Category: Education

MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: Integration of Education, Science and Business

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

“Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

The session was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

“It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

“Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

“Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

“For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

“The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

“In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Pavel Zhukov: “Musical Changes” gave the orchestra the opportunity to constantly be in good shape”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Ingenium is an engineer and a genius in one word, and it is also the new name of the Polytechnic pop-symphony orchestra, for which the 2024–2025 creative season was on the rise. On October 15 last year, it was the orchestra under the direction of Dmitry Misiura launched a new original project “Musical break”. In early April, the orchestra became a first-degree laureate of the IV International Arts Prize-Contest “Embodiment of Mastery”. And at the end of the month, the musicians took first place at the festival “Student Spring”— the most significant annual creative competition of student groups from universities in the North-West.

And since February 2024, the orchestra has had a second conductor, Pavel Zhukov, a master’s student. Today, Pavel is already a graduate of the Polytechnic University, but continues to work in the orchestra. What is an orchestra for students, how are concerts and rehearsals held, and what is it like to find yourself at the conductor’s stand, Read in our traditional section “Person”.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Student Mikhail Pupkov took part in the event in memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

On June 19, SPbGASU student Mikhail Pupkov took part in the event as part of a delegation of St. Petersburg students

On this day, there was a trip to the Z. G. Kolobanov Museum “Battle for Leningrad”, where we were able to delve deeper into the history of the defense of the hero city, learn about the exploits of the defenders of Leningrad and the legendary tank battle under the command of Zinovy Kolobanov himself.

The day ended with a ceremonial laying of flowers at the “Polutorka” monument, which depicts a truck – a symbol of the Road of Life, which saved thousands of Leningraders during the blockade years.

Mikhail emphasized: “The trip left a deep mark on my heart. I was especially moved by the story of the feat of Zinoviy Kolobanov and his crew, who destroyed 22 enemy tanks in one battle – a true example of courage and military skill. And laying flowers at the “Polutorka” reminded us of the price paid for the Victory and the salvation of the besieged city. Such moments make us appreciate the peaceful sky above our heads and the memory of those who gave it to us even more. Thank you to the organizers for the opportunity to touch history!”

We thank the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution “Record Youth House” for organizing the trip.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China, Central Asia embrace new cooperation opportunities

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

XI’AN, June 20 — The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.

Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.

ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

Xi’an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.

As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi’an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.

During the train’s maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi’an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.

This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.

Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. “Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation,” Xu said.

“China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region,” said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.

SHARED PROSPERITY

In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang. This marked the province’s first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.

According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi’an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.

“By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality,” Liu added.

The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.

According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.

China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors — creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.

Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added.

MIL OSI China News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: Educating the Educators

Source: US State of Connecticut

It took only a few minutes for Lawrence Ward ’92 (BUS) and Andrea Chapdelaine ’91 MA, ’93 Ph.D. to develop a friendship over, of all things, the construction of Gampel Pavilion.

As Huskies in the late ’80s to early ’90s, they didn’t know each other, but both lived close to the stadium and watched it being built prior to its 1990 grand opening. Chapdelaine describes watching construction workers eat lunch through the windows of her dorm. Ward vividly recalls chanting U-C-O-N-N with Big Red during the inaugural basketball game — when the UConn men beat St. John’s 72–58.

“In those days you could walk into the games without a ticket,” Chapdelaine says, moving on to Memorial Stadium memories. “My friends and I always went to the football games — to be seen,” says Ward, laughing.

In a fateful twist, these two higher education leaders returned to Connecticut to start new jobs last July. Ward left Babson College in Massachusetts to become president of the University of Hartford; Chapdelaine left the presidency of Hood College in Maryland to lead Connecticut College.

Although they’d been introduced once at an event, this virtual interview is the first chance they’ve had to get to know each other, sharing their views of higher education from the top and the ways they try to balance tremendous responsibilities with some serious fun.

Q: What drew you to Connecticut? Was it more than the job?

Chapdelaine: I was in my ninth year as president at Hood and was committed to several more. But I had taught at Trinity in the past, and I loved the similarities at Connecticut College, and also the distinctions. I felt I could do well here, and coming to Connecticut was a bonus. I’m only about an hour from my hometown of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and my husband is from that area too. It’s really nice to be close to family again.

Ward: There is something special about coming home. My family lived in Hartford since the 1940s. My father escaped the Klan in deep Georgia, and Hartford became his landing place. So for me, it is powerful to come back to the place that was a refuge for my father. The city provided refuge and new beginnings for both of my parents. My mother came to Hartford as a young girl after her father died. My grandmother worked for the Hartford Electric Company here as a chambermaid. I had some of my grandmother’s HELCO service pins made into cufflinks and wore them at my inauguration.

Read on for more.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Higher Education hosts youth outreach in Mpumalanga

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Higher Education and Training has successfully held a Youth Month Community Outreach Programme at Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, supporting students and local youth in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

The week’s programme, held in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe’s Helpdesk, provided a vital platform for students to raise concerns and receive real-time assistance on matters including funding queries, delayed results, and the issuance of diplomas and certificates.

“The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme aims to deliver higher education support services directly to students. It is important for us as a department to always be visible, responsive, and impactful, so our students can progress well academically,” Gondwe said during the engagement.

The Deputy Minister said the helpdesk will continue to play a crucial role in the programme, providing support to all students and addressing queries in real time, marking a significant step in ensuring effective student engagement.

Upon assuming office, the Deputy Minister quickly established the helpdesk, showing the government’s dedication to supporting students and stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Among the most frequently managed queries are tracking of student diploma applications, NSFAS related matter including applications, appeals, issuing of allowances, student admissions, and verification of registered institutions of higher education.

To ensure efficient and accurate support, the helpdesk works in close coordination with key units within the Department of Higher Education and Training. These include the Examinations and Diplomas section, as well as the TVET and university branches within the department, and NSFAS.

To date, the DM’s helpdesk has handled a total of 27 658 queries, with an impressive resolution rate of 89%.

“I am encouraged by the positive and visible impact the Helpdesk is making in the PSET sector. It provides students and stakeholders with a trusted platform to escalate their issues. I urge students to continue using this service and to contact us at DMsdesk@dhet.gov.za,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme will head to the Western Cape next week. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Nominate Next-Gen Scientists Driving AI and Biotech Innovation Singapore | 20 June 2025 APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation

Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

The search is underway for outstanding young scientists whose cross-border research in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is addressing some of the Asia-Pacific’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, or ASPIRE, under the theme “Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges.” In line with APEC 2025’s focus on digital innovation and inclusive growth, this year’s theme highlights the potential of AI-powered biotechnology to improve health equity, food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience across the region.

“This year’s ASPIRE theme reflects the growing need for policy-relevant science that bridges disciplines and borders,” said Rahima Kandahari, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).

