Skoltech is an international graduate research-focused university that was founded by the group of world-renowned scientists in 2011. Skoltech's curriculum focuses on technology and innovation, offering Master's programs in 11 technological disciplines. Students receive rigorous theoretical and practical training, design their own research projects, participate in internships and gain entrepreneurial skills in English. The faculty is comprised of current researchers with international accreditation and achievements.

Skoltech starts its 5th year to the ring of the bell

“We have a big year in front of us!” said Skoltech Dean of Education Clément Fortin to the crowed of enthusiastic students, who gathered at the cohort space for the opening of Skoltech’s 5th academic year ceremony. Whereas the first ceremony was historic in Skoltech terms, the fifth time is natural, almost a routine.

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Dean of Education Clément Fortin

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Alexander Safonov, Vice President for Academic Relations

Provost Rupert Gerzer rings the bell

Provost Rupert Gerzer rings the bell

155 new postgrads, the biggest number to date, came to celebrate ‘Knowledge Day’ – or День Знаний in Russian – a little bit earlier than usual (which is September 1st). The reason for this is the intense and compressed studies that awaits the new students at Skoltech.

After Fortin’s short welcoming speech, it was the turn of Alexander Safonov, Vice President for Academic Relations, to talk to the students. “This is the first time for me too”, he told them, “You have enough courage coming here, and you will have to work harder, so good luck!”. His speech was followed by the encouraging words of their fellow student, Andrey Rykov: “At Skoltech everything is possible. Don’t be afraid of anything, never give up”.

After the speeches, it was time to honor yesteryear’s excellent students (students with straight A’s): Andrey Rykov, Dilyara Baymurzina, Evgeniya Yurieva, Ilia Yakubovskiy, Leonid Ekimov, Maria Goldshtein, Mariya Popova, Mikhail Shvets, Oleksii Hrinchuk, Svetlana Volkova and Vitaly Pashkov came one by one to the stage, to receive their Academic Excellence Award from Dean Fortin, VP Safonov and Provost Rupert Gerzer.

At last, the moment that named the whole event came, as Prof. Gerzer came to the stage, and rang the bell to mark the official opening of the academic year. The ceremony was over, and it was time to go and study.

Not long afterwards, the new students had their first encounter with the Skoltech trademark – innovation workshop. They got an overview of the intensive weeks that awaits them, or as Ilia Dubinsky, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, put it “we are going to squeeze for you four MIT courses into one month”.

We wish all our students, freshman and sophomore, an energetic, fruitful and innovative year!

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