NewzIntel.com

Category: Universities

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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 –

  • 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:

    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 –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian-Chinese Literary Salon “With a Book Through Time”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    On June 19, 2025, the Russian-Chinese literary salon “With a Book Through Time” was held at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, organized by the RCC jointly with the English-language version of the Global Times newspaper.

    The event, held as part of the “China-Russia Year of Culture,” aimed to create a new platform for humanitarian exchange between the two countries through literary dialogue.

    At the opening of the salon, the Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the People’s Republic of China, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Natalia Stepkina, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing that the partnership between China and Russia is actively developing in all areas, and humanitarian cooperation is becoming increasingly large-scale.

    Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times newspaper Bai Long noted in his welcoming speech that literary exchange between China and Russia is always a broad road, full of life and mutual aspirations. Today, more and more translations of Russian literature are being published in China, and the best modern Chinese works find their readers in Russia.

    Within the framework of the salon, the director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing Tatyana Urzhumtseva, the famous Chinese poet, former vice-chairman of the Union of Chinese Writers and chairman of the poetry committee Jidi Madzia, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Capital Pedagogical University and foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Liu Wenfei and the director of the ANO Institute of Translation Evgeny Reznicenko spoke with reports on Russian-Chinese literary relations.

    The salon also included a round table, during which guests animatedly discussed issues of literary influence, modern methods of distribution, and spiritual connections.

    The literary salon ended with Anna Esparza’s exhibition “Russian Literature. History and Modernity.”

    The atmosphere in the hall was filled with the spirit of literature, and many participants noted that the interethnic literary dialogue not only demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the two countries, but also opened up new horizons for humanitarian cooperation.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug signed a strategic agreement at SPIEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum – 2025, the Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug signed an agreement on strategic cooperation. The document was signed by the First Deputy Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Irina Novoselova and the Director HSE University – Saint Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya. The agreement is aimed at developing scientific research activities, improving the quality of education and training personnel in accordance with the priorities of the socio-economic development of the region.

    “The main focus of our agreement is to support school education in Yamal. Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and HSE are long-standing partners, but for the St. Petersburg campus, this is a new stage in building systemic interaction. Starting in September, 120 high school students in the region will be involved in additional education programs in IT and creative industries. In the new academic year, 60 teachers of the humanities and social sciences will take advanced training courses at the Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. We also plan to organize special shifts for high school students at our university. The success of any region begins with high-quality school education, with the environment where motivated young people are formed. And we are grateful to our partner for trusting us with the most valuable thing – their future,” said Anna Tyshetskaya, Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – St. Petersburg.

    The signing of the agreement was a continuation of the strategic cooperation between HSE and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. In 2024, HSE students were given the opportunity to complete internships in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug authorities as part of the GosVyshka project. In early 2025, the university’s experts took part in developing design solutions for the modernization of the Yamal College in Salekhard, and in the summer, HSE – St. Petersburg held an educational intensive course for 50 students from diplomatic classes in Yamal schools.

    “The Higher School of Economics and Yamal have been linked by years of friendship and effective partnership. We have jointly developed concepts for modern student campuses in Salekhard and Tarko-Sale, and prepared programs for the personnel project “YASHKR. Education”. The signing of the agreement will allow us to strengthen our work to improve the quality of general and vocational education in Yamal. The cooperation will be mutually beneficial. HSE students will be able to complete an internship in our district – they will receive practical skills that will open up career opportunities even before graduating from the university,” said Irina Novoselova, First Deputy Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

    The HSE University in Saint Petersburg will act as the coordinator of key educational projects. The university will implement specialized and educational programs for Yamal schoolchildren, teachers and managers. The Center for Pre-University Programs and Projects will participate in the project “Educational Certificate for High School Students” aimed at developing talented schoolchildren. In addition, the Saint Petersburg HSE will become a place for exchanging experience and providing methodological support to teaching and management personnel of Yamal.

    The signing of the agreement with the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug confirms the systematic approach of the HSE University to strengthening educational and scientific partnerships with the regions of Russia. Over the past three years, the university has begun implementing strategic projects in the Pskov, Novgorod, Murmansk, Lipetsk, Smolensk regions, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania and other regions.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU discussed the creation of mirror laboratories to assess the damage to African countries from colonialism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Polytechnic University and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education held a meeting dedicated to the activities of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) and the creation of mirror laboratories to assess the damage caused to African countries during colonialism. Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science and leading Russian universities, including the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics (SPbSEU), the Russian State Geological Prospecting University (MGRI), and the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, took part in the discussion.