“By highlighting the convergence of AI and biotechnology, we aim to draw attention to innovations that can deliver practical, inclusive solutions to complex regional challenges, and also reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation and innovation in advancing shared APEC goals.”

Each APEC economy may nominate one scientist under the age of 40 for the annual prize. Nominees will be evaluated for their excellence in scientific research, evidenced by scholarly publications, and their dedication to cross-economy collaboration, particularly on interdisciplinary projects aligned with the year’s theme.

“Korea places great importance on empowering young researchers to develop innovative solutions to address complex global challenges. That is why we are proud to support this year’s ASPIRE, which recognizes excellence in cross-border, interdisciplinary science,” said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.

“AI-bio convergence is a key emerging technology with the potential to transform how economies address longstanding issues such as aging populations, health inequities and sustainable agriculture,” Hwang added.

Now in its 15th year, the prize supports APEC’s broader goals of enhancing science and technology cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Past winners have contributed to advancements in fields such as nutrition, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and public health.

Recent awardees include Dr Zheng Liu of Singapore, who won the 2023 ASPIRE for his pioneering work on two-dimensional materials for sustainable energy and advanced electronics; and Dr Jingzheng Ren of Hong Kong, China, who received the 2022 prize for developing new models that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Both exemplify the power of cross-border scientific collaboration to solve regional and global challenges.

The winner of this year’s prize will receive USD 25,000, with prize funding provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, and will be recognized during the upcoming meeting in Korea on 13 August 2025.

Nominations must be submitted by 1 July 2025 at 17:30 Singapore time. For eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, please visit the ASPIRE 2025 web page or contact your economy’s PPSTI representative.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county  
An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county  

New place-based, focussed formulas to target money to places most in need, replacing decade old data and outdated funding system

Streamlined funding and multi-year settlements introduced in drive for council efficiency and improved public services as part of the Plan for Change 

The local government funding system will be reformed to get councils back on stable footing, improve the lives for people across the country and deliver essential funding for better public services, delivering on the Plan for Change.  

Working hand-in-hand with the sector, proposals will create a fairer system that reflects areas’ changing needs, differing delivery costs and the level of demand on front-line services that people rely on such as social care.

For too long, many residents have seen council tax hikes despite declining local services. This will be tackled by overhauling the decade old, outdated funding methodology currently used to fund councils, so allocations are made based on the latest and best available data and recognise the areas where demand for council services is greatest. As a result of these changes, left behind places will on balance see larger increases in available income.

It will also scrap existing competitive bidding processes councils often have to go through for small pots of money, simplifying the 300 grants that already exist to slash time waste in councils and Whitehall and prioritise value for taxpayer cash. This could help cut the almost 90,000 document pages historically required as part of the competitive processes.  This would be almost the equivalent of the drive from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, if laid end to end. 

Targeting money to places in need, prioritising prevention and reforming public services as part of the government’s mission-driven agenda to deliver for working people, tackle poverty and drive growth across the country as part of a decade of renewal. These changes will deliver the Fair Funding Review launched by the previous government in 2017 but never actioned.

Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:

We inherited a local government sector on its knees—councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve.

There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered.

These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents — especially working people — right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

It follows last week’s additional funding announced in the Spending Review and the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement that saw £69 billion allocated for local authorities.

The eight-week consultation launched today sets out how the government will make funding allocations fairer for councils of all sizes and across all parts of England.  

Rural areas: proposals to recognise the remoteness of areas and account for the additional costs in delivering services in rural places;  

Urban areas: making sure that deprivation is properly recognised in the ‘assessment of need’ of councils, so that the vital services that support the poorest in communities are properly funded; 

Social care: updating the formula used to work out funding for local authorities that provide adult social care so it properly reflects the demands of our ageing population. We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to help support and protect the most vulnerable children. While these reforms are underway, the Dedicated Schools Grant Statutory Override, which helps councils manage SEND costs, will stay in place until the end of 2027/28 and in addition we will introduce a bespoke formula to recognise Home to School transport costs;  

Resetting the business rates retention system: so that it incentivises local authorities to help their local economies grow by better matching the system to local need; and  

Consolidating billions in grant funds: so that councils no longer waste time or money bidding for small pots of funding, replacing it with a streamlined grant system that promotes prevention and public service reform, and reflects key missions in the Plan for Change. The Department estimates councils shelled out almost £70million in administrative costs and consultancy fees on bidding for the Levelling Up Fund and other bidding schemes. 

The first multi-year settlement in a decade will also be brought forward in 2026-27 to finally provide council leaders with security and certainty over their finances, ending short-termism to deliver meaningful change to their communities.  

These reforms, together with the additional funding announced through the spending review will ensure the vast majority of upper-tier councils will see real-terms increases in available funding over the multi-year settlement. 

Further information

Minister McMahon’s Written Ministerial Statement can be read here.

The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 8 weeks 

The response to the earlier consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here.

The government is proposing a transitional approach to the new funding system over a three year period, to enable local authorities to plan for changes.  

No allocations for local authorities have been announced or confirmed yet. This will be announced in the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-27 later this year – the same approach as with previous years.   

Building on action already taken in the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, today’s announcement to streamline the grant system, local leaders will have more flexibility to spend on their voters’ priorities, drive efficiency in councils and deliver better value for taxpayer money.  

Accountability and transparency over public spending will be bolstered through a greater focus on outcomes that reflect voters’ priorities.  

Dr Ryan Swift, research fellow at IPPR North said:

“The last government implemented budget cuts that hammered local councils, especially in the most deprived areas, meaning fewer and poorer services for local people.

“But today things are looking up. Upping core funding, introducing multi-year funding settlements and ending competitive bidding processes will provide more stability so councils can plan for the future and improve.

“Today’s announcement is a step along the road to repairing council finances. Recognising demands on local services from factors like demographics and deprivation are crucial so that councils can deliver the services that people expect and deserve.”

Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, Chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) said:

“The significant reforms proposed by the government will deliver a fairer and more sustainable system and are a major and positive step forward.

“A decade of disproportionate cuts, outdated formulas and short-term settlements have left our members with shrinking resources, struggling to meet rising demand. It is therefore very welcome that there will now be a focus on delivering a funding system that supports the most deprived areas. This will build on the important work of the Recovery Grant.

“Simplifying the grant system and delivering a long-overdue multi-year settlement will bring about much-needed stability and certainty for councils. The government’s close engagement with the sector is testament to the reset in the relationship with local government, and we look forward to responding to the consultation and continuing to engage with the department.”

Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities, said: 

“Councils are central to national renewal. They must be valued, properly funded, and adequately resourced to deliver essential services – from social care to affordable housing – which are under increasing strain. Key Cities’ inaugural survey of council leaders found that many are already turning to financial reserves and service redesigns, with asset sales, salary reductions and redundancies under active consideration.   

