At the invitation of the Department, representatives of NUST MISIS visited the University of Mpumalanga, the University of Zululand, and North-West University to identify key areas of cooperation. These include the development of joint academic programs and the implementation of research projects commissioned by South African industry partners.

Masamba Kah, Head of the Industrial and Educational Partnership Project between NUST MISIS and African countries, presented the university’s key academic programs and research areas during a strategic session with profile government bodies of the Republic of South Africa.

Particular interest was shown in areas such as the development of new technologies for mining and mineral processing; advanced metallurgical processes and materials that increase the value of the country’s mineral resources; research into innovative materials; digitalization of industrial processes; and the development of efficient economic models.

The parties also discussed opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in engineering, environmental research, and agricultural technologies. In addition, they highlighted strong potential for cooperation in nuclear energy, including joint research and capacity building.

“The industry-oriented approach of MISIS education fully aligns with the needs of South African universities and creates significant potential for developing joint programs and research. Our partners have expressed their readiness to design and implement practice-oriented projects through targeted enrollment,” said Masamba Kah, commenting on the outcomes of the meeting.

The agreements reached open new prospects for strengthening Russian—African cooperation in science and education ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 2026.

At the opening ceremony, Rector Alevtina Chernikova stated: “NUST MISIS is one of the country’s leading universities in information technology: we rank among the top 15 in the national RAEX subject ranking. Each year, highly motivated and well-prepared students enroll at our university—the average Unified State Exam score for IT programs in 2025 was 95–97. We train specialists in artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data, software engineering, and more. A strategic priority for NUST MISIS is systematic engagement with the business community. This enables us to respond quickly to emerging challenges and design academic programs tailored to employers’ needs. The opening of the RED SOFT laboratory will allow our students to tackle real industry challenges and gain hands-on experience with technologies developed by domestic software vendors, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.”

The laboratory features 30 fully equipped workstations running the RED SOFT product ecosystem: the RED OS operating system (included in the national software registry and certified by the Russian Federal Service for Technical and Export Control), a virtualization platform, the RED Database Management System, and RED ADM centralized administration tools. Combined with the R7 Office suite and Yandex Browser, the setup creates a comprehensive development and administration environment identical to that used today in the real sector of the economy.

The choice of technology stack is deliberate. RED SOFT products are certified and implemented by major market players and government agencies. Among the company’s clients are the Federal Bailiff Service of Russia, Gazprom Group companies, Russian Railways (RZD), Rostelecom, and Rostec’s United Engine Corporation, among others. As a result, proficiency in the tools used by leading domestic corporations provides graduates with a clear pathway to launching their careers.

Maxim Anisimov, CEO of RED SOFT: “It is important for us that students graduate not with an abstract understanding of technologies, but with real experience working in IT infrastructure environments. We see the laboratory at NUST MISIS as part of a systematic approach to workforce training for high-tech industries.”

Denis Safin, CEO of Management Company Ural Steel and an honorary guest at the event: “MISIS is a key partner for our company—it is the country’s leading metallurgy university and, in recent years, one of the leaders in IT education as well. This is no coincidence. Modern life is impossible without information technology and artificial intelligence—this is no longer just a trend, but a reality. Ural Steel is moving in this direction, and we have major projects ahead, including joint initiatives with NUST MISIS and RED SOFT. The opening of the laboratory is an investment in infrastructure where students and experienced professionals alike can work systematically. Solving real-world cases and learning from industry practitioners will not simply complement the curriculum—they will become an integral part of it. I am confident that truly breakthrough solutions can emerge at MISIS, the country’s leading metallurgy university and one of the leaders in IT education.”

It is worth noting that the cooperation agreement between NUST MISIS and RED SOFT was signed in 2024. Company experts have already reviewed the academic program “Information Systems and Technologies” (09.03.02), developed a course based on the RED Virtualization product, and trained faculty members to work with the company’s ecosystem. The opening of the laboratory marks another step in strengthening this partnership. The facility will host master classes, webinars with RED SOFT developers, and classes taught by the company’s practicing professionals.

Students will also have the opportunity to complete internships at RED SOFT with the prospect of future employment. The range of career paths enabled by training in domestic software is broad: from traditional development roles (front-end, back-end, embedded systems) and database administration to cybersecurity specialists, AI trainers, and professionals in GameDev and blockchain technologies.

Held since 1977, the ICPC is considered one of the largest and most respected team-based programming competitions. Every year, thousands of students from leading universities around the globe take part, competing to solve complex algorithmic problems under strict time constraints. The contest challenges participants not only to possess deep knowledge of algorithms and data structures, but also to analyze problem statements quickly, find unconventional solutions, and manage time effectively within a team. Tasks involve working with large datasets, geometric and probabilistic models, as well as interactive problem formats.

Following the results of the championship, the Fiksiki team (Ivan Maksimov, Ivan Skobelev, and Andrey Shalimov) was awarded a second-degree diploma. The students placed 39th out of 303 teams in the Northern Eurasia region, securing a strong position in the upper tier of the rankings.

The NoName team (Biliktо Dorzhiev, Ivan Brechkin, and Daniil Ananyev) represented MISIS at the ICPC semifinal for the first time. For their performance, the team received a third-degree diploma.

Student preparation for competitions is carried out within the ACM MISIS association, which has been promoting competitive programming at the university since 2009. The association helps students develop teamwork skills, algorithmic thinking, and experience in participating in international tournaments.

In 2025, representatives of NUST MISIS had already visited Hong Kong, laying the groundwork for further cooperation. This year, the forum once again served as a platform for strengthening academic and institutional ties with universities in mainland China and Hong Kong.