    The main topic of the meeting was the development of a methodology for calculating damage, including economic, environmental and cultural losses. As noted by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev, this project has not only scientific but also important political significance: We must unite the efforts of universities with expertise in this area and offer African countries a tool for an objective assessment of the consequences of colonialism.

    Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, by agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science, will head the working group to create the laboratory. Vice-Rector for International Work at Saint Petersburg State University of Economics Elena Gorbashko emphasized: We will have to develop a comprehensive methodology that takes into account not only direct economic losses, but also indirect factors – lost profits, environmental damage, consequences for human capital.

    Rector of MGRI Yuri Panov shared preliminary calculations: We have already estimated the damage to Zimbabwe and Mozambique – 52 and 74 billion dollars respectively. At the same time, direct export of resources gave only 3-4% of the total amount, the main part is lost profits and environmental consequences.

    The Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences proposed to include digital archives of cultural heritage in the study. Deputy Director Natalia Sokolova noted: Digital twins of monuments will help to record the destruction and prove the scale of the damage. We already have successful experience of such work in Syria, and we are ready to replicate it in Africa.

    The next steps are to form a working group, prepare a concept and select countries for pilot projects. The final proposals will be presented to the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov in July.

    This project is not only a scientific task, but also an important step in strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries, said Stepan Sokolov, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, summing up the meeting.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University strengthened its position in the international QS World University Rankings

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The results of the QS World University Rankings by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds have been published. This year, 1,501 universities from 106 countries of the world were included in the ranking. It is worth noting that at the moment, the general trend of participation of Russian universities shows negative dynamics. Currently, Russia is represented in the ranking by 40 universities, which is 7 universities less than last year. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University retained its position among domestic universities, ranking 12th in Russia and 609th in the world.

    Peter the Great Polytechnic University showed steady growth in all rating indicators, with a particularly strong jump noted in the Sustainable Development criterion — plus 40.4 points. It was this positive dynamic that led to an increase in SPbPU’s overall score and allowed it to strengthen its position in the rating.

    Sustainable development is the university’s contribution to the quality of life of society, and our Polytechnic University is really successful in this. It is gratifying that experts note our progress in criteria directly related to the social sphere, technological development and improving people’s living standards. Recognition by QS, as well as other rating agencies, assessing the contribution of universities to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), confirms the effectiveness of our work, noted SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy.

    The growth of Polytechnic University’s indicators in the QS WUR ranking is the result of the coordinated and systematic work of all institutes and departments of our university. I would like to note that despite the global difficulties, our academic reputation is growing, that is, researchers from other countries recognize the contribution of our university to science and education, – comments Vice-Rector for Human Resources Policy Maria Vrublevskaya.

    The QS World University Rankings assess universities based on a number of indicators, each of which to varying degrees determines a university’s position in the ranking. The main indicators include the academic reputation of the university, the ratio of faculty to students, and the university’s reputation with employers. In addition, the ranking evaluates citation indicators, sustainability, the proportion of international students and international faculty.

    You can find more detailed information about the rating results follow the link.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: It’s time to become the main character! Start of the 2025 admission campaign

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 20, the acceptance of documents for admission to secondary vocational education programs, bachelor’s, specialist and master’s degrees at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University began.

    Graduates of grades 9 and 11 can enroll in the college at the Polytechnic University. This year, 530 budget and 481 contract places have been allocated for 9 full-time SPO specialties and 90 contract places for 3 correspondence specialties.

    When submitting documents, applicants select no more than 3 specialties for admission to budget places and no more than 1 specialty for contract places, which are arranged in order of priority for enrollment. Enrollment in the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education is carried out based on the results of the competition, based on the average grade point average of the certificate of applicants on the basis of basic or secondary general education. In 2025, a new specialty 09.02.09 “Web Development” was opened, which trains specialists in the creation and support of websites and web applications.

    For applicants to full-time bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs in 2025, 3,395 budget places and 3,399 fee-paying places have been prepared. Within the target quota, 535 places have been prepared, 359 places for special quota places and the same number for applicants to separate quota places. Applicants can choose up to five areas of preparation for admission, which must be arranged in order of priority in the application.

    One of the innovations in admission to the first level of higher education was the “Petrovskaya Wave”, which gives applicants an additional opportunity to enroll in the university. Applicants whose scores exceed the indicator set by the university are guaranteed admission. The passing score will be regularly updated on the official website, and it can only decrease during the admission campaign, making the conditions for admission more accessible. Even if an applicant does not get a state-funded place, but exceeds the “Petrovskaya Wave” score, the university guarantees him a place at its own expense.