“As the largest and most diverse urban network outside the capital, with 24 members, we have long championed the need for a funding reset: one that empowers local authorities and channels resources to the communities that need them most, driving inclusive national growth.    “What’s needed now is long-term funding certainty, replacing piecemeal interventions and enabling councils to focus on meeting local needs. Key Cities welcomes the launch of the Government’s second consultation on local government funding reform. We remain committed to working with the Government to shape a brighter future for our communities.”

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Published 20 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Admissions campaign launched at SPbGASU

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

On June 20, SPbGASU started accepting documents for admission to the university. Applicants are awaited by six faculties and the Institute of Continuous Education of the oldest architectural and civil engineering university in Russia.

Training will be provided in 34 bachelor’s degree programs, 8 specialist degree programs, and 25 master’s degree programs.

1930 students will be able to enroll in the budget department. You can submit documents in one of the following ways: personally come to the admissions office; send them by Russian Post; send them through the State Services portal.

Submitting documents on “Gosuslugi”

To submit documents on the State Services portal, you should fill out an application, select no more than five universities and five areas in each (there may be more competition groups), send the application, sign up for entrance examinations if necessary, and submit consent to enroll in a priority university. Before the deadline for submitting documents, the application can be changed or revoked. The original school leaving certificate is not required at the university if it is confirmed in the Federal Register of Education Documents. When applying under a target quota, you should upload an application for targeted training.

Information about individual achievements will be provided automatically on the State Services portal in the relevant section. If any documents and achievements are missing, they can be uploaded independently.

The portal allows you to track the processing status of all applications by universities and competition groups and receive notifications. When an application is received, the status will change to “Received by the university”, and then to “Under consideration”. If everything is in order, the competition group status will change to “Participating in the competition”. University staff may ask the applicant to replace copies of documents that are difficult to read – in this case, a corresponding notification will be sent.

All competition lists can be found directly on the State Services portal, as well as on the university website. Their publication will begin on July 27.

Enrollment

You can submit consent for enrollment in a priority university not only in person, but also electronically on the State Services portal. In this case, you do not need to bring the paper original to the university. Please note that the acceptance of consents for enrollment at the priority enrollment stage will end on August 1 at 12:00 Moscow time, and at the main enrollment stage – on August 5 at 12:00 Moscow time.

It is important that in order to be enrolled in a budget-funded form of education, applicants must provide the university with consent for enrollment or put a mark on the State Services portal.

Dormitory for the period of additional entrance examinations

During the period of additional entrance examinations in the professional field (Architecture Department), SPbGASU provides out-of-town applicants and their parents (subject to availability) with the opportunity to live in the Interuniversity Student Campus of St. Petersburg (28 Basseynaya St., Park Pobedy metro station).

All necessary information about admission to the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering is posted on the official website in the section “Applicants”: https: //vv.spbgasu.ru/Aplikants/

If you have any questions, please check with the admissions committee specialists:HTTPS: //VVV.SPBGASU.ru/universiti/ surprise/ Reception-Commission

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: The challenges of vaccine production in Africa

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Thursday, 19 June 2025

World Health Organization (WHO)

by Cosimo GrazianiAbuja (Agenzia Fides) – In recent weeks, a Lassa fever vaccine developed by local researchers in Nigeria has shown initial signs of effectiveness in combating the disease, which recorded 747 new cases and 142 deaths in the African country in the first half of 2025. This was announced by Simeon Agwale, CEO of the Nigerian pharmaceutical company Innovative Biotech. The vaccine was developed under license from the University of Melbourne, and test doses were produced in the United States until the necessary infrastructure is established in Nigeria.For the African giant, the possibility of developing and producing this vaccine locally represents a significant achievement for the country, especially considering that the mortality rate has increased compared to 2024. This progress reflects a positive trend regarding the development of vaccines across the continent.Several African countries are striving to increase domestic vaccine production, a priority that has gained importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) initiative was launched, aiming to produce 60 percent of Africa’s vaccine needs by 2040 (currently just 1 percent).The challenge of vaccine manufacturing is also related to the planning and development phase.According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the African Union department that deals with disease prevention and control, in 2024 there were 25 vaccine projects across the continent: 15 in early stages of development, five with production capacity but no transfer capacity, and five with both production and transfer capacity. These figures are positive and are underpinned by the fact that there are at least a dozen active pharmaceutical companies across the continent in countries such as Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Algeria. All of these aspects contribute to strengthening the vaccine ecosystem, which has already borne fruit in the past, such as the Ebola vaccine developed after the 2013 outbreak in West Africa.Three major agreements to strengthen vaccine production capacity in Africa were recently announced, one signed in December 2024 and two in February of this year. The first involved the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). It provided $45 million to VaxSen, a subsidiary of the Dakar-based Pasteur Institute in Senegal, a country also very active in vaccine research. The agreement was intended to strengthen production capacity, support the local supply chain, and create a strong vaccine distribution network, as envisioned in the African Union’s 2040 Strategy, of which PAVM is a part. In addition to its impact on healthcare, the agreement should also have an impact on the creation of skilled jobs, as the Pasteur Institute’s facilities are being expanded. The question arises whether this project will also be scaled back or even canceled following the Trump administration’s cuts in international cooperation in recent months.The first of the agreements signed in February concerns a $1.2 billion investment by Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private partnership that supports vaccination projects worldwide, particularly for children. According to this agreement, the funds will be used to establish an RNA vaccine production platform in Africa, involving both private African companies such as the Egyptian company EVA Pharma and foreign companies such as the French company DNA Script and the Belgian companies Unizima and Quantoom Biosciences. A second agreement signed in February, however, is a purely African collaboration: Egyptian Biogeneric Pharma and South African Afrigen will expand the development of RNA vaccines to also strengthen continental expertise in manufacturing and application to combat diseases plaguing the continent.These initiatives were listed in the report published by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in February this year. The Oslo-based foundation pointed out that among the issues that need to be resolved to develop a self-sufficient vaccine industry in Africa are problems with access to finance, production restrictions, tariffs, and customs duties and uncertain demand. The problem of the vaccine market in Africa has a major impact on the decisions of various vaccine companies around the world, also taking into account the fact that Africa’s population, especially its young population, will continue to grow strongly in the coming years. (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unacceptable disciplinary proceedings against teachers – E-001386/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

According to Article 153(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (the ‘Treaty’), the right to strike does not fall under the EU’s legislative competence.

Regarding the education systems in the Member States, Article 6 of the Treaty limits the role of the EU in the area of education to supporting, coordinating or supplementing Member States’ actions. The Member States remain solely responsible for the content of teaching and organisation of their education systems.

Nevertheless, under the European Education Area cooperation framework, the Commission monitors and analyses Member States’ education policies in the Education and Training Monitor.