As part of the visit, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Andrey Voronin and Head of International Education Department Olga Kim held talks with the University of Hong Kong, an academic partner of NUST MISIS. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to implement joint initiatives, including the development of summer schools for University of Hong Kong students, the launch of a joint online educational program, and NUST MISIS’s participation in the Global Studies master’s program.

Participation in the exhibition and the business program of the visit confirmed the steadily growing interest of Hong Kong applicants in studying in Russia and opened up new opportunities for the development of international academic cooperation.

T1 Hackathons are a series of intellectual competitions focused on creating breakthrough solutions. Team MISIS MOJARUNG—Kirill Veriyalov, Albert Khramov, and Alexey Koshelev—won the “VibeCode Jam: The Interview of the Future” track. Participants were tasked with developing an AI platform for conducting technical interviews with a virtual interviewer. The team’s solution covers the entire interview cycle, from generating adaptive algorithmic challenges to producing a detailed candidate report. The AI interviewer handles all stages of the interview, while the platform also includes job listings and résumé sections.

Second place in the same track went to Daniil Ananyev, Timur Khamidullin, Artur Arakelyan, and Alan Khalibekov from team YSL MISIS, who developed the VibeCode ecosystem for technical interviews. The platform combines a browser-based coding environment, an AI interviewer, automated solution evaluation, résumé analysis, and the creation of a candidate skills map.

In the “Self-Deploy: CI/CD Without DevOps” track, third place was awarded to team larek.tech. They developed a command-line tool, larek cli, which automatically analyzes a project’s code repository structure, generates a configuration file, and launches a pipeline that builds, tests, and runs the project on the GitLab platform. Experts particularly noted the support for monorepositories—a rare and technically challenging feature for solutions of this kind. Instead of keeping each project in separate folders maintained by different people, all projects are stored in a single large repository, allowing the team to manage them collectively. NUST MISIS was represented by students Vasily Tarasov and Evgeny Gurov.

Team preparation for programming competitions and support for the development of the university’s IT communities is provided by the NUST MISIS Center for Technological Competitions and Olympiads. Since 2021, student teams have won more than 38 million rubles, securing 264 prize places across 143 hackathons.

At the IT-and-film-focused Wink AI Challenge hackathon, participants were tasked with developing solutions that speed up the production of films and TV series through applied AI technologies. Alexander Krylov, Saveliy Blokhin, and Nikita Meshcheryakov from the MISIS x MISIS x MISIS team competed in the track “Platform for Automated Script Analysis and Structuring.” They developed a service that processes Russian-language scripts and generates a structured table of scenes, indicating locations, time of day, characters, and other parameters.

“We analyzed ten of the most widely used models in the world and selected a solution that combines high response quality with a lightweight architecture. Our service already includes groundwork for the rapid integration of solutions from the second track, script previsualization. The result was made possible by strong teamwork, each participant’s experience in similar projects, and strict adherence to deadlines,” said Alexander Krylov.

Moscow also hosted Russia’s first interdisciplinary hackathon Theatre. AI. Human, dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in theatre arts. Second place was awarded to the MISIS team “3+5,” which developed a digital twin of a theatre, a system for tracking actors and props using computer vision and UWB trackers. The solution simplifies the documentation of performances and opens up new opportunities for their digital archiving. NUST MISIS was represented by Semyon Zhidkov, Gennady Alkheev, and Boris Kuznechik.

Third place went to the team “2+16,” which included four MISIS students: Ekaterina Mukhortova, Varvara Popadyina, Dmitry Anikiev, and Yakov Boyarshinov. They worked on the project GrimAI, a web platform for makeup artists that creates digital sketches of stage looks tailored to a specific actor and scene in just seconds. Theatre expertise for the projects was provided by students of GITIS.

Team preparation for programming competitions and support for the development of the university’s IT communities are handled by the Center for Technological Competitions and Olympiads at NUST MISIS. Since 2021, student teams have won more than 35 million rubles, securing 248 prize-winning places across 134 hackathons.

The first day began with an opening ceremony at the NUST MISIS Innovation Birth Point, followed by an educational program and a networking session for the participants.

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Russia, delivered a welcome speech: “NUST MISIS is part of the top group of leaders in the ‘Priority-2030’ program. It is a leading university not only in the country but also in the world, and this is the result of significant work. Thanks to Alevtina Chernikova for creating a unique space of opportunities for the development of students and staff, based on a human-centered model. I am very grateful for the support of the StudRussia initiative.”

“MISIS University hosts students from 85 countries. The university’s mission is to create conditions for high-quality education, immersion in research activities, and the discovery of each student’s personal potential” Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of NITU MISIS.

At the lecture organized by the Knowledge Society, Maria Zakharova, Director of the Department of Information and Press at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the core values of Russian society.

The participants then moved on to the live challenges: solving practical tasks and defending their solutions in front of the jury. Experts evaluated the participants’ professional competencies, leadership skills, ability to self-present, and creative thinking.

At the awards ceremony, the winners in six categories across two tracks were announced, in Russian and English.

Winners of the Russian-language track:

• “Good Without Borders” — Olim Kadyrov, Kazan State Power Engineering University

• “Inspired by Creativity” — Reza Dezaipur, St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture

• “Leader of the Generation” — Ksenia Kozlyuk, Samara State Agrarian University

• “Conquerors of Heights” — Elina Anikina, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

• “Future of Science” — Sevara Zhalmaganbetova, Kazan State Power Engineering University

• “Russian Language and Culture” — Sharaf El-Din Shikhon, National Research Mordovia State University

Winners of the English-language track:

• “Good Without Borders” — Michael Blessing Olado, ITMO University

• “Inspired by Creativity” — Giselle Sarahi Vergara Herrera, HSE University-St Petersburg

• “Leader of the Generation” — Hugo Alexander Garson Navarrete, St. Petersburg State University

• “Conquerors of Heights” — Mohammed Parvez Sheikh, Samara State Medical University

• “Future of Science” — Darshini Malaviya, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University

• “Russian Language and Culture” — Sundar Raj Philominal Manchika Martin, Stavropol State Medical University

The NUST MISIS delegation included Director of the College of Technologies Andrey Travyanov, Head of International Education Olga Kim, Head of the Educational and Methodological Department Yuri Rishko, and Lead Specialist for International Student Affairs Zara Gevorkyan. During the visit, the delegation also took part in the Study Abroad Fair, an international education exhibition, where they presented NUST MISIS to Chinese students among 23 participating foreign universities.

