KFU’s Academic Board holds 220th anniversary meeting in Emperor Ballroom
Some of the invitees were presented with state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan and departmental awards of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
The ceremonial event was held with the participation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Sergey Kabyshev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Alexey Pesoshin, Rector of Kazan Federal University Lenar Safin, and others.
The meeting of the Academic Board, chaired by the First Vice-Rector – Vice-Rector for Research Dmitry Tayursky, began with the university anthem.
“Today, Kazan Federal University is one of the largest in Russia. We have more than 53 thousand students, 13 thousand of whom are foreign students. More than 10 thousand employees work here. We participate in many key state programs: Priority-2030, advanced engineering schools, world-class research centers, and we also open foreign branches. None of this would be possible without those who work at our university. Happy birthday, beloved alma mater,” said Lenar Safin.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for being able to attend today’s celebrations and personally congratulate the KFU team on this significant date.
“Your university is one of the oldest in Russia. Many faculties have become a platform, base and foundation for opening new universities in the Republic of Tatarstan. The students, graduates and teachers of the university are the glory of Russian science and educational culture,” the Minister noted.
Falkov emphasized that KFU has been actively developing and moving forward in recent years, as evidenced by the growing number of students, the demand for the university by students and teachers from the regions of Russia and other countries, its close ties with the economic sector and industry, authority in the higher education system, and the university’s involvement in the major state projects.
“Like any university with such a history, you value and are proud of your traditions, such as university autonomy, attention and respect for scientific schools, a special attitude to mentoring, and cooperation with your graduates. What I would especially like to note is that these traditions are alive and are passed on from one generation to another,” he added.
Taking the opportunity, the Minister wished the university further dynamic development, global thinking, and the establishment of friendly contacts with other universities.
Then Mr Falkov presented well-deserved honorary awards to the staff of Kazan University. They were awarded to 11 employees.
Sergey Kabyshev also greeted the participants.
“For many years, Kazan University was the easternmost higher educational institution in our country, the first center of Eastern studies and the study of Eastern languages. Today, it has become not only a scientific and educational center, but also a cultural, educational, and intellectual one,” he opined.
As Dmitry Tayursky noted, KFU actively participates in all federal and provincial programs. Thanks to the support of the Governor Rustam Minnikhanov, the university is closely integrated into many successful projects with industrial partners.
“220 years is a significant age, which allows us to proudly demonstrate the accumulated scientific and educational potential. A wide innovative focus, modern technologies, and innovative projects allow us to keep up with the times and engage in serious research work. Kazan Federal University is not only an advanced educational and scientific center, but also a strategic resource for the Republic and the entire country, training professionals of the highest level,” Prime Minister Pesoshin emphasized.
From the hands of the invited guests, KFU employees received gratitude from the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education and state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Then, the guests were shown a fragment of a documentary dedicated to the university and its history. Kultura, a federal TV channel, presented the premiere of a two-part documentary film Kazan University: 220 Years of Great History.
By decision of the Academic Board, the title of the Honorary Doctor was awarded to Academician of the Russian Academy of Education, Director of the Institute of Cognitive Research of St. Petersburg State University Tatyana Chernigovskaya.
The world-famous scientist and specialist in neuroscience, psycholinguistics and theory of consciousness was awarded by the Rector of KFU.
“Kazan University is a legendary place! I could not even imagine that I would be here in such a role. Honestly, my soul is in awe,” Chernigovskaya shared her emotions. “The contribution of all university people, everyone who is here today and with whom we work, cannot be overestimated, because we are shaping the future. It is those whom we teach and educate who will determine the life of this planet. Therefore, a lot depends on us.”
At the end of the meeting, an agreement was signed between KFU and the Egyptian company Modern Group on the establishment of another foreign branch of the university – in the United Arab Emirates. This step is aimed at developing international cooperation in education for the UAE and the Middle East.
“We plan to open the branch in the next year and a half. It will train specialists of a wide profile, capable of working in conditions of great uncertainty. Today, it is wrong to teach a specific craft. We need to teach people who will respond to challenges,” Dmitry Tayursky commented on the signing of the agreement.
Among other events of today, a solemn ceremony was held to unveil the bust of the founder of Kazan University, Emperor Alexander I.