The teachers’ evaluation mechanism in Greece contains elements for teachers’ career development which are important for the quality of education.

Last updated: 19 June 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

Source: WTO

Headline: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

LDC trade interests
At the meeting of the WTO Sub-Committee on LDCs on 16 June, members considered   several LDC related proposals, including those on LDC graduation, LDC accessions and the future of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). They exchanged views on the latest proposal on LDC graduation, which focuses on three areas: subsidies, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights and agriculture. A communication on strengthening the implementation of the LDC accession guidelines was submitted by India and Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group.
Members exchanged views on the future of the EIF, an Aid for Trade programme aimed at enhancing LDC integration into global trade, which was implemented in two phases (2008 to 2015 and 2016 to 2022). Delegations considered the report of the EIF Task Force that included a set of proposed recommendations for a third phase covering the period from 2025 to 2031.
An experience-sharing session in the Sub-Committee on LDCs explored new pathways for LDC trade growth. United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presented its 2024 report “Leveraging carbon markets for development”. Capital-based officials from Bangladesh and The Gambia shared insights on accessing green investment and leveraging trade-related climate finance for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of key export sectors, including textiles and agriculture. The European Union and the LDC Fund for the Global Environmental Facility shared examples of support offered to LDCs with a view to achieving sustainable development and transitioning to net zero for greenhouse gas emissions.
Aid for Trade
At the Aid for Trade session of the Committee on Trade and Development on 17 June, members continued sharing experiences on trade policy and regulatory support. Capital-based officials from Canada, China, Japan and Lao PDR participated in the discussion.
Members welcomed Canada’s Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development, implemented by Cowater International, which supports developing economies in defining negotiating positions and implementing trade agreements. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) highlighted Japan’s “co-creation” approach, which involves collaboration with the private sector, civil society and other donors. It was also noted that the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) would be held in August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.
China and Lao PDR shared   South-South cooperation initiatives, including efforts to improve quarantine capacity and trade readiness. Investments in railway infrastructure between the two countries were also acknowledged. UNCTAD’s efforts in measuring South-South flows were highlighted.
Members reviewed a communication from Australia and Barbados proposing a draft ministerial decision titled “Reinforcing members’ commitment to Aid for Trade”. The proposal, set against the backdrop of declining official development assistance, calls for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and the establishment of a digital platform on existing trade-related technical assistance and capacity building programmes.
During the experience-sharing session, key trends and challenges in global value chain (GVC) integration for developing economies were explored. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted that global trade remains resilient, though uncertainty remains. Professor Juan Carlos Hallak, University of Buenos Aires, emphasized the importance of public-private sectoral roundtables in Latin America. He recommended a bottom-up approach that begins with trade facilitation and regulatory reforms before tackling more complex issues such as investment and technology.
The Lowy Institute, Australia, highlighted Southeast Asia’s trade openness and manufacturing diversification, while stressing the need to boost services productivity and ease regulatory barriers. PrimeSilicon Technology showcased Bangladesh’s experience in supplying digitally delivered services in the semiconductor value chain. The B20, represented by Ms. Trudi Makhaya, outlined three policy priorities: restoring trust in multilateral trade, advancing African integration through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting a climate-responsive trading system.
Revitalizing trade and development work
At the Committee on Trade and Development meeting on 18 June, the Secretariat presented a note on the implementation of the special and differential treatment provisions in the Agreement on Agriculture and the TRIPS Agreement. Members appreciated the Secretariat’s efforts in analysing special and differential treatment provisions. Members also explored how to revitalize trade and development deliberations. Follow-up to the WTO Development Retreat was also discussed.
Members   reviewed a communication from China titled “ Heightened Trade Turbulence and Responses from the WTO”. Other topics included the development aspects of the work programme on electronic commerce and duty-free, quota-free market access for LDCs. The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development, Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo of South Africa, will consult members on a request by the co-convenors of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement to discuss progress made on the needs assessments under the WTO Committee on Trade and Development.
Technical assistance
The Secretariat presented the 2024 WTO Technical Assistance Report, highlighting four key results related to i) implementing WTO agreements; ii) accompanying new accessions; iii) advancing academic research; and iv) reaching out to various stakeholders. It was noted that in 2024 the Secretariat expanded its curriculum to include technical assistance activities on transparency in customs valuation and import licensing. As a result, 35 draft customs valuation notifications were received, with 22 circulated. The Secretariat also acknowledged technical assistance support to facilitate the WTO accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste.
On academic research, the WTO Chairs Programme saw a 13 per cent increase in WTO-related courses and a 16 per cent increase in trade-related research. Five new universities joined the programme in 2024. However, due to budget constraints, the full potential of outreach activities to various stakeholders is yet to be fully explored.
Members exchanged views on preparations for the next biennial WTO Technical Assistance and Training plan (2026 – 2027). The Secretariat provided an update on its ongoing work, including insights from beneficiaries. The Secretariat also highlighted that in view of limited resources, evolving approaches in the delivery of technical assistance and various funding scenarios were being considered going forward. Members welcomed the Secretariat’s efforts and expressed willingness to engage further in developing the WTO technical assistance plan.
The next WTO Development Week is scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 November 2025.

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MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2024: Integration of Education, Science and Business

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

“Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

The discussion was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

“It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

“Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

“Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

“For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

“The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

“In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Appointment of former President of the European Council Charles Michel as Distinguished Professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) – E-002399/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002399/2025/rev.1
to the Council
Rule 144
Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE)

On 8 May 2025, former President of the European Council Charles Michel was officially appointed Distinguished Professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), a university that is established and managed by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and therefore falls under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

Unlike former European Commissioners, a former president of the European Council is not subject to a ‘cooling-off period’, but merely needs the approval of their successor. According to media reports, President Costa approved the appointment without consulting or even informing the Council of his decision.

1.Can the Council confirm that it was neither consulted nor informed about this sensitive appointment, especially in times of escalating trade tensions with China?

2.Even though cooling-off periods do not apply to former presidents of the European Council, is this appointment not detrimental to the reputation of the Council and its commitment to human rights, the rule of law and de-risking and decoupling from China?

3.Why does the Council not impose cooling-off periods on former presidents of the European Council, by analogy with the rules applicable to European Commissioners?

Submitted: 13.6.2025
Last updated: 20 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing – European Citizens’ Initiative – Equality of regions – Committee on Culture and Education

Source: European Parliament

Image © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures” with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Petitions on 25 June 2025, from 14:30-17:30. The programme and webstreaming link are attached.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
Indian missions in Riyadh and Doha to mark International Day of yoga with community events

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga tomorrow in partnership with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.