UESTC is one of China’s leading research universities specializing in electronics, IT, and engineering. It is designated as a Double First-Class University and ranks among the country’s national priority institutions. UESTC has over 44,000 students, around 800 professors, and 11 national key laboratories.

Earlier, the universities had signed a memorandum of understanding, under which student exchanges are carried out through summer and winter schools. In the summer of 2025, 24 MISIS students completed a study program at UESTC.

NUST MISIS has been in a partnership with the Republic of Angola for more than ten years. In 2014 the university organised for Angolan school-students the Olympiad “Time to Study in Russia”, which became one of the first steps towards strengthening educational ties. And in 2019 the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Angola and the university signed a memorandum that defined the strategy for cooperation in creating scientific schools and programmes for training specialists.

“At NUST MISIS about 100 Angolan specialists have been trained, having undergone education in specialised programmes and internships with Russian experts. Our alumni are already working in the leading mining companies of the republic, including in the diamond industry. We intend to further develop the partnership, opening personnel training programmes and joint scientific-educational centres,” said Masamba Kah.

Among the Angolan students studying at NUST MISIS, the most popular four fields of training are: mining, metallurgy, materials science and information technology. This choice reflects the key needs of the Angolan economy, where the extractive industry, manufacturing and digital infrastructure are actively developing. The programmes in these specialisms provide training of specialists capable of solving the actual tasks of the national economy — from the development of deposits to the implementation of digital solutions in industry.

The Order of Friendship emphasises Masamba Kah’s personal contribution in coordinating educational initiatives, attracting talented young people from Angola to Russian universities and developing cooperation within the framework of the consortium of anchor universities of the Rosatom State Corporation.

“NUST MISIS has long-standing and strong ties with Chinese educational institutions. Our university has trained many undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are now working in research centers across China. We collaborate with China’s leading universities, including Tsinghua University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, and others. Today, alongside joint scientific research, we are actively strengthening humanitarian cooperation with China, particularly in the study of languages, as well as academic mobility for faculty and students,” NUST MISIS Rector Alevtina Chernikova.

The main goal of the visit was to identify complementary areas of cooperation and lay the foundation for long-term partnership between Russia and China. The delegation, led by Wang Lisheng, Vice President of the China Association for Non-Government Education, included 39 representatives from 12 Chinese universities. The meeting marked an important step in advancing Russian-Chinese cooperation in education and research.

“In today’s world, the strategic priority for any leading university is the active development of academic and research ties. We greatly value the opportunity to learn from the experience and achievements of leading Russian institutions in engineering and technology, such as NUST MISIS. We are particularly interested in identifying promising areas for practical cooperation. This is not just an exchange of knowledge, but a synergy that enables breakthrough solutions and the training of specialists ready to meet the global challenges of the 21st century,” said Wang Lisheng.

During the visit, guests learned about NUST MISIS’s educational system and research achievements, and discussed prospects for international cooperation in engineering education and joint scientific projects.

NUST MISIS representatives also presented opportunities for Chinese students to study in the university’s international schools, which offer three tracks: Materials Science and Engineering Technologies, Management and Marketing, and Russian Culture and Cross-Cultural Communication. These programs provide students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Russian culture while completing academic modules. Upon completion, each participant receives a certificate.

The delegation also welcomed the news that the Union of Chinese Students in Russia had chosen NUST MISIS as the venue for the interuniversity basketball tournament for Chinese students, the “World Cup,” which will be held from October 4 to November 9, 2025. In addition, the university will host the Russian-Chinese Education Festival from November 20 to 22 as part of the “cross years” of education between the two countries.

The delegation included representatives from the following private Chinese universities:

1. Heilongjiang University of Finance and Economics

2. Anhui Institute of Information Technology

3. Tianjin College of Media & Arts

4. Harbin Institute of Information Technology

5. Urban Vocational College of Sichuan

6. Nanchang Vocational University

7. Hebei Oriental College

8. Hebei University of Engineering Science

9. Shaanxi Fashion Engineering University

10. Zhejiang Shuren University

11. Huanghe Jiaotong University

12. Qing Gong College, North China University of Science and Technology

International students enrolled in Russian universities, aged 18 to 30, are invited to participate. Eligible programs include bachelor’s (from the 2nd year), specialist, master’s, postgraduate, or residency programs. The event is held in both Russian and English, allowing each participant to showcase their achievements and potential in the language they prefer.

Categories:

• Future of Science — for students engaged in research and scientific events;
• Generation Leader — for active students developing youth policies;
• Conquerors of Heights — for athletes achieving success in competitions;
• Good Without Borders — for volunteers involved in charitable projects;
• Inspired by Creativity — for creative individuals;
• Russian Language and Culture — for those promoting the Russian language and culture.
• The Grand Prix, Best International Student, is the top award of the competition and is granted to participants who lead in several categories or stand out particularly during the in-person stages.
• Applications are accepted until September 14, 2025, on the official competition website. To apply, participants must complete an application form, attach a portfolio of achievements, and submit a motivation letter.

The competition consists of three stages:

• Preliminary Stage (August 28 — September 21, 2025) — submission and evaluation of applications;
• Regional Stage (by October 30, 2025) — in-person forums in 8 federal districts hosted by co-organizing universities;
• All-Russian Stage (by December 10, 2025) — the final at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS with an awards ceremony.

