St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024: PhosAgro and St Petersburg University join forces to develop Russia’s agro-industrial complex
St Petersburg University and PhosAgro, Russia’s largest producer of phosphate-based fertilisers, signed a cooperation agreement at the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The agreement was signed by Elena Chernova, Senior Vice-Rector of St Petersburg University, and Siroj Loikov, First Deputy CEO of PJSC PhosAgro. The partners will engage in research and development in the field of agrochemistry, as well as joint information and analytical, academic, educational, cultural, research and expert projects.
In addition to scientific research, the agreement with the company provides for joint conferences, seminars and round table discussions, as well as the implementation of educational projects. Elena Chernova, Senior Vice-Rector of St Petersburg University, noted that one of the top priority tasks of the University is to train high-calibre specialists for the agro-industrial complex.
The best practices of St Petersburg University show that close cooperation with employing companies helps to solve real-life problems of society and the state. I am confident that the cooperation agreement with PhosAgro will be the beginning of fruitful work in joint scientific research, educational, cultural and socially significant projects.
Elena Chernova, Senior Vice-Rector of St Petersburg University
The agreement envisages that the company’s representatives will also take part in the work of teaching methodology committees and methodology councils, councils of the University’s academic programmes, and state assessment committees. The partner will be able to propose topics for research and graduation projects of St Petersburg University students in natural sciences related to agrochemistry and soil science, geology, climatology and environmental monitoring.
Siroj Loikov, First Deputy CEO at PJSC PhosAgro, noted that the company is honoured to sign an agreement with a world-leading university, the oldest university in Russia, which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year.
St Petersburg University, together with Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, is developing the Ladoga carbon polygon project in the Leningrad Region. The project aims to monitor climate-active gases and study ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The University also offers the bachelor’s programme "Soil Science", which provides students with the skills to: investigate specific and general issues in soil science; and carry out scientific research and production activities while investigating natural, urban and agricultural systems at different levels.
Researchers at the University are involved in promising developments and relevant scientific research in the field of agro-industry. Chemist Irina Timofeeva is working on the development of new methods of chemical analysis of food, natural, artificial and biological materials, aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment. She was awarded the Russian Presidential Prize for Young Scientists in 2023 for her achievements in this field.
"Applied science grows out of basic science. We are convinced that cooperation with St Petersburg University is a new decisive stage in the partnership with science, aimed at strengthening the food security of our country, preserving the environment and public health, and increasing the efficiency and productivity of the Russian agro-industrial complex."