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.

Alexey Ponomarev

Senior Vice President for Industrial Cooperation

As Skoltech's Vice President for Industrial Cooperation, Alexey Ponomarev is responsible for coordinating issues related to the Institute's participation in state initiatives, as well as its interactions with Russian industry. Prior to joining Skoltech, Ponomarev spent nearly 30 years in academia and research centers, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Minister for Education and Science of the Russian Federation in 2010. He has also served as a board member of several of Russia’s largest industrial companies and played an integral role in the reorganization of the country’s aviation industry.

In 1982, after graduating from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Ponomarev began building ties within Russian academia and government as a researcher and lab director at the Defense Research Institute. After 10 years, he became general director for the Interdepartmental Analytical Center, a position he maintained until 2010. At the Center, Ponomarev oversaw research and analytical support in economics, innovation, industry, science and technology, and foreign economic policy.

In 1998, he took his first steps into industry by becoming the First Deputy General Director for Tupolev. In 2005, he served as Vice President of the United Aircraft Consortium, executing a merger to establish the United Aircraft Corporation, or UAC. He served as the Development Director of Transportation Aircraft within the UAC until 2008, when he shifted his focus to the United Engine Corporation as Deputy General Director of Strategy, charged with turning the company into a global leader in the production of turbine engines for aircraft.

Ponomarev also taught at the Higher School of Economics in the department for restructuring and development of industries, and was awarded the Order of Honor and given the rank of Honored Science and Engineering Worker of the Russian Federation.