Dear professors, staff members, students, and applicants, as well as friends!
Another year has ended, and, of course, it was special for each of us. Before taking a step into the future, it is necessary to remember the achievements, take into account the shortcomings, and set new goals.
We have worked hard in this year, and each of us has something to be proud of. For many, it has become successful and fruitful, filled with bright events and good deeds. Our initiatives will serve as a foundation for new victories in the coming year, in the ongoing Decade of Science and Technology.
2023 has been generous for Saratov State University. SSU entered the top-20 universities list based on the results of the implementation of the basic grant part of the Priority 2030 state university support programme. Due to the well-coordinated and fruitful work of our team on the projects of the programme, we have the first results and can outline an algorithm for further actions. Minister of Science and Higher Education Valerii Falkov also spoke about the high development potential and the special role of the university for the entire region during his visit to us.
The university continues strengthening partnerships with universities in Russia and abroad. One of the landmark agreements was the partnership agreement with Luhansk Pedagogical University, students from Luhansk took part in the Step into the Profession contest, the University Shifts were organised for schoolchildren of the People's Republic of Donetsk at the SSU site, during which the children were able to learn more about our multifaceted activities and become part of a friendly university family.
Our scientists and professors have replenished the treasury of awards and achievements as laureates of national prizes, competitions, holders of grants from the Russian Academy of Sciences, honourary titles and awards at the regional and federal levels. Eight scientists are recognised as the most cited authors in the world. Our students successfully performed at the 22nd Youth Delphic Games, the Russian Student Spring, became winners of the All-Russian olympiads, as well as winners of grants from Vladimir Potanin, Rosmolodezh.
Opportunities for the development of the scientific and intellectual potential of our students expand every year. Enthusiastic students can now turn their ideas into real projects in the technological interfaculty fablab created this year, the Youth Research Office at the Institute of Chemistry, take part in the development of computer training complexes, and participate in the Business Boiling Point events and other projects.
The coordinated work of our young team in youth policy has allowed our university to enter the top of the best universities in the past year.
We have paid great attention to the scientific and pedagogical component, confidently following the guidelines of the Year of Teachers and Mentors, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was in the Year of Teachers and Mentors that the First Education Salon of Saratov Region was held at SSU, the tradition of holding the Week of Pedagogical Education festival and the summer school of young teachers was continued, the first regional pedagogical olympiad for schoolchildren was held.
The success of the university is inextricably linked with the development of the entire region, and our victories are the victories of Saratov Region. The global recognition of the university research teams is growing, and scientific and educational ties with major universities are expanding. Relations with industrial partners are strengthened and improved.
Saratov State University is to be transformed in 2024. Chair of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin announced the reconstruction of three academic buildings and two dormitories. There are plans to improve and make accessible to residents the Botanical Garden in Kirov District of Saratov.
With such worthy results and goals, we can safely look to the future. In the new year, our university will celebrate its 115th anniversary. May it become a time of new ideas, significant events, and good changes. We have a lot of new and interesting things ahead – exciting research projects, informative lectures, participation in competitions and festivals. New goals and achievements, energy and joy in 2024!
Rector of Saratov State University
Alexei Chumachenko
