INRTU Joins First-Ever Russia-Mongolia Rectors’ Forum
The first Forum of Rectors of Russian and Mongolian Universities took place on July 4 in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, gathering over 150 representatives from 53 Russian and 13 Mongolian universities. INRTU's delegation included Rector Mikhail Korniakov and Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov.
Forum noted that Mongolia ranks among the top ten countries for Russian government scholarship quotas.
‘Our nations have maintained strong educational and scientific-technical cooperation for years. I am confident that thanks to this forum, Russian-Mongolian inter-university cooperation will be enriched with new projects and initiatives,’ stated Valery Falkov, Head of The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, in a video address to participants.
During the forum, the Center for Mongolian Language and Culture was opened at Dorji Banzarov Buryat State University (BSU). The Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia and the Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia was signed, along with 26 inter-university agreements.
Forum participants focused on developing academic mobility, implementing joint educational initiatives, and faculty professional development programs.
Alexey Tsydenov, Head of the Republic of Buryatia, spoke about new opportunities for developing relations between Russian and Mongolian universities:
‘We are building a world-class inter-university campus with up to 500 places for students from foreign countries, primarily Mongolia’.
The forum opened with an exhibition of scientific and technological achievements of Buryatia's universities. Participants then continued work in thematic discussions and roundtables.
Mikhail Korniakov, Rector of INRTU, and Badarch Baasansukh, Rector of the Mongolian State University of Life Sciences, moderated the session "Priority Areas of Collaboration in Science."
Opening the session on Russian-Mongolian scientific cooperation, Demberel Sodnomsambuu, President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Honorary Professor of INRTU, emphasized the importance of developing international programs for young scientists and students. He urged forum participants to actively organize joint scientific events.
‘All presidents of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences received their education in Russia and the USSR. I studied at Irkutsk State University, defended my doctoral dissertation at Irkutsk National Research Technical University (INRTU), and worked in Moscow for many years. I take pride in belonging to the Russian world. The Mongolian Academy of Sciences is a reliable partner of Russia,’ he said.
Mikhail Korniakov supported his colleague in his speech and proposed granting federal status to the International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Russia-Mongolia’, organized by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), and INRTU.
The INRTU Rector also presented experience in scientific cooperation with Mongolian universities and industrial companies.
‘INRTU has trained over 1,500 specialists for Mongolia, including leaders in the mining industry. Today, we conduct joint scientific expeditions – from archaeological research at Khuvsgul to archaeogeophysical field surveys using UAVs at the Gol Mod site, involving The Chinggis Khaan National Museum', the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Peoples of the Far East (FEB RAS), and the Siberian School of Geosciences at INRTU’.
He spoke about an educational project to train personnel for Mongolia's energy sector. Implemented since 2023, the program is supported by the The Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia and En+ Group. Annually, 30 Mongolian students receive scholarships to study in INRTU's bachelor programs in electrical and thermal power engineering at the Institute of Power Engineering funded by En+ Group, which covers accommodation, meals, and health insurance while providing internship placements. Additionally, INRTU trains mining and chemical technology specialists for “Erdenes Critical Minerals” SOE.
Concluding his speech, Mikhail Korniakov invited Russian and Mongolian hockey teams to participate in the International Ball Hockey Tournament “Cup of Two Lakes”.
During the session “Priority Areas of Collaboration in Science”, 14 reports were presented on international cooperation and experience exchange in science and higher education.
At the proposal of Purevsuren Naranbaatar, Mongolian Minister of Education and Science, the second Forum of Rectors of Universities of Russia and Mongolia will be held in Darkhan Uul Aimag.
‘Our universities are discussing opportunities for joint research, creating joint educational programs, and exchanging teachers and students. I am confident this forum will continue in the future. I firmly believe it will become a symbol of our friendship, a bridge of mutual understanding and trust,’ emphasized the Mongolian Minister of Education and Science.
Additionally, representatives of Buryatia's higher education institutions proposed creating an international association of universities from both countries.
