SPbU-HIT collaboration in ecology
In China, SPbU and HIT as partner-universities have held a summer field school on ecological geography for undergraduate and graduate students.
At the summer school, the scientists delivered lectures on sustainable development of industrial and urban agglomerations. SPbU and HIT’s students could put their knowledge in practice. The participants evaluated environment by using a special equipment at HIT and studied the samples contaminated soil and water.
SPbU scientists’ reports written in English focused on how to methodologically and scientifically improve rational use of natural resources, research methods in ecological geology, and current methods of ecosystem rehabilitation. SPbU’s representatives told that they were planning to further develop collaboration with Chinese colleagues.
Our partners are primarily concerned with how to develop technologies and methods to improve the environment.
SPbU’s Professor Vitalii Kurilenko
“Now we are seeking opportunities to open a joint master programme in environment preservation and rehabilitation. Besides, we are preparing a study guide that focuses on methodological bases of research in ecology together with our Chinese partners”, — said SPbU’s Professor Vitalii Kurilenko.
SPbU and HIT have been collaborating in various spheres for many years, said the expert. In 2015, the universities opened a joint Centre for Environmental Research. Moreover, the partner-universities have been implementing a number of projects plasma physics, ecology, environment, and preservation of cultural heritage of the Chinese Eastern Railway. The universities are actively engaged in academic exchange. At the recent meetings, the management and scientists of two universities discussed opportunities for opening a joint university in Harbin, which can bring collaboration to a new level.
SPbU offers a number of educational programmes in ecology and management of natural resources, among them is Polar and Marine Research (POMOR). The programme is accredited by the ASIIN and focuses on comprehensive study of polar and marine ecological systems, global climate changes. Upon graduation, you get a joint degree: Master of SPbU and Master of Sciences of the partner-university in Germany.