roubles; 400 buildings; and the Scientific Library, which has more than seven million volumes of various literature to name just a few. Our goal is not only to provide education and prepare high-calibre personnel, but also to develop the Russia’s scientific potential, develop advanced technologies, and implement the tasks of small and medium-sized businesses.

Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University

The Rector of St Petersburg University invited his colleagues to organise an online meeting with representatives of leading Argentine and Russian companies in order to find common ground on the issues of preparing specialists for various industries, e.g. economics and agriculture to name just a few. Enterprises can set specific tasks for St Petersburg University to train professional personnel and adapt academic programmes to the needs of the labour market.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic expressed particular interest in how the branches of St Petersburg University work. He asked how the work is organised, in what areas they offer academic programmes and how the branches interact with local authorities. As an example, Nikolay Kropachev took a joint university in Egypt, opened on the initiative of one of the largest international companies specialising in providing services in the field of education, pharmacology, building and construction to open a scientific and educational centre in the field of medicine. 

"Opening branches means that not only a partner university, but also a large company are interested in opening a branch. It is essential to hold negotiations at different levels and ensure mutually beneficial cooperation that will contribute to achieving the goals of both parties," said the Rector. The successful operation of branches depends on strategic support from the state and investments from corporate partners, said the Rector.

St Petersburg University and the Egypt’s "Modern Group" are implementing together the only university project in Egypt. This year, more than 400 students began studying in the three degree programmes, i.e. "General Medicine", "Dental Medicine", and "Pharmacy".

During the discussion of the prospects for cooperation, the diplomat offered to assist in signing an agreement between St Petersburg University and the National Agricultural Technology Institute, which specialises in applied agricultural research. "Argentina shows great interest in the development of agribusiness and biotechnology, and the joint work of our universities in this industry can open up new opportunities. We are grateful to St Petersburg University for your attention to our country and are interested in close and promising contacts," said Mr Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieyra. The Argentine embassy is ready to actively assist in deepening and expanding educational ties between the two countries, he added. 

The diplomat presented the book ‘The Malvinas/Falklands between History and Law’ by Facundo Rodriguez and Marcelo G Kohen, which focuses on the peculiarities of the historical development of the country, the impact of the conflict on international relations and politics of the region, and the legal aspects of Argentina’s long-running sovereignty dispute. 

Following the meeting, the parties decided to send official proposals to the relevant structures of the Argentine Republic and continue discussing the details of possible cooperation.