Winners will receive diplomas, prizes, and the opportunity to present their achievements on a national level.

Official Telegram channel: @studrussiaru

NUST MISIS Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Andrey Voronin and Head of International Education Department Olga Kim discussed with representatives of Chinese universities the prospects for launching joint programs and academic exchanges. In negotiations with the Rector of the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Professor Han Yongquan, the parties outlined the next steps in developing the partnership.

At the plenary session, Andrey Voronin presented the adaptive model of engineering education adopted at NUST MISIS. The model is aimed at training specialists capable of solving complex engineering challenges in the design and operation of new materials and technologies. It is being implemented as part of a pilot project to test a new model of higher professional education levels.

The NUST MISIS delegation also visited the campus of the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, where faculty members showcased their research results and presented leading laboratories engaged in projects on the extraction and processing of rare-earth metals.

In a recent interview, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov spoke about the outcomes of his working visit to China and emphasized the importance of Russian-Chinese cooperation in higher education: “At present, two very important intergovernmental agreements are in the final stage of coordination — on cooperation in education and on the mutual recognition of education, qualifications, and academic degrees.”

With guidance from a program lecturer and a volunteer with the registry Anna Chelnokova the students helped prepare and cover the meeting of a Russian rhythmic gymnastics champion Svetlana Popova, who became a bone marrow donor, and Sergey Koptyaev, a teenager from Arkhangelsk whose life was saved by the transplant.

The students’ next major project is providing PR support and media coverage for the upcoming international conference Bone Marrow Donor Registries: Today and Tomorrow, organized by the National Registry and scheduled for September 11. The event will bring together experts in bone marrow transplantation and cell technologies from BRICS+ countries. It will serve as a key platform to discuss global challenges, ethical issues, and strategies for collaboration between governments, the medical field, and the nonprofit sector. MISIS students will serve as assistants to the conference press team, applying their knowledge in a real international setting: media support, volunteer coordination, communication with international participants, bloggers, and journalists.

The Communication and International Public Relations program is a full-time, English-medium master’s degree designed to train professionals in strategic communications for high-tech companies and tech startups. From day one, students work in an international environment and cross-cultural teams, developing skills that are in demand in global public relations. Graduates go on to build careers in product marketing, government relations, human resources, investor relations, and strategic consulting.

The program’s practice-oriented approach enables students to gain knowledge through hands-on projects: conducting communication audits for organizations, supporting international scientific exhibitions, publishing media content about scientific breakthroughs, and launching tech startups.

The overall score is based on four broad categories: Teaching, Research, International Diversity, and Financial Sustainability. The university improved in 14 out of 20 metrics compared to 2024.

The most significant progress was in Teaching, where the university rose to 150th place globally (11th in Russia). In Research, it maintained its 4th place among Russian universities and climbed to 359th globally (compared to 401st in 2024). In Financial Sustainability, the university achieved substantial growth, ranking 6th in Russia and 151st worldwide. In the International Diversity sub-ranking, MISIS holds 7th place among Russian universities and 334th globally.

Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of NUST MISIS: “NUST MISIS is a dynamically developing research and education center. Our key priorities include shaping a cutting-edge research and education agenda, training innovation leaders capable of responding to global challenges, implementing advanced technologies, and creating new economic sectors.”

Round University Ranking (RUR) is an international university ranking system that assesses 1,200+ leading universities from 90+ countries. All source data is provided by Thomson Reuters. The RUR ranking is designed as an evaluation framework aimed at providing students and the academic community with insights into university performance.

A key feature of the program is an in-depth focus on typography. Students will study font development and its integration into various aspects of design, including branding and universal design concepts. The curriculum addresses current industry demands, covering global UX/UI trends, user behavior, mobile and responsive design approaches, Linux system integration, and inclusive design. Additionally, students will learn to create display and custom typefaces for unique brand solutions.

The educational program combines design, technology, and user behavior research. Its interdisciplinary approach will help students develop both creative and technical skills in tools like Figma, InkScape, Sketch, Krita, Lunacy, and others. The Department of Automated Design and Engineering Graphics at NUST MISIS provides access to VR equipment, specialized graphic workstations, and 3D prototyping devices.

Key subjects include: “Introduction to UX/UI Design”, “Basics of Visual Design”, “Advanced Typeface Design”, “Designing for Mobile Devices”, “Cultural Aspects in User Scenario Design”, “Product Market Adaptation”, “Advanced Prototyping and Testing”, and more.

Upon graduation, specialists will be qualified for roles such as UX/UI designer, product designer, information architect, front-end developer, and design system manager across digital interface design industries including devices, video broadcasting, animation, and more.

The updated ranking reflects a comprehensive assessment of Russian universities in terms of their reputation and the effectiveness of their educational programs. The ranking methodology used official data from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, employer surveys, and publicly available information sources. Universities were given an overall score based on 17 indicators grouped into five metrics: quality of networking, employer reputation, international reputation, academic environment, and the Forbes factor (presence of alumni in Forbes rankings).

NUST MISIS improved its performance in the areas of networking quality, international recognition, and the Forbes factor.

In 2025, MISIS University will offer admissions to 21 programs at the bachelor’s, specialist, and basic higher education levels, as well as 100 master’s degree and specialized higher education programs. The application process begins on June 20. Olympiad winners receive admission advantages, including the possibility of enrolling without entrance exams. The university continually expands the list of individual achievements that provide applicants with additional points to their Unified State Exam (USE) scores. Currently, the list includes over 70 achievements, such as prize-winning placements in academic competitions, diplomas with honors, and other distinctions. Full admission details are available here.