    To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to follow three steps.

    Select in the application directions, participating in the Petrovskaya Wave. Collect the sum of competition points higher than the announced passing score of the “Petrovskaya Wave”. Submit consent for enrollment before August 5, 12:00 Moscow time and do not withdraw it until the end of August.

    In addition, in 2025, to confirm the intention to study at SPbPU, it is necessary to submit consent for enrollment (in electronic form via the State Services portal or in person to the Admissions Office). This replaces the submission of the original educational document, which makes the process more convenient and modern. The innovation also applies to admission to master’s programs.

    The Polytechnic University maintains and expands its program to support talented applicants. In 2025, first-year students can apply for grants of two levels. Winners and prize winners of Olympiads, as well as applicants with USE results of 290-300 points upon admission to the Polytechnic University, receive a one-time payment of 120,000 rubles. And students of engineering, natural sciences, and information technology with USE results of 270-289 points – 50,000 rubles. An additional motivation for such students will be a grant for excellent academic performance after the first session in the amount of 50,000 rubles.

    Those wishing to continue their career at the Polytechnic University can apply for more than 170 master’s programs, for which 2,376 budget places have been allocated. There are four ways to enroll: win the SPbPU Portfolio Competition, become a winner or medalist of the All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional”, become a winner of the All-Russian Engineering Competition, or successfully pass the interdisciplinary exam. This year, 20 new programs have been developed for future masters, including the digital master’s programs “Industrial and Civil Engineering” and “Russian as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Communication”, as well as the program for training teaching staff “Physics and Applied Mathematics in Science and Education”. This year, the Polytechnic University is also accepting applications for 15 partner programs jointly with PJSC Gazprom Neft, Rosatom State Corporation, JSC UEC-Klimov, etc.

    To enter the Polytechnic University, you need to complete 3 steps.

    Prepare required documents— an education document, a passport (along with the registration page), SNILS (if available), documents confirming individual achievements, Olympiads, benefits (if available), a photograph. Submit an application in one of the convenient ways in set deadlines. Through the super service “Online University Admission” on Gosuslugi (mandatory for citizens of the Russian Federation). Through your personal account on the university website. In person at the Main Academic Building (29 Politekhnicheskaya St., Main Academic Building) for admission to higher education programs. In person at the ISPO Academic Building (23 Engels Ave.) for admission to secondary vocational education programs. By mail (address: 195251, St. Petersburg, 29 Politekhnicheskaya St., Admissions Committee). Monitor the competition situation and provide consent for enrollment in the university within the established time frame.

    Dear applicants! Admission is an important stage in your life. This is not only a step towards knowledge, but also a chance to open the doors to new opportunities and self-realization at Peter the Great Polytechnic University. Strive for high goals, believe in yourself and take the initiative. Remember that persistence and perseverance will definitely lead to success! Now the process of admission to the university for bachelor’s, specialist, master’s and postgraduate programs is increasingly moving to a remote format. This is a wonderful opportunity for the most talented students from all over the country and from anywhere in the world to apply for admission, monitor the competition situation, receive advice from the admissions committee, and submit consent for enrollment. Which, by the way, is an innovation this year, to which we ask you to pay close attention. We sincerely wish you good luck and outstanding exam results. Remember that the admissions committee is always there to help you go through this important and difficult path! — the responsible secretary of the admissions committee of SPbPU Vitaly Drobchik supported the applicants.

    For a personal consultation on admission issues, applicants can come to the Main Academic Building of SPbPU at 29 Politekhnicheskaya St. and ask questions to the admissions committee staff, as well as representatives of the Polytechnic institutes.

    on weekdays – from 10.00 to 16.00 on Saturday – from 10.00 to 14.00

    All up-to-date information about admission is presented on a special section of the university website. “Admission 2025″, and also inVKontakte group Polytechnic Applicants.

    For all questions, applicants can also contact the call center at the following numbers:

    8 (812) 775-05-30 (for calls from St. Petersburg), 8 (800) 707-18-99 (calls from any region of the Russian Federation are free), 8 (812) 294-06-98 (secondary vocational education).