The event, to be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, will see participation from students of the International Indian Public School and Al Alia International Indian School. In Jeddah, celebrations took place a day earlier with students from the International Indian School showcasing their enthusiasm for yoga and its unifying spirit.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with the Indian Sports Centre, will observe International Day of Yoga 2025 on June 21 at Ideal Indian School, Doha. The event will bring together members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners for an evening dedicated to well-being and cultural exchange. Highlights will include a rhythmic yoga display by children, a yoga quiz, a challenge session, guided meditation, and a mass yoga practice based on the Common Yoga Protocol.

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Clarification on the Commission’s position regarding the COVID-19 lab leak theory – E-001403/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission has not been informed by any national or European authority about intelligence indicating that COVID-19 originated in a laboratory.

The Commission closely monitors scientific studies on the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and supports the research of the World Health Organisation (WHO)[1].

The WHO’s Global Study on the origins of SARS-CoV-2 suggests three possible zoonotic pathways for the introduction of the virus and concludes that the introduction through a laboratory incident is extremely unlikely[2]. Furthermore, a 2023 scientific critical review concluded that the strongest evidence supports a zoonotic over a laboratory origin[3].

The Commission supported research on infectious diseases via its framework programmes for Research and Innovation[4]. Prior to the pandemic, the Commission provided financial support to institutions engaged in high-risk virological research including Wuhan Institute of Virology via two EU-funded projects[5].

The Commission ensures transparency, traceability and safety in EU-funded research[6], including gain-of-function and dual use research.

The Commission implements ethics assessments and promotes transparency through open-access publication of research results. Security checks are conducted as part of the ethics and security scrutiny process[7], with clearance required from the Security Scrutiny Group[8] before funding is granted.

In addition, project monitoring is ensured until the end of a project to check its proper implementation and compliance with the obligations laid down in the grant agreement.

[1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-statement-who-led-covid-19-origins-study_en.

[2] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/origins-of-the-virus, WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part Joint WHO-China Study, page 9.

[3] Alwine JC, Casadevall A, Enquist LW, Goodrum FD, Imperiale MJ. A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses. mBio. 2023 Apr 25;14(2):e0058323. doi: 10.1128/mbio.00583-23. Epub 2023 Mar 28. PMID: 36897098; PMCID: PMC10127682.

[4] I ncluding https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/FP6, https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/FP7, https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-2020_en and https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/horizon-europe_en.

[5] Grant agreements: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/653316; https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/871029.

[6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-results.

[7] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Special+procedures%3A+Ethics+review%2C+security+scrutiny%2C+Ownership+control+check.

[8] Composed of national security experts nominated in agreement with their national security authorities.
Last updated: 20 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action to safeguard scientific progress in response to US policies – E-001625/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

In a volatile geopolitical context, the Commission stresses that education, research and innovation in Europe are founded on the indissoluble paradigm of academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

In the EU, European and international researchers will always be able to enjoy scientific freedom, which will therefore be enshrined in EU law in the context of the European Research Area ( ERA) Act, expected in 2026[1].

A EUR 500 million package has been announced by the Commission President for the period 2025-2027 to further strengthen the attractiveness of the EU for world’s talents, including from the European diaspora[2].

This includes a ‘Choose Europe for Science’ Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA)[3] already in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to stable employment[4], a seven-year European Research Council (ERC)[5] super grant coupled with increased funding for grantees moving to Europe from abroad, and a visa strategy to facilitate relocation to Europe[6].

The new package builds on existing policies and tools. For example, the new European framework for research careers[7] and the European Charter for Researchers[8] support reforms at national and EU level to attract and retain research talents[9], while EURAXESS[10] continues to provide personalised support to incoming researchers.

In addition, the ERA Talent Platform[11] ensures the visibility of the attractive environment of European careers, and a Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO)[12] provides as of mid-2025 data for evidence-based policies.

Moreover, 65 European Universities alliances[13], the work towards a European degree, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters action[14] contribute to the attractiveness of the EU as a place to study and work.
- [1] As announced in the Commission Communication of 29 January 2025 on A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the ERA Act will also include, among others, legislative measures aiming to address challenges for research careers and mobility.
- [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/da/speech_25_1130.
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_657.
- [4] The MSCA also provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are already available and open to researchers of all nationalities, including United States researchers. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/.
- [5] https://erc.europa.eu/about-erc/erc-glance.
- [6] https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/choose-europe-science-erc-welcomes-new-budget-super-grants.
- [7] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe, OJ C C2023/1640, 29/12/2023.
- [8] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward/european-charter-researchers.
- [9] A Mutual Learning Exercise (https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers) under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility supports the exchange of good practices by Member States on the implementation of the new framework for research careers.
- [10] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.
- [11] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/.
- [12] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/reico/, developed in partnership with the OECD with Horizon Europe support.
- [13] https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/european-universities-initiative.
- [14] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters.
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE, Adygea and ASU unite to strengthen science and education in the republic

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

An agreement on strategic cooperation between the Higher School of Economics, the Republic of Adygea and Adyghe State University was signed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The document was signed by HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov, Head of the Republic of Adygea Murat Kumpilov and Rector of Adyghe State University Daud Mamiy.

The agreement is aimed at developing systemic cooperation in the educational and research spheres. The main goal of cooperation is to create conditions for the formation and strengthening of the human resources potential of the Republic of Adygea, support regional educational organizations, and build sustainable ties between universities and local institutions.

The agreement provides expert, methodological and legal support for the regional education system. HSE will organize advanced training and retraining programs for teachers and management teams of Adyghe State University and other educational organizations in Adygea. The parties also agreed to jointly develop educational programs, assist in organizing practical training for students, and develop student and academic exchange, including internships.

Particular attention will be paid to the formation of a network of partner educational institutions to improve the quality of school education, as well as the implementation of intellectual projects for schoolchildren and youth. Cooperation involves the integration of educational, scientific and industrial activities in order to train specialists in demand in the economy and social sphere of the region.

“Interaction with the Higher School of Economics, our leading universities – Adyghe State University and Maikop State Technological University – is of great importance. Relying on such cooperation will allow us to more effectively form a management team, achieve the intended goals in key projects and programs, find optimal solutions to complex problems taking into account the development prospects of Adygea, including within the framework of the creation of an industrial park and a large-scale eco-resort “Lagonaki”, “concluded Murat Kumpilov, Head of the Republic of Adygea

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
DEPwD observes World Sickle Cell Day 2025 with nationwide awareness programmes

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a series of nationwide awareness programmes on Thursday to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

The initiatives aimed to educate communities about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder that disproportionately impacts tribal populations and affects millions globally.

Marked annually on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day serves as a global health observance recognized by the United Nations. The theme for 2025, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” underlines the importance of engaging local communities in efforts toward early diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals with SCD.

As part of the observance, the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata organized an awareness programme at NRS Medical College, where medical professionals and patients were briefed on the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for SCD.

