'It Is Crucial for HSE University to Strengthen the Positions of Russian Education and Science'

Delegations from Nanjing University and Renmin (People's) University of China have recently made their first visits to HSE University to explore potential areas of cooperation. The Chinese universities have expressed interest in initiating collaborative research projects, educational and academic mobility programmes.

During the meeting with the Nanjing University delegation, HSE Vice-Rector Victoria Panova emphasised China’s role as a strategic partner in the areas of educational, scientific, expert, and cultural cooperation.

Tan Tieniu, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nanjing University and leader of the delegation, highlighted the similarities between the two universities in terms of the number of campuses, engagement in international activities, and influence on education in their respective countries. Nanjing University holds a prominent position among Chinese universities in terms of both the quality and number of academic papers included in the Science Citation Index (SCI). Professor Tan Tieniu expressed interest in joint projects that could contribute to further development of the educational sphere in both Russia and China.

'It is of particular significance to us that HSE University, like ours, is involved in training and research in areas deemed as key national disciplines for China, which means that they are crucial for cultivating innovative talent and conducting scientific research aligned with the development strategy and fundamental needs of the PRC,' he stressed.

In response, Victoria Panova noted that one potential step for the advancement of Russian-Chinese relations could involve creating educational programmes in both Russian and Chinese, offering an alternative to programs exclusively conducted in English. The exchange of instructors, and collaboration among professors in fields of mutual interest, can contribute to the establishment of a robust platform for knowledge exchange and foster enhanced integration of research and educational practices. Specifically, the parties explored the potential for collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, geography and regional studies, as well as social sciences, economics, politics, mathematics, and other disciplines.

One item on the meeting agenda focused on the possibility of launching a joint academic mobility programme. Ms. Hu Jie, Deputy Director of the International Department at Nanjing University, extended an invitation to HSE students to participate in the summer school organised by her university and expressed interest in Chinese students' participation in similar events at HSE University.

One of the focal points during the visit of the delegation from another leading university, the Renmin (People's) University of China (RUC), was cooperation in the field of economic disciplines. The agenda also included exploring academic exchange opportunities for students and instructors, as well as the prospects for conducting joint research and educational events.

HSE Vice Rector Victoria Panova expressed confidence in the success of any collaborative endeavours, since both universities recognise the importance of such cooperation in the modern world and are committed to strengthening mutual ties, while aligning with the broader context of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. She also emphasised that, according to the recently published Global Ranking of Academic Subjects by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, HSE University is the leading institution among Russian universities in 11 subjects. In seven subjects, HSE University stands as the sole representative from Russia in the ranking. Victoria Panova invited her Chinese colleagues to participate in the development of the BRICS university ranking.

'For HSE, a globally recognized multidisciplinary university with a commitment to high international standards in education and research, it is crucial to be at the forefront of global development and to strengthen the positions of Russian education and science through collaboration with prominent international partners. Today, tremendous opportunities have emerged to expand cooperation between Russia and China, including the launch of new educational programmes and projects,' noted Panova.

Zheng Xinye, Vice Rector of RUC, expressed hope that next year, students from Renmin University of China will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the culture of the Russian Federation and to engage with HSE students. The comprehensive support provided by HSE staff to all international students, the flexibility allowing them to take courses in either Russian or English, and the abundance of student events and interest clubs all facilitate the integration of students from different countries, according to Valeria Sokolova, Director of the Student International Mobility Office, who attended the meeting.

Additionally, the event participants explored the potential creation of double-degree programmes between HSE University and RUC, along with HSE's involvement in the development of RUC's International Business School project.

The meetings with the delegations from Chinese universities were attended by representatives of HSE University's faculties, International Partnerships Office, and Department of Internationalisation.

HSE University is engaged in active cooperation with universities in China. A total of 34 cooperation agreements of various types have been signed, encompassing agreements on mutual understanding, educational and scientific cooperation, and academic mobility. Additionally, there are 13 ongoing joint projects with the PRC, which are focused on fundamental research. Furthermore, HSE University currently hosts over 200 Chinese undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students.