Innovation Forum on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of our region started work at Saratov University on May 24. Its main goals are sharing university experience in forming regional innovative environment, discussing possibilities of cooperation between industry and educational institutions, project presentations, building a platform for networking and exchange.
The event is organized by Saratov State National Research University. SSU gathered representatives of RF executive power and local administration bodies, scientific, research and educational institutions and foundations, business and industry.
The plenary session took place at the assembly hall of SSU Bldg. X on May 24. It concerned the topic of “Innovative Scientific and Technical Development of the Region and Russia”. It was preceded by a special exhibition where every one could learn about SSU innovations including silicone composites with metal nanoparticles – an electronic base for artificial neuron network, a new autonomous differential geomagnetic navigation of moving objects, a new type of close-field scanning SHF microscope and many others.
The plenary session was hosted by Saratov University President L.Yu. Kossovich who welcomed the audience and the panel. He said such a large scale event was a great honor for SSU. He thanked Governor V.V. Radaev and Saratov Region Government. He than gave the floor to Saratov Region Duma Chair V.V. Kapkaev who focused on universities generating ideas and working on innovations that meet requirements of our economy and society. “The state of world economics today shows that only innovation could help us achieve great results”, he continued. That was the reason why national research university with rich experience in innovations hosted the forum. V.V. Kapkaev also mentioned that the forum coincided with the anniversary and our region demonstrated good results as a educational and industrial center.
Saratov Region Government Deputy Chair V.M. Razdelkin talked about contribution of our region to research and production. He wished the forum participants success at work, new ideas and projects, fruitful cooperation for the sake of our region and our country. He awarded letters of acknowledgement from Governor V.V. Radaev to SSU President L.Yu. Kossovich and Rector A.N. Chumachenko.
In his speech, A.N. Chumachenko focused on developing fundamental and applied science at University. He gave an overview of SSU innovative units and told their works aims helps realizing an important task of import substitution in our country. The Rector talked in detail about the University work on recycling technological waste for future use in building and road construction, agriculture and other spheres. A.N. Chumachenko thanked the regional administration for their trust. He drew the attention of the audience to the fact that SSU is among top twenty universities of the country and holds 10-12 position in innovations.
Saratov Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President M.A. Fateev thanked the forum organizers and scientists. He read a congratulatory address from Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President S.N. Katyrin where the latter talked about the significance of the forum.
Deputy CEO of Advanced Research Foundation A.V. Panfilov said SSU carries out several cutting-edge innovative projects. He shared information about a successful joint project of Saratov University and the Foundation – “Tailored Materials” Lab. S.A. Nikitov, Director of V.A. Kotelnikov Institute of Radiotechnics and Electronics talked in detail about the laboratory. According to him, the lab employs scientists of 25-30 years of age. He also shared how his foreign colleagues were surprised by the high results of SSU lab that had been working for several years only. He believes that is the result of young age and determination of the scientists. Finishing his speech, he called students to participate in the forum, attend master classes and round table discussions.
L.Yu. Kossovich talked about history SSU as an innovative university with developed infrastructure and mapped out the main milestones. Winning innovative educational institutions competition in 2007 and implementing national research university development program made it possible to open new institutions, laboratories, centers, small innovative enterprises that work from ideas to making samples and industrial technologies. L.Yu. Kossovich emphasized that success in that area allowed building a modern university that could compete with leading Russian universities in its educational, research and innovative characteristics and could contribute to the development of economy and social sphere in Russia.
The first part of the plenary session finished with a report by Minister of Industry and Energy M.L. Shikhalov who presented leading companies of Saratov: JSC “SRC «Almaz-Phazotron»”, JSC “Signal”, “REMO” and other successful businesses. He awarded certificates to young scientists including the Head of “Tailored Materials” Lab Yu.E. Salkovsky.
After the break the University presented its innovative units. On May 25, the forum continues with sections, master classes, contests and discussions of economics, science and health care issues.