In Chennai, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) held an outreach event in Chengalpattu, targeting the general public with information on disease management and the vital role of community involvement in patient care.

The Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) in Cuttack conducted a special programme emphasizing early detection and the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals with SCD.

In Secunderabad, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) hosted an awareness session for parents, students, and professionals in the field, focusing on challenges faced by those living with the disease.

Composite Regional Centers also played a vital role in spreading awareness. CRC Tripura held a programme at Nutan Nagar Girls Higher Secondary School in Agartala, while CRC Gorakhpur organized a seminar through its Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC), focusing on children and parents. The session addressed the complexities of SCD, stressing the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. CRC Nagpur marked the occasion with a special online webinar.

Apart from these flagship events, numerous other CRCs and National Institutes under DEPwD conducted local-level awareness drives, collectively working to ensure timely interventions, build public understanding, and strengthen support systems for families affected by SCD across the country.

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The admissions campaign begins in more than 1.2 thousand universities and almost 4 thousand colleges in our country

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The admissions campaign to Russian universities, technical schools and colleges starts on June 20. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov addressed graduates.

“The admissions campaign is starting in more than 1,200 universities and almost 4,000 colleges in our country. In total, over 619,000 budget places are available for higher education programs and about 835,000 for secondary vocational programs this academic year. It is important to emphasize that most budget places are allocated for specialties that contribute to Russia’s technological leadership – this is a national goal approved by President Vladimir Putin. I wish applicants successful admission and urge them to choose specialties that are truly needed by the regions and our entire country,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that traditionally, the majority of budget places – more than 73% – are distributed to regional universities.

“We take into account the prospective need within the personnel forecast, including the need for national projects of technological leadership and regional investment programs. Therefore, the structure of admission is dominated by specialties that ensure the technological leadership of our country. Almost 43% are areas related to engineering, modern technologies, 246 thousand budget places,” the minister said.

He added that such fields as medicine, pedagogical specialties, social sciences and others also remain leaders in terms of the number of budget places.

In 2025, a separate quota of at least 10% of the total number of budget places has been set for admission to universities for participants in the special military operation and their family members – this is more than 50 thousand places. Another 2 thousand places are reserved in the preparatory departments of universities.

The peculiarities of school education in a number of border territories of the Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions have been taken into account. Graduates of these schools will be able to enter universities by choice both by the Unified State Exam and by internal entrance examinations of universities in the form of a single interview.

The quota for targeted admission to universities will be more than 23% of the total number of budget places. Applicants can see employers’ offers on the “Work of Russia” platform, integrated with the “Online University Admission” system.

Since this year, the functionality of the super service “Online University Admission” has been expanded – now students can apply to colleges and technical schools at universities. Also, since this year, the super service has covered admission to master’s and postgraduate programs. This year, universities from the reunited regions of Russia will join it.

In addition, a draft of amendments to the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” for the transition to the new model is ready. A large-scale transition to the new model of higher education will begin in 2026-2027.

On the instructions of the President, a pilot project is being implemented in the country to introduce a new system of higher education in 6 universities.

As part of the pilot, students of these universities receive basic higher education – a single level has been introduced, training of a full-fledged specialist is carried out in one step, specialized higher education – master’s programs contain additional in-depth knowledge and are divided into three types – professional, research and management master’s programs.

The admissions campaign also begins in colleges and technical schools of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

“The popularity of studying in colleges and technical schools has grown in recent years. 62.5% of ninth-graders choose colleges and technical schools to continue their education. For three years now, admission to colleges and technical schools has been more than 1.2 million people. The admission campaign for the new academic year starts on June 20. For future first-year students, 51.5 thousand more budget places have been prepared than last year – 834.7 thousand places,” said Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.

He emphasized that such areas as “Geology and exploration of oil and gas fields”, “Production and maintenance of aviation equipment”, “Ensuring information security of telecommunication systems”, “Tourism and hospitality”, “Information systems and programming”, “Nursing”, “Maintenance and repair of engines, systems and units of cars” are in demand on the labor market and popular among applicants.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Key takeaways from 2nd China-Central Asia Summit in Astana

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pose for a group photo in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded on Wednesday his three-day trip to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where he attended the second China-Central Asia Summit.

The summit produced a raft of consensuses across areas ranging from security and trade to regional development. Officials and analysts, who spoke to Xinhua, highlighted key themes of the summit, including Belt and Road cooperation and the deepening of China-Central Asia ties.

CHINA-CENTRAL ASIA SPIRIT

In his keynote speech at the summit, Xi proposed a China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development.”

“We practice mutual respect and treat each other as equals. All countries, big or small, are equal,” Xi said. “We handle issues through consultation and make decisions by consensus.”

On elaborating mutual trust, Xi said, “We firmly support each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.”

“We do not do anything harmful to the core interests of any party,” he added.

When talking about mutual benefit, Xi said, “We view each other as priority partners, and share development opportunities together.”

On mutual assistance, he stressed, “We help each other in time of need and stand together through thick and thin,” adding that “we work together to address various risks and challenges, and uphold regional security and stability.”

The China-Central Asia Spirit deeply reflects the essence of relations between China and the Central Asian countries, said Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov, former foreign minister of Kyrgyzstan.

This spirit will become a powerful driving force for future cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, helping to forge a closer community with a shared future, said Dzhekshenkulov.

NEW COOPERATION CENTERS

One of the key outcomes of the Astana summit is the inauguration of three cooperation centers and a cooperation platform on smooth trade within the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism.

The institutions include the China-Central Asia poverty reduction cooperation center, the China-Central Asia education exchange cooperation center, the China-Central Asia desertification control cooperation center, as well as the China-Central Asia smooth trade cooperation platform.

“China is ready to share with Central Asian countries development experience and latest technological advances, promote connectivity in digital infrastructure, enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence, and foster new quality productive forces,” Xi said at the summit.

These initiatives are “very important to each of us,” said Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin outside the summit venue. “We hope that in a very short time, we will achieve a big success.”

Muhriddin also said the second China-Central Asia Summit marks “a historic event” and opened a new chapter for a time-tested regional partnership.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev witness inauguration of the China-Central Asia poverty reduction cooperation center, the China-Central Asia education exchange cooperation center, the China-Central Asia desertification control cooperation center and the China-Central Asia trade facilitation cooperation platform in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BELT AND ROAD COOPERATION

At the summit, Xi called on China and Central Asian countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

On the sidelines of the summit, Xi also held separate bilateral meetings with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries, with a focus on the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi emphasized the importance of advancing the high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, a project launched last year.

While meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Xi said that both sides should effectively implement the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkmenistan’s development strategy to revive the Great Silk Road.

Xi also told Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation should be used to improve cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.

In 2013, Xi first laid out his vision for building the Silk Road Economic Belt — a key component of the initiative in Astana when delivering a landmark speech at Nazarbayev University.