The UESTC delegation included Deputy Director of the International Office Zeng Qigang, Assistant Dean of the School of Materials and Energy Chen Junsong, and Head of the International Student Recruitment Office Nie Wenkai. They began their visit with a tour of the Laboratory of Superconductor Quantum Technologies and the Engineering Center of High-Complexity Prototyping “Kinetica”, which is a universal, high-tech digital laboratory that enables the full cycle of creating complex functional prototypes for leading domestic and international public and private clients. The guests praised the center’s modern equipment and innovative developments.

Olga Kim, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Office at NUST MISIS, presented the university’s key focus areas, scientific achievements, and international projects. During the meeting, the parties discussed potential areas for collaboration in science and education, including joint research, academic exchange, and dual degree programs.

“We see great potential for the development of cooperation with MISIS University in the scientific and educational sphere. Research in the field of materials science could become a particularly important area of our collaboration. We are also considering joint programs, internships, and student exchanges, which will create new opportunities for young people and contribute to the formation of a new generation of the international scientific community,” emphasized Zeng Qigang.

The event was attended by education ministers from four countries: Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, and Uzbekistan. Key topics of discussion included the expansion of academic collaboration, strengthening of postgraduate education partnerships, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the learning process. NUST MISIS was represented by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Andrey Voronin and Deputy Head of the International Affairs Office Olga Kim.

In his presentation titled “Engineering Education at MISIS: Responding to the Needs of High-Tech Industries,” Andrey Voronin emphasized: “Participation in the pilot project on transforming the higher education system allows the university to integrate its approaches and developments and to implement new opportunities through MISIS’s adaptive educational model. The multi-track model enables students to consciously choose their qualifications and the duration of their studies, achieving high educational outcomes within a single program. The model also offers unique advantages for collaboration with industry partners: the time required to implement new, in-demand educational outcomes for companies has been significantly reduced.”

During the conference, MISIS held working meetings with universities from China and Kazakhstan, where the parties discussed steps for future cooperation.

With representatives from The Education University of Hong Kong, the possibility of joint research on the application of AI in education was explored particularly in training specialists for high-tech sectors of the economy.

NUST MISIS representatives also met with the leadership of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University to discuss collaboration in training professionals for the metallurgical and mining industries.

Simultaneously, the 9th meeting of Ministers of Education of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in Ürümqi. At the meeting, Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng called for the creation of new platforms for comprehensive exchange and interaction, the formation of a new system of cooperation in higher education for joint training of professionals, the development of vocational education collaboration potential, and the strengthening of digital education ties through shared resources.

The delegation arrived at the university following the signing of intergovernmental agreements, including a deal on joint scientific competitions and the establishment of the Pushkin Center in Hanoi for Russian language studies.

The visitors toured the Laboratory of Superconductor Quantum Technologies and the Engineering Center of High-Complexity Prototyping “Kinetica”, where they became acquainted with the university’s cutting-edge research. Rector Alevtina Chernikova presented the university’s strategic initiatives, including projects in materials science, energy, and bioengineering.

“A NUST MISIS diploma is a mark of quality for employers in many countries around the world. In September 2024, our university welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tran Hong Ha, on a working visit. In 1991, after graduating from the College of Mining and completing his postgraduate studies, he successfully defended his dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences. Interestingly, the father of our distinguished guest also studied at our university. Today, NUST MISIS is home to students from all regions of Russia and 85 countries around the world, including Vietnam. They achieve impressive results in academics, research, and extracurricular activities, and actively participate in university life. Among Vietnamese students, the most popular fields of study are materials science, metallurgy, and mining,” said Professor Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of NUST MISIS.

The parties agreed to develop a long-term strategic partnership. It was decided to establish working groups of professors from both sides in key areas of cooperation — new materials and quantum technologies — along with a separate group dedicated to bioengineering. Nominated professors will be affiliated with both universities, and industrial partners from Vietnam will also take part in the research. NUST MISIS will actively participate in creating a quantum technology center based at Hanoi State University (HSU), and the possibility of opening a NUST MISIS representative office and preparatory departments for Russian language training will be explored. The universities plan to develop joint educational programs as well as continuing professional education programs to train HSU specialists in quantum technologies.

“Scientific and academic cooperation between Vietnam National University and NUST MISIS opens up unique opportunities in advanced technologies, bioengineering, energy, and materials science. Many of our professors studied or worked at your university. We are searching for young talent and striving to develop our institution as an innovation and technology hub. By combining our efforts, we can accelerate progress in many sectors, train qualified professionals, and contribute to solving global scientific challenges. We value the prospect of continued cooperation, academic exchange, and joint research,” said Professor Le Quan, President of Vietnam National University.

In the future, reciprocal working visits will be organized to familiarize participants with infrastructure, research activities, and to deliver guest lectures. It is planned to annually select 20 VNU graduates for admission to NUST MISIS master’s programs under the Russian government quota.

Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of NUST MISIS said, “Training qualified specialists for the country’s economic growth requires a high concentration of talent. Identifying, nurturing, and developing gifted youth is the primary goal of NUST MISIS’s career guidance initiatives. Our comprehensive program covers all regions of Russia, as well as near and far abroad countries. Every year, about 400,000 people participate in the university’s projects and events, including the traditional Open House.”

The Open House resembled a science festival: prospective students tried on the roles of engineers, scientists, and tech entrepreneurs. At the College of Mining, guests learned how to operate mining machinery and industrial equipment. The College of New Materials demonstrated unique microscopes used to analyze the structure of alloys and other substances, while scientists explained how perovskite solar panels and shape-memory materials are created. The College of Biomedical Engineering showcased cutting-edge developments — biomaterials and medical devices — already transforming modern medicine. The College of Economics & Management presented case studies on AI-driven business process optimization. For humanities students, experts from the College of Basic Professional Studies delivered engaging lectures on neural text analysis, intercultural communication, and practical applications.