    The Admissions Office accepts calls from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays, from 9:30 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

    The application process for admission to higher and secondary vocational education programs has started! This is a time of opportunities and hopes. May your path to knowledge be filled with courage and determination. This year, Polytechnic University announced unprecedented support measures for talented youth — grants for applicants based on Olympiad results, as well as for those applying to the university with high Unified State Exam results, have increased significantly. The “Petrovskaya Wave” has appeared, which gives applicants a chance for guaranteed admission to our university. Be sure to use these opportunities to start your professional career. Believe in yourself, set ambitious goals and strive to achieve them. Your efforts and persistence will definitely lead to success! I wish you good luck in this important step towards your dream, — Varvara Sotova, Director of the Center for the Formation of the Contingent of Students, gave her parting words.

    The concept of this year’s admission campaign is “You are the main hero!” And this is a new season, in which new heroes create their future, make discoveries and change the world for the better! Polytechnic University provides students with a huge number of opportunities, among which everyone chooses their own path to success.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI model developed to unlock the potential of satellite imagery for land cover mapping A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj (left), Baoling Gui (centre) and Dr Lydia Sam

    A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.
    Detailed understanding of land cover, topographical features, and how land is used is central to tackling climate change impacts, food security, and sustainability.
    Traditional vegetation mapping methods analyse satellite images pixel by pixel, which can be inefficient and prone to error – especially in diverse or complex terrains.
    The new model developed by the research team, SAGRNet (Sampling and Attention-based Graph Convolutional Residual Network), uses advanced deep learning techniques to classify vegetation types with greater speed and accuracy. It can analyse entire landscape objects—such as fields and forests—providing better understanding of the shape, context, and relationships within the landscape, leading to more reliable and scalable mapping.
    The study is published in the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, the official journal of International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
    SAGRNet was developed using satellite images covering the diverse landscape of north-east Scotland to sufficiently facilitate result validation.
    The study focuses on areas comprising woodlands, farmlands, and grasslands situated adjacent to other landcover classes such as built-up areas and water, located in and around Aberdeen, Dundee, and the Highlands.
    To further evaluate the generalisation capability of the proposed SAGRNet model, the team conducted additional experiments across five globally distributed urban fringe areas: Guangzhou (China), Durban (South Africa), Sydney (Australia), New York City (United States), and Porto Alegre (Brazil). These areas were carefully selected to represent diverse ecological backgrounds, vegetation structures, urbanisation intensities, and land cover complexities, providing a robust basis for assessing the transferability of the model.
    SAGRNet, which has been made openly available, could help decision-makers to quickly visualise and understand the impact of major events such as floods, forest fires, drought or heavy rainfall on large areas of land as well as the crops they produce.
    Project lead Dr Lydia Sam, Lecturer in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Accurate dimensional and topographic information on arable land is the foundation for further developing sustainable land management strategies. We have a multitude of earth observation satellites in orbit today providing images of our planet at very high resolutions. Models like SAGRNet provide a comprehensive vegetation mapping and characterisation framework, allowing users to unlock the true potential of their imagery data.
    “Our system of deep learning algorithms can immediately and accurately recognise the different types of land cover, vegetation or crops in an area.
    “This method addresses the inefficiencies of current systems by improving accuracy and reducing computational time, which is critical in responding to global challenges like climate change, deforestation, and food scarcity.”
    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj, Senior Lecturer in Geosciences at the University and co-lead of the project, added: “Our model is quite transferrable and can even provide rapid and accurate answers to questions about how the landscape has changed.
    “This is vital for further understanding the impact of climate change from coastal erosions and landslips to shifts in plant or crop distribution.
    “It can also be used to monitor crop growth to facilitate more accurate harvest predictions or to look at how crops grown in a particular area have changed over time and to make better informed decisions of the sustainability of land use.
    “Our study lays a solid foundation for real-world applications in land monitoring, agriculture, and environmental management.”
    PhD student and research assistant on the project Baoling Gui added: “SAGRNet is suitable for integration into large-scale applications such as land resource surveys, ecological monitoring platforms, national land cover mapping programs, and environmental change analysis frameworks.”
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award scheme, in which the Aberdeen team worked in collaboration with international partners including Dr Diego Soto Gómez, University of Burgos (Spain), Dr Félix González Peñaloza, Evenor-Tech (Spain) and Professor Manfred F. Buchroithner, Technische Universität Dresden (Germany). Dr. David R. Green, Reader in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen was also involved in the development of the published research article.
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award (BB/Y514172/1)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First students graduate from Aberdeen and South China Normal University joint institute The first cohort of students from the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University’s Joint Institute have graduated at a special ceremony.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The first cohort of students from the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University’s Joint Institute have graduated at a special ceremony.
    Around 180 students from the Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at South China Normal University (SCNU) received their degrees during the event held in Guangdong Province on June 19.
    The students graduated from three four-year undergraduate BSc programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Computing Science, and Business Management and Information Systems while friends and family watched on.
    The Joint Institute, located on SCNU’s vibrant Foshan campus, was the result of long-established links between the two universities, having collaborated on joint programmes in Real Estate, Finance and Computing Science over almost 20 years.