Over the past decade, the BRI has grown from an aspiring vision into a high-quality platform for cooperation, encompassing daily logistics, trade and infrastructure development across the Eurasian continent, said Din Mukhamed Konakbayev, general manager of the Kazakh-Chinese trade and logistics company (Almaty) Ltd.

He noted that BRI infrastructure projects are driving more balanced regional development in Kazakhstan, particularly in the northern, western and southern regions, which previously had limited access to global logistics networks.

TREATY ON ETERNAL GOOD-NEIGHBORLINESS, FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION

Xi and the leaders of the five Central Asian nations signed the treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation.

According to the treaty, the six countries reaffirmed their firm support for each country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity as well as the principles of sovereign equality and the inviolability of borders.

All parties reiterated that they will not use force or threaten to use force, and will resolve disputes peacefully, said the treaty.

The signing of the treaty is to “enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law,” Xi said in his speech at the summit. “China consistently takes Central Asia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy,” he noted.

“This is a new landmark in the history of the relations between our six countries and a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors,” Xi added.

An international freight train pulls out of the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, east China’s Jiangsu Province on June 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

NO WINNER IN TARIFF WARS

“There is no winner in tariff wars or trade wars,” Xi said in his speech at the summit. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said he agrees with it.

“Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism will surely backfire while hurting others,” Xi said. “I always maintain that history should move forward, not backward; and the world should be united, not divided.”

“Humanity must not regress to the law of the jungle. Instead, we should build a community with a shared future for mankind,” Xi added.

SECURITY ON AGENDA

The six countries issued the Astana Declaration as an outcome of the summit. They agreed to jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism and strongly condemn all forms of the three forces.

The countries also pledged to battle threats such as cross-border infiltration of terrorist forces, drug smuggling, transnational organized crime and cyber crime, to ensure smooth and stable progress of cooperation projects and jointly respond to security threats, said the document.

In his talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Xi stressed that China and Tajikistan should further strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation and step up efforts to crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism.

China and the five Central Asian countries also cooperate on security issues within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). China is set to host this year’s SCO summit.

Xi also touched on the situation in the Middle East while holding talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He said China is ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the region.

Xi said all related parties should work to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East as soon as possible and avoid further escalation.

CHINA-CENTRAL ASIA MECHANISM

It was decided at the summit that China will host the third China-Central Asia Summit in 2027.

The meeting of heads of state under the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism was launched in May 2023 with the inaugural summit held in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China. At that gathering, leaders agreed to convene the summit every two years, alternating between China and Central Asian countries.

The mechanism was further institutionalized last year with the establishment of a secretariat in Xi’an.

The second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana marked the first time the gathering was held in a Central Asian country.

The Central Asia-China cooperation mechanism is a strategic platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries, said Afzal Artikov, chief researcher at the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Since its launch, he said, it has become an important vehicle for advancing cooperation across multiple fields and deepening political, economic and cultural ties between Central Asian nations and China.

MIL OSI China News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recommendations from gender inequality and poverty study to be reviewed
Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

The findings and recommendations of the Scottish Women’s Budget Group Study on Gender Inequality and Poverty in Aberdeen are to be reviewed after the results were discussed at last week’s (11 June) Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee.

The Scottish Women’s Budget Group were commissioned by the committee to explore the impact of poverty and gender inequality on women and their families and subsequently identify solutions that could address these issues.

Heather Williams, Training Lead, Scottish Women’s Budget Group said: “Many of the challenges identified highlight interlinked structural barriers that women face. Caring responsibilities, social security, work, transport, health and housing were all highlighted as significant issues for women in Aberdeen these impact on the choices and options available to them and cause gender inequality.

“We look forward to seeing what action Aberdeen City Council will take to address the issues highlighted.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The Scottish Women’s Budget Group should be commended for their work on this study and I wish to thank them and all those who participated in the research project.

“The Council will now look at the comprehensive findings and recommendations and hope to implement solutions to some of the issues with gender inequality and poverty that women across Aberdeen are currently facing.”

Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Buchanan said: “The recommendations and findings from this study will go a long way in helping to shape future policies and decision making processes across the Council and is a great example of partnership working that will make a difference.”

The project included a number of different research methods to enable researchers to hear a range of views from those who have experience of living on a low income, those who work in organisations that provide support, as well as those who have experienced both.

The methods included:
- Steering Group – 9 women from a wide range of backgrounds met nine times during the study to discuss a number of different topics.
- Online survey – circulated online during November and December 2024.
- Focus groups – worked with a number of community organisations to run small focus groups that targeted specific groups.
- Community events – events organised to engage directly with women.
The report presents 116 recommendations across four themes: care and caring (childcare and unpaid care), Safety (violence against women/community safety), welfare/benefits and health and wellbeing (accessing support and health).

Of the 116 recommendations, 96 are to Aberdeen City Council and the other 19 are to the Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership, Scottish and UK Government, Police Scotland and the Financial Services Ombudsman.

A response to the findings and recommendations of the Scottish Women’s Budget Group study will be brought to the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee meeting on 26^th November 2025.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Canterbury bags first look at new national exhibition celebrating stories of migration

Source: City of Canterbury

Home  »  Latest News   »   Canterbury bags first look at new national exhibition celebrating stories of migration

Image: Dame Zaha Hadid by Michael Craig-Martin © National Portrait Gallery, London

A brand-new exhibition by the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) exploring the experiences and contributions of people who moved to Britain and made it their permanent or temporary home is set to open for the first time at The Beaney.

The Lives in Motion exhibition features 51 stories of migration from the NPG collection, ranging from the 11th century through to the present day, and will kick start its national tour in Canterbury on Saturday 28 June.

The display looks at the different reasons people move and explores how leaving home, and finding a new one, presents opportunities but also challenges around personal identity and a sense of belonging.

Spanning nearly a thousand years of history, stories are told through a range of vibrant paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, and digital art, including contemporary commissions by NPG.

A newly acquired bust of Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, will also be on show for the first time in this exhibition since its acquisition by NPG.

Local groups including St Peters Methodist Primary School, Kent Refugee Action Network and The Beaney’s Sensing Culture Group for blind and partially sighted people have also helped develop additional interpretation materials for the display.

Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Culture and Heritage, said: “The stories told in this exhibition are so inspiring and act as an important reminder of what makes Britain such a brilliantly diverse place today.

“It’s also exciting to be the first stop of the exhibition’s tour!

“Getting the first look at some intriguing new items from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection – that our residents would otherwise have to travel to London to see – is a real privilege, and we’re grateful to the gallery for their continued partnership.”

Visitors can find the exhibition in The Beaney’s Special Exhibition Room until Sunday 5 October 2025 (closed Mondays).

Admission is free, with donations encouraged.

