INRTU enhances cooperation with China University of Geosciences
A delegation from The China University of Geosciences (CUGB, China) paid a working visit to Irkutsk national research technical university. At the meeting on July 29, the parties discussed conducting joint field practices, research in the field of gemology and industrial mathematics.
The guests were greeted by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Vladimir Smirnov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov, Director of the Center for International Services Assia Kontrimovich and Head of the Directorate for International Affairs Anna Melenteva.
The rector of CUGB Youhong Sun said that the university was founded in 1952. CUGB is focused on engineering developments and resource saving. Currently, the university has partnerships with 89 universities from 28 countries. According to Youhong Sun, the university intends to strengthen cooperation with INRTU in academic research and training, organization of international internships.
Vice-rector for scientific work, hydrogeologist Aleksandr Kononov emphasized that the study of the subsoil is a priority research area for INRTU.
“Scientists from the School of Subsurface Resource Management and Siberian School of Geosciences cover the full cycle of mineral resource extraction – from exploration to reclamation of disturbed lands. INRTU students are working on promising ideas as part of the i.GeoDesign strategic project (Priority 2030 Program).
The direction of the bachelor's program "Technology of artistic processing of materials" is unique. We are proud of the design and jewelry works made at the department founded by Professor Raisa Moiseevna Lobatskaya.
In addition, the Irkutsk Polytechnic University has its own archaeological school. Employees participate in expeditions on the territory of Mongolia and China, the Baikal region,” said Aleksandr Kononov.
Head of the Department of Jewelry Design and Technology Raisa Lobatskaya has been cooperating with China University of Geosciences for about 30 years. During this time, international summer student practices were organized. The result of field work was a monograph, which contains information about tectonic movements in the Baikal region. Today Raisa Lobatskaya is a visiting professor and a member of the editorial board of CUGB scientific journals - Geoscience Frontiers and Geoscience.
Addressing the staff of the Chinese university, the professor noted that 27 years ago, a department was opened at INRTU to train gemologists. The department has rich experience in jewelry making and has a large tool base. The technical and scientific capabilities of the department make it possible to accept CUGB students for practice. Raisa Lobatskaya presented Rector Youhong Sun with a piece of jewelry made by a post-graduate student.
According to the head of the Department of Geoecology of the Siberian School of Geosciences (SSG) Olga Kachor, a feature of the institute is the involvement of students in scientific and commercial projects. Starting from the 1st year, under the guidance of experienced mentors, students of INRTU work on tasks in the interests of the real sector of the economy. The wide geography of practices allows students to conduct applied research, present results at prestigious conferences. In the 5th year, young geologists can lead field teams.
Olga Kachor added that the Siberian School of Geosciences achieves high educational and scientific results through the use of proprietary technologies. These are geographic information systems, ethereal aircraft, mobile drilling rigs. In addition, the division has a well-equipped petrophysical laboratory and locations for organizing field trips. The priority for geologists of the Polytech is to reduce environmental risks.
“We try to conduct geological surveys in an environmentally friendly way, so we study water, soil, air, plants and bottom sediments. First-year students undergo geoecological practice, which provides basic knowledge and skills, at the Chernorud base in the Olkhon region. We invite students and professors of China University of Geosciences to carry out joint work,” Olga Kachor addressed her colleagues.
Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Industrial Mathematics of the BI BRICS Denis Sidorov announced the topics of completed and ongoing projects. Methods of mathematical modeling, according to him, are in demand in biomedicine, energy, and the study of natural systems. Laboratory staff conduct research together with colleagues from ISEM, ISTP SB RAS, universities in India and China.
The leadership of CUGB expressed interest in the projects of the Irkutsk university. Rector Youhong Sun emphasized the importance of international scientific cooperation and academic mobility.