    The Joint Institute was set up after years of successful collaboration and partnership with SCNU and supports the University of Aberdeen’s ambitions to expand our international networks and partnerships.” Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya

    The Joint Institute has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2021 reflecting its commitment to high-standard education and cutting-edge research.
    Professor Peter Edwards, Acting Senior Vice-Principal said: “Having been involved from the earliest days of the design and planning of the Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at South China Normal University, and as a Computer Scientist myself, it was wonderful to be able to join our new graduates as they celebrated the outcome of four years of hard work.”
    Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal (Global Engagement) said: “The Joint Institute was set up after years of successful collaboration and partnership with SCNU and supports the University of Aberdeen’s ambitions to expand our international networks and partnerships.
    “We have already seen excellent growth here, with students attracted to our collaborative, interdisciplinary approach and industry engagement which ensures our graduates are well-prepared to tackle global challenges and drive future technological advancements. We look forward to its continuing success.”

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese University Opens Agricultural Certification Workstation in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — The certification center of the Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University of Science and Technology recently opened a workstation in Kazakhstan, Zhongxinshe News Agency reported.

    The opening ceremony of the facility took place on Tuesday at the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University in Astana.

    The station will serve as a platform for enhancing contacts and interaction between China and Kazakhstan in the field of organic agronomy. It will facilitate the supply of Kazakh agricultural products to the Chinese market by establishing bilateral cooperation in the field of certification and mutual recognition of relevant standards.

    According to Huang Siguang, secretary of the party committee of the Northwest University of Agriculture and Forestry and Technology, the work station in Kazakhstan also aims to jointly strengthen the training of agronomists and conduct scientific research.

    The opening of the workstation in Kazakhstan is an important milestone in the internationalization of the certification center and a vivid embodiment of the pragmatic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan in the field of agriculture, he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit visited Polytech

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A meeting with the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Roman Starovoit was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The main topic of discussion was innovative developments in the field of asphalt concrete mixtures and their durability in various climatic conditions.

    The meeting was attended by the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy, vice-rector for research work Yuri Fomin, professor of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Albert Bashkarev, director of the Higher School of Industrial, Civil and Road Construction of the Civil Engineering Institute Yuri Lazarev.

    I am confident that our partnership will be fruitful and long-term. We are ready to combine scientific potential and practical experience to create more durable and reliable roads. Polytechnic has always been and remains a forge of innovative ideas, and today’s meeting is a vivid confirmation of this. Together we will be able to implement the most ambitious projects in the field of road construction, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    SPbPU specialists voiced proposals for improving the characteristics of asphalt concrete. Particular attention was paid to temperature conditions for the operation of road surfaces and methods for increasing the service life of roads in the Russian climate.

    Roman Starovoit showed keen interest in the scientific developments of the Polytechnic University and expressed readiness for further cooperation. Following the meeting, a decision was made to hold a series of working meetings for a more detailed discussion.

    During the visit, the Minister of Transport was given a tour of the Main Building and the Museum of the History of the Polytechnic. He viewed the gallery of outstanding polytechnic scientists, became familiar with the rich heritage of the university and its modern achievements.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: King Mswati III of Eswatini in Ghana for a State Visit next week

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    The Presidency has announced that President John Dramani Mahama will host His Majesty King Mswati III, Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini, for a state visit to Ghana next week. The visit is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 June to Saturday, 28 June 2025, spanning four days of official engagements.

    King Mswati III is expected to arrive in Accra on Tuesday, 24th June. Upon his arrival, he will be welcomed at the Presidency for bilateral discussions with President Mahama and a high-level Ghanaian delegation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries is anticipated to be signed during this meeting.

    On Tuesday afternoon, the King is scheduled to meet with officials at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra before departing for Kumasi later in the day.

    In Kumasi, His Majesty will be the distinguished guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The itinerary in the Asante capital includes official visits to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and a tour of the historic Manhyia Palace Museum. King Mswati III is also scheduled to address the National House of Chiefs and attend a grand durbar of chiefs organised in his honour at Manhyia Palace.