The display was curated by Octavia Tam, an Art Fund Vivmar curatorial trainee, hosted by NPG and Nottingham City Museums and Galleries and organised by the NPG as part of their National Touring Programme.

Find out more about the exhibition on The Beaney’s website.

Notes to editors

National Portrait Gallery

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. From global icons, to unsung heroes, our Collection is filled with the stories that have shaped, and continue to shape a nation. We celebrate the power of portraiture and offer encounters with some of the world’s greatest and most exciting new artists, promoting engagement with portraiture in all media to a wide-ranging public by conserving, growing and sharing the world’s largest collection of portraits.

www.npg.org.uk

Art Fund

Art Fund is the UK’s independent charity for art, helping museums and people to share in great art and culture for 120 years. Art Fund raises millions of pounds every year to help the UK’s museums, galleries and historic houses. The charity funds art, enabling the UK’s museums to buy and share exciting works, connect with their communities, and inspire the next generation. It builds audiences with its National Art Pass opening doors to great culture; and it amplifies the museum sector through the world’s largest museum prize, Art Fund Museum of the Year, and creative events that bring the UK’s museums together. Art Fund is people-powered by 135,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, and the donors, trusts and foundations who support the charity.

The National Art Pass provides free or discounted entry to over 400 museums, galleries and historic places, 50% off major exhibitions, and Art Quarterly magazine.

www.artfund.org

Published: 20 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby City Council secures funding to create over 330 new childcare places
Source: City of Derby

Derby City Council is delighted to announce a significant boost to its early years childcare provision, following the allocation of childcare expansion capital grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE). This funding will support the creation of 337 new childcare places across the city by August 2025, addressing the increasing demand generated by the Government’s new expanded childcare offer.

Derby City Council launched the Early Years Capital Grant application process in Spring 2024. The process was transparent, allowing childcare providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs). From these, 16 applications were advanced, representing various types of providers. An approval panel reviewed the applications and granted funding based on evidence of demand.

The total cost of projects was £1,410,333 with the council’s contribution of £475,002. The investment will create additional places across the city, significantly enhancing accessibility to quality childcare for families.

By 31 August, the following additional places will have been created across city wards:
- Darley: 86 places
- Mickleover: 90 places
- Alvaston South: 11 places
- Sinfin & Osmaston: 6 places
- Chaddesden East: 25 placesArboretum: 51 places
- Normanton: 38 places
- Chellaston & Shelton Lock: 30 places
Examples of how these grants have been used include:

The Early Years Academy: Utilised their grant to construct a ‘Hygge Hut,’ an outdoor retreat designed for comfort, calm, and connection. This space has improved accessibility and inclusion, particularly for a child with high sensory sensitivity whose confidence has transformed through calmer transitions into nursery life.

Little Angels Nursery: Redeveloped an old dining room into a new six-place baby room, investing in high-quality furniture, bedding, resources, and staff training. The grant also funded a sectioned garden area with various play equipment, allowing parents with older children at the nursery to now access care for their baby siblings within the same setting.

Whitecross Nursery: Used their grant to develop new provision for two-year-olds, creating eight places that accommodate 17 different children throughout the working week, complete with age-appropriate furnishings and facilities.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

With this vital funding, we’re building a stronger foundation for families in our city. We’re proud to be creating 337 much-needed new childcare places, demonstrating our commitment to meeting rising demand and making quality childcare accessible to everyone.

More information about early learning childcare provision in Derby, eligibility criteria for funded places, and how to apply, is available on the Derby City Council website. Information on the Government’s new working parent entitlement offer is available on the Government’s Childcare Choices website.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: IPPA Best Book Award for “A Government of Insiders” by William Genieys

Source: Universities – Science Po in English

William Genieys, CNRS Research Professor at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, has been awarded a Best Book Award by the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) for his latest book: A Government of Insiders. The People Who Made the Affordable Care Act Possible (John Hopkins University Press, 2024). This book is the culmination of his theorization of the role of unelected governmental elites in liberal democracy.

The jury noted that the book “presents an impressive, ambitious, and engaging long-term account of the social backgrounds of US elites, backed by considerable research to quantify their number and profile. Genieys offers an original interpretation of Obama’s healthcare reform as an alternative to the mainstream ‘political bargain‘ interpretation and of Heclo’s ‘government of strangers’, explaining the role played in the reform process by senior bureaucrats in the US administration.”

William Genieys told us about this book in a video interview last year:

[embedded content]

The IPPA Best Book Award is awarded biennially and given to a single- or co-authored monograph that makes an original and significant theoretical, methodological and/or empirical contribution to the field of Public Policy and/or Public Administration.

William Genieys is the first political scientist from France to receive the award, that will be presented during the Gala dinner of the 7th International Conference on Public Policy on July 3rd (in Chiang Mai, Thailand).

In addition to this award, William Genieys has been granted a Book Tour scholarship from Sciences Po’s Transatlantic Research Fund, that will allow him to present his book in several US universities.

More information:

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston City Council commissions research to unlock opportunities for local food producers

Source: City of Preston

Preston City Council has funded two new research projects to help better understand the region’s local food supply chain – who produces food in Lancashire, what they produce, and how they can be better supported to access public sector contracts.

The research, recommended by the Preston Climate Jury and discussed by the Central Lancashire Procurement Practitioners group, will help map the local food supply system.

Researchers from Edge Hill University and Social Research Consultancy, Sustainable Solutions, will lead the work. They will carry out surveys and in-depth interviews with farmers, producers, buyers and public sector organisations.

The aim is to identify business opportunities, supply chain gaps and procurement challenges across Lancashire.

Councillor Sarwar, Cabinet Member for Climate Change at Preston City Council said:

”Food systems are a main driver of climate change in the UK, and I am delighted to see Preston City Council moving forward with the People’s Climate Jury recommendation to increase access to locally produced food. This is a practical step towards a more local, low-carbon food system, and is also about fairness and supporting our farmers to thrive.”

Councillor Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council said:

”Preston has long been a leader in Community Wealth Building, this work exploring access to contracts for local food producers will be another area in which Preston is a forerunner.”

The findings will support Preston City Council, local anchor institutions and other public sector buyers to improve access for small producers, contributing to climate goals and the council’s Community Wealth Building strategy.

Sven Batke, Chair of the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium and one of the founders of EcoEdge at Edge Hill University said:

“To support food producers and create pragmatic, tangible outcomes that deliver net benefits for our local economy, it is essential that we work collectively and adopt data-driven approaches that are effective. This initial work will help us better understand key challenges and identify opportunities for the food sector in Lancashire.”

John Whitton from Sustainable Solutions said:

”Farmers and growers in Lancashire are keen to support local and sustainable food initiatives that support access to public sector contracts. How to do this in practice remains elusive and is the focus of this project.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 20, 2025