“I’ve long been fascinated by biotechnology. When I found out the university was launching a new program in this field, I immediately decided to apply here. Winning the MISIS Lights the Stars Olympiad gives me extra points, so I’m confident I’ll secure a state-funded spot,” said an applicant Daniil.

Many attendees came with their parents, who wanted to ensure that classes would be held in modern lecture halls and labs, and that study and leisure spaces were well-equipped. Frequently asked questions concerned scholarship programs (MISIS offers over 50), differences between dormitories near Belyaevo, Kaluzhskaya, Leninsky Prospekt, and Studencheskaya metro stations, and opportunities in the “New Level” soft skills development program.

“My son and I spent a long time searching for a university where he could fulfill his dream of creating innovative technologies. We knew MISIS had topped materials science rankings for years, so we waited for Open House to see the labs ourselves. Here, we saw next-gen solar panels and bioprinters already used in leading medical centers. After the tours, we were certain this is the right place for him,” said the father of an applicant Maxim.

11th-grader Ruslan shared his impressions: “When I watched the show ‘Science for All’ on Rutube, hosted by Alexey Fedorov, Head of the College of Physics and Quantum Engineering, I had no idea how much it would change my plans. He spoke so passionately about quantum tech that I got hooked! Today, seeing the superconducting quantum tech lab — it felt like a spaceship! Now my goal is clear: I’m applying here. I took part in the Joint Interuniversity Physics Olympiad in late March and am waiting for results. I want to work with the same equipment Alexey talked about and push science forward.”

The Open House also attracted undergraduate students exploring master’s programs. Sofia, graduating this year from the “Technological Machines and Equipment” program, noted: “I plan to compete in the Academician A. A. Bochvar Project Competition — winning 100 points for MISIS’s master’s admissions. I’ve chosen the ‘Innovation Engineering’ program at the College of Technologies because my diploma project is a complex device prototype, and the faculty will help refine it.”

After attending the lecture “AI in Modern Business”, undergraduate student Olga said: “I visited several lectures by my favorite College of Economics & Management, but this one stood out! Now I’m waiting for the Olympiad of Industrial Management results—hoping to win the 25,000-ruble prize and an internship at a major company.”

The event also drew international visitors. Daniiar from Kazakhstan, a participant in the “I Want to Study at MISIS!” Olympiad for foreign applicants, noted that one reason he chose MISIS was its 40+ student clubs for talent development.

Nguyen Van Lam, a Vietnamese applicant, was inspired by the “Digital Mine: How IT Extracts Gold and Diamonds” masterclass, feeling like a “future engineer.” He plans to apply for the English-taught Mining Geology master’s program: “Learning that Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha is a MISIS Mining Institute alumnus showed me this is where leaders are made. I’m preparing my documents to follow in his footsteps.”

In 2025, NUST MISIS will offer 21 bachelor’s, specialist, and foundational programs, plus 100 master’s and advanced programs. Admissions begin on June 20. Olympiad winners enjoy enrollment advantages or waived entrance exams. The university continually expands its list of individual achievements (now over 70) that grant extra points, including Olympiad medals, honors diplomas, and more. See full admission details on the website.

“On International Francophonie Day, we invited representatives from French-speaking African countries to participate in a roundtable discussion to explore inter-university cooperation. French is taught at NUST MISIS from the 1st to the 4th year to students majoring in Linguistics. We have long-standing and good relations with many embassies, and we often hold joint events such as African Perspectives and Cultura Unida,” said Lilia Bondareva, Candidate of Political Sciences and Head of the Department of Modern Languages and Communication.

At MISIS University, students from Africa actively participate in events aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue, including conversation club meetings, the student festival “Day of Nationalities”, international youth conferences, and activities organized by the International Friendship Community, among others. The African Student Union at the university is one of the largest associations, with participants representing the traditions, values, and cultures of their countries both in internal venues and at international events such as the Russia-Africa Summit.

The roundtable participants discussed the necessary steps for deeper development of ties between Russian and African universities and the promotion of the French language.

The event was organized by the faculty members of the Department of Foreign Languages and Communicative Technologies at NUST MISIS: Galina Sosunova, Elena Sheldovitskaya, and Ekaterina Tretyakova.

To thoroughly investigate the mechanisms behind malignant tumor formation and propose more effective treatment methods, scientists conduct research on equivalent models. Typically, testing of anti-tumor activity in vitro is carried out using a monolayer of cells. This approach has a critical drawback: the two-dimensional structure cannot replicate the architecture of a three-dimensional tumor and is unable to demonstrate the effectiveness of drug penetration into the depths of the neoplasm.

To print the model on a 3D bioprinter, NUST MISIS researchers used pancreatic cancer cells and fibroblasts as the main component of the malignant neoplasm’s microenvironment. The samples remained viable for 3-4 weeks. Detailed research results were published in the scientific journal Biomaterials Advances (Q1).

“Three-dimensional equivalents of tumor tissue that could model its structure in vitro are not yet used by pharmaceutical companies. However, the creation and implementation of such models in the process of developing new anti-tumor drugs is just a matter of time,” said Elizaveta Kudan, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, and Head of the Scientific and Educational Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at NUST MISIS.

The researchers also found that the properties of the final tissue-engineered structures depend on the model’s architecture. The shape influences the tumor’s microenvironment and cancer progression. In most similar studies, malignant cells are placed in the center while other components are located on the periphery. As a result, a capsule forms instead of a complete stromal structure.

“The models were printed using tissue spheroids. This is a more complex approach than traditional extrusion bioprinting. However, using full-fledged tissue spheroids as miniature building blocks allows for greater cell density comparable to that of native tissues and reduces the time needed for ‘maturation’ of tissue-engineered constructs. We are the first to analyze the impact of design and spatial arrangement of cellular components on the architecture of models after their maturation,” added Maxim Lugovoy, an engineer on the scientific project at the the Scientific and Educational Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at NUST MISIS.

