On April 20–21, representatives of Skoltech (part of the VEB.RF group) visited Murmansk Arctic University (MAU). The visit took place as part of a previously signed trilateral partnership agreement between the two organizations and the regional government, aimed at developing the scientific and educational potential of the Murmansk region and introducing cutting-edge technological solutions in the Arctic.
During the visit, Skoltech and MAU representatives discussed several key areas of collaboration, including integrating science and industry to combine advanced research expertise, educational opportunities, and real-world industrial needs to develop and implement modern technological solutions; training highly qualified personnel; carrying out research and development projects; and introducing innovative technologies into strategic sectors of the Arctic economy. Special attention was given to academic mobility — specifically, the participation of MAU students in Skoltech’s educational and research programs.
The Skoltech delegation toured the university’s facilities and learned about its key research areas. They also visited the Arctic Center for Marine Engineering Development, an ambitious MAU project located on the premises of the partner company Murmansk Ship Repair Plant.
“The center is a research and production unit that allows us, firstly, to build our own expertise, and secondly, to integrate into the real economy sector related to ship repair. Our main partner in creating this center is the S7 group through its subsidiary Murmansk Ship Repair Plant, which ensures the shortest possible path between customer and contractor. For the university, creating such a center is an opportunity to update our educational programs and provide students and cadets with modern knowledge of ship repair technologies, including the use of additive technologies,” said Maria Knyazeva, Acting Rector of MAU.
One of the most promising areas of the Skoltech–MAU partnership lies in additive technologies, where Skoltech has significant expertise. “Applying additive technologies in ship repair is not straightforward, given that most equipment on vessels is register-classed and requires special certification. I am confident that working with Skoltech will help us advance these technologies in ship repair,” added Maria Knyazeva.
Following the visit, the parties agreed to develop an action plan to implement their partnership strategy. “We have signed a trilateral agreement with the Murmansk regional government and Skoltech. What we hope for most of all is genuine collaboration and productive joint work. Many challenges today are shifting toward IT and technological development. We see Skoltech as a partner whose scientific and technological expertise can make a major contribution to MAU’s development. We have already discussed the possibility of sending our faculty and students for summer internships this year,” shared Ekaterina Kalachikova, Vice Rector for Strategic Development at MAU.
“The Murmansk region is home to strong and courageous people, and it hosts some of our country’s most critical frontiers. Today, it is especially important to introduce modern technologies into production, develop navigation and communications, and ensure the reliable operation of the trans-Arctic transport corridor. Governor Andrey Chibis and the Murmansk regional government are betting on Murmansk Arctic University as a key hub for training personnel for the region. Skoltech is ready to support this ambitious initiative by bringing together scientific expertise and technological solutions to make it happen,” said Skoltech Senior Vice President for Development Alexander Safonov.
The meeting participants expressed confidence that their joint work will enhance the educational process at MAU and serve as a catalyst for the development of knowledge-intensive sectors in the Russian Arctic.
The Skoltech delegation included Senior Vice President for Development Alexander Safonov, Vice President for Science and Industrial Cooperation Evgeniy Khaydukov, Dean of Students and Interim Dean of Education Denis Stolyarov, Professor Ivan Sergeichev, who heads the Materials Center, and Head of Change Management Group Dmitry Matsnev.