“Traditionally strong expertise in materials science and engineering characteristic of MISIS University, combined with new competencies in biology and medicine, enables our scientists to tackle pressing interdisciplinary challenges. The research conducted by the scientists at the Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine under the guidance of Doctor of Biological Sciences Elizaveta Kudan aims to improve people’s quality of life and create products for the growing biomedical industry. The 3D-printed model of tumor tissue will allow for more effective testing of oncotherapy methods,” commented Alevtina Chernikova, rector of NUST MISIS.

Optimizing results will help create more representative tumor models. This will be useful for further research and screening of anti-tumor activity of substances. The scientists plan to complicate the model by adding vascular systems and immune cells.

For two consecutive years (2023 & 2024), NUST MISIS has maintained its position at 12th place, demonstrating consistent excellence in IT education. The university offers diverse training programs where students develop business systems, management solutions for various industries, healthcare, and banking. They also specialize in knowledge base management, data storage systems, intelligent processes, and cybersecurity principles. Graduates pursue careers in major IT companies as developers, programmers, and information system architects, driving innovation in the field.

The NUST MISIS Career Center hosts over 200 career-related events annually. From their first year, students engage with potential employers, participate in internships, and gain practical experience with employment prospects.

“NUST MISIS is one of the country’s leading universities in computer science education. Over the past five years, the number of IT students has increased 2.5 times, while the average Unified State Exam (USE) score for admission has risen to 97–98. Under the Piority 2030 program, we have launched five strategic projects, including ’Digital Business,’ aimed at developing and commercializing scalable IT solutions and training professionals within the national ’Digital Economy’ project. Our IT programs are developed in collaboration with industry partners, and our graduates work for some of Russia’s largest high-tech companies, including Sber, Rosatom, Rostec, Russian Railways, Rostelecom, Yandex, VK, and others,” Alevtina Chernikova.

The ranking results are divided into two categories: universities based in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and those in regional areas. The goal of the ranking is to identify the leading universities in IT education quality and to foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

Experts from Digital Economy evaluated universities based on two key criteria: the scale of IT education and the assessment of universities by top technology companies. The ranking survey included responses from 90 executives of leading digital economy organizations, including VK, Yandex, Sber, Severstal, Rostec, and others.

NUST MISIS has risen to the top 28% of leading universities worldwide in physical sciences, securing a position in the “301–400” interval group, and moved up to the “6–10” group among 56 Russian universities. The “Industry” indicator increased by 13.26%, while moderate growth was observed in the consolidated indicators of “Research Environment” and “Teaching”.

In engineering sciences, NUST MISIS is ranked in the top 41% among 1,488 universities worldwide, falling within the interval group of “501–600”, and among 59 universities in Russia, it is in the group of “8–10”. The indicator for “Industry” has increased by 7.66%, while the “Research Environment” has grown by 4.07%.

Among universities worldwide in computer science, NUST MISIS is placed in the “1001+” interval group (with a total of 1,122 universities represented in the ranking).

The methodology for calculating THE subject rankings is available via the link.

The Consul General of the Russian Federation in Hong Kong, Anatoly Kargapolov, stated that with the rapid development of Russian-Chinese relations, there is a steady increase in interest in Russian education and the study of the Russian language as a foreign language in Hong Kong. The diplomat is confident that the active participation of Russian universities in such exhibitions will positively impact the strengthening of ties and the expansion of partnerships.

Andrey Voronin, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at NUST MISIS, noted: “The university consistently implements an international educational policy, focusing on the markets of friendly Asian countries. We offer 12 English-taught master’s programs. For those who want to immerse themselves in Russian culture, there is a preparatory department where foreign students study the Russian language, academic speech style, and specialized subjects depending on their chosen program for a year.”

The admission of documents to the preparatory department for foreign students will begin on May 1, 2025.

“NUST MISIS is ready to offer prospective applicants the best education in many specialties. Currently, we have students from mainland China, and we have established strong academic ties with University of Science and Technology Beijing and other Chinese universities. There are no students from Hong Kong yet, which is why we are here,” explained Olga Kim, head of international education at MISIS University.

As part of the trip, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Acting Head of the Department of Mineral Processing and Recycling at NUST MISIS Yuri Konyukhov, visited three schools, three universities, two people’s committees, and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education in the cities of Thai Nguyen, Hai Duong, Hanoi, and Phu Ly. He presented the university’s academic programmes and its cutting-edge “Materials Science, Additive, and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies” engineering school. In his meeting with Hoang Minh Son, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Education and Training, he discussed enhancing cooperation between the two countries. At the Hai Duong People’s Committee, discussions centered on workforce development.

During meetings with leaders of the Vietnam National University, Thai Nguyen University, and Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, the Vietnamese representatives expressed interest in formalising agreements with NUST MISIS.

In Hanoi, the Russian Centre for Science and Culture hosted a roundtable discussion titled Making the Right Choice—Criteria for Success: Challenges of Career Guidance for Modern Youth. This conference was part of the long-term educational project Russian Universities in Vietnam, aimed at sharing expertise and helping students plan their career paths. The expert session was attended by Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian House in Hanoi, his Deputy Director Andrey Borodenko, and representatives from universities in both Vietnam and Russia. Participants explored ways to strengthen university collaboration and shared best practices in student career guidance.

“Russia is a country with deep ties to the Vietnamese people. The strong and steadfast friendship between our two nations has stood the test of time and continues to grow across all sectors. Over almost 75 years of this partnership, many generations of Vietnamese officials, scientists, and international students have studied, trained, and worked in Russia,” Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian House in Hanoi.

Notably, the Head of the Department of Surface Mining and the Deputy Director of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology are alumni of NUST MISIS’s Mining Institute. Yuri Konyukhov extended an invitation to them to attend the Moscow International Congress of Mineral Processors, set to take place in March at the MISIS university.

“University leaders in Vietnam are keen on developing highly qualified personnel to serve as educators in their institutions. An existing partnership agreement is already in place with the Mining Institute of Hanoi University. Applications from school students and university undergraduates for state-funded study programs are open until 15th January 2025,” Yuri Konyukhov.

The ranking includes universities from 82 countries. Several factors influence a university’s position in the ranking:

• Academic reputation. This is assessed based on the university’s position in global rankings such as Times Higher Education, World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges.
• Total number of students. This reflects the quality of the university, as prestigious and reputable institutions initially attract students.
• Number of international students.

To compile the list, experts at Study Abroad Aide gather information only from English-language pages of official government and university websites. Indicators include the completeness of information, university location, admissions page, tuition fees, required English language test scores, and courses for obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“We have had close ties with China for many years, and given the thriving relations between our countries, we are optimistic about continuing our collaboration. Our university excels in materials science, metallurgy, mining, and other fields in both education and research, and we welcome proposals for joint initiatives,” said Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at NUST MISIS Andrey Voronin.

Anhui is a leading innovator in China, boasting 125 higher education institutions. In terms of corporate investment in research and development, the region ranks 8th nationwide. Scientists there have made significant strides in quantum information, nuclear fusion, space exploration, and various advanced technologies.

“We see these meetings with Russian educators as an opportunity to fulfill agreements made by our national leaders, which is to maintain the spirit of eternal friendship, good neighborliness, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutual benefit. New industries are rapidly emerging, and we’re grateful for your willingness to collaborate,” said Qian Guilun, Director-General Department of Education of Anhui Province.

After the meeting, the Chinese delegation toured Laboratory “Superconducting metamaterials” at NUST MISIS, where a senior researcher Vladimir Chichkov briefed them on the university’s progress in quantum computing.

“MISIS University is a leading university in Russia in the field of creating, implementing, and applying new technologies and materials. NUST MISIS ranks among the best scientific and educational centers in the world, holding leading positions in industry and subject rankings such as THE, QS, ARWU, RUR, as well as national rankings by Interfax and RAEX in areas like materials science, engineering, IT, metallurgy, mining, and others. The inclusion in the new RAEX ranking reinforces the status of NUST MISIS as one of the best universities among the BRICS countries,” commented Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of NUST MISIS.

The idea for the ranking was proposed in 2023 by representatives from South Africa, and it was formalized in a declaration following a meeting of education ministers from the BRICS countries. On June 11, 2024, at a meeting in Kazan, the education ministers confirmed their intention to support the project and decided to hold regular seminars to discuss academic leadership with representatives from ministries and professional communities in BRICS.

Dmitry Grishankov, General Director of the Association of Rating Makers, noted: “The ranking is based on the model of the international rating ‘Three Key University Missions’, taking into account the national characteristics typical for BRICS members. The coefficients for the indicators in the methodology have been recalibrated. For example, victories by students in international competitions are now valued more highly, while the budget of a university has become less important. Additionally, we have introduced a criterion that considers the number of scientific works in collaboration with foreign colleagues from BRICS countries for the first time.”

Vladimir Putin previously approved the idea of preparing a ranking of universities in the BRICS countries based on the “Three Missions of the University” ranking system developed by the Russian Union of Rectors since 2012. The principles of BRICS on which the ranking is based were supported by working groups from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Education, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. One advantage of the “Three Missions of the University” ranking, which has been compiled since 2017, is that it is based on verifiable objective indicators, while subjective assessments by experts are completely excluded.

During the meeting, NUST MISIS researchers presented promising industrial technologies to the guests. Torgom Akopyan, a senior researcher at the Department of Metal Processing at NUST MISIS, discussed the use of durable aluminum alloys in high-temperature industrial applications.

Vadim Tarasov, Head of the Department Engineering Management in Non-Ferrous Metal and Gold Production and Doctor of Technical Sciences, informed the delegation about technologies developed at MISIS University for the efficient extraction of non-ferrous and rare earth metals from ores and their recycling.

Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Materials Science Vladislav Zadorozhny delivered a presentation on “Storage, Extraction, and Generation of Hydrogen Using Magnesium-Based Alloys”, highlighting the use of composites in the energy sector.

Igor Savich, Professor at the Department of Geotechnology of Subsurface Development at NUST MISIS, discussed technologies for extracting essential minerals and metals.

Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head of the Hydro and Electrometallurgy Department at the CSIR Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology in New Delhi, noted that NUST MISIS is working on areas particularly interesting to India.

“In Russia, there is experience with resources that are not mined in India, such as nickel and cobalt, so we are interested in research that is promising for both sides. It is important for us to work together on new methods for extracting and processing critically important minerals, and I hope our meeting will be a starting point for long-term cooperation,” added Kali Sanjay.

Dr. Kannadka Ramesha, Director of the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, remarked that there are many similar ideas between NUST MISIS scientists and his organization, expressing interest in future fruitful research.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is an autonomous society headed by the Prime Minister of India, comprising 37 modern institutes and 3 separate units. It is one of the leading scientific and industrial research organizations in the world, covering nearly all areas of scientific and industrial work of national and international significance, such as aerospace, robotics, pharmaceuticals, etc. CSIR’s expertise and knowledge are embodied in its approximately 4,600 scientists, 8,000 technical staff, and 8,000 research students. The CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) is the largest research institution in electrochemistry in South Asia.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) is an autonomous body under the Central Government within the Ministry of Mines of India. Its goal is to implement available technologies for producing alumina and aluminum alloys both domestically and internationally, as well as to develop technical know-how.