    A Royal Banquet will be held in Kumasi on Friday evening. On Saturday, the final day of the visit, King Mswati III will join the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at a ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) before departing from Ghana.

    King Mswati III’s visit is expected to significantly strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and the Kingdom of Eswatini and deepen the historical and cultural links between the Asante Kingdom and the southern African nation.

    – on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students discover new ways to advance atopic dermatitis treatment

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    On June 17, the educational Sprint “Medical Marketing” was completed at Novosibirsk State University. It was organized jointly with the international cosmetics company Bioderma as part of the project

    In less than two months, participants went from ideas to solutions that will soon be tested by the project’s marketing team.

    There were about 50 participants at the start, 9 teams reached the final. And the main prize is an internship in Moscow!

    What did the participants propose?

    The Sprint finalists presented completely different, but equally inspiring approaches to solving medical marketing problems. All projects were focused on the real demand of Bioderma and the problems faced by patients with atopic dermatitis.

    The Telegram bot for patient navigation was created by the winners of the Medical Marketing Sprint, Ksenia Vasilyeva and Ekaterina Butikova. The bot helps patients navigate information, receive content selections and important reminders.

    Ksenia Vasilyeva:

    — For me, it was a love story at first sight. I am a resident in dermatovenereology, and the topic of atopic dermatitis is something I encounter very often during my training and doctor’s appointments. When I saw that the project was being done by Bioderma, I didn’t even have to think: I had already attended their lectures for doctors — always deep and caring. And, to be honest, I sincerely love this brand, I use their products myself. Therefore, participating in such a project became something very personal — I wanted to be part of an initiative that really helps people.

    I entered the project with great interest and no less doubts. I understood that it would be cool, because it was a collaboration between NSU and Bioderma, but I was worried that I might not have enough knowledge. I had never done marketing, and technical stuff seemed completely out of my league. But the sprint changed everything: we learned right on the spot, there were so many cool lectures — on medical marketing, on tools, and even on the technical side. And most importantly, there was incredible support from the curators. They didn’t just teach us — they guided us, inspired us, and instilled confidence in us.

    Ekaterina Butikova:

    — The most difficult part was to understand the technical part, because my education is in a different field. But with the help of modern tools, trial and error, we managed and reached the final product.

    Now I understand that you can figure out and do almost everything with due persistence and desire. This experience showed how important it is to be in the trend of new technologies.

    The finalists developed working solutions: from an ML model predicting the likelihood of purchasing a product to Telegram bots for interacting with consumers and keeping an AD (atopic dermatitis) diary.

    — The Medical Marketing Hackathon is a successful experiment in “landing” and working through the tasks of a specific company by students and young professionals. As a result, the participants gained invaluable experience and direct contacts with business representatives, and the company watched the teams in action; the results of the work will soon be tested by their marketing department.

    The company expressed an active desire to continue interacting with student teams not only within the framework of this event, but also through other products of the NSU Startup Studio, such as the .Catalyst accelerator and the Sandbox internship program within the university, said Alexey Starostin, Director of the NSU Startup Studio.

    – Project

    All teams interviewed patients and collected feedback, obtaining data that could be interesting and useful to the medical community. Irina Gennadyevna Sergeeva, MD, Professor of the Department of Fundamental Medicine at NSU, noted that the works on the topics “Criteria for the selection of emollients in the complex therapy of AD” (authors – Anastasia Bibikova, Maria Darovskikh), “Analysis of reviews and feedback” (Daria Boyarova, Anastasia Korotchenko), “Analysis of engagement in chats and Telegram channels” (Serafima Zolotova, Alina Nikolaeva) deserve publication in scientific journals and can be presented in Scopus.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Building Solutions for Bharat: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Sparks Change Across North India

    Source: Samsung

    Young changemakers at HDFC School, Gurugram
     
    In classrooms across Punjab and Haryana, something powerful is happening. Students are no longer just preparing for exams—they’re preparing to change the world.
     
    Through the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, workshops and open houses recently swept through towns and cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Talwandi, Dhuri, and Gurugram, igniting a spark of innovation among hundreds of young minds. From government schools to premier universities, students are now dreaming of solving India’s most pressing problems—armed with empathy, purpose, and the courage to act.
     
    Launched on April 29, 2025, this latest season of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national innovation challenge that equips students with design thinking tools to identify real-world problems and build tech-based solutions that matter. The programme offers INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams, alongside expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty, investor connects, and prototyping support to help turn big ideas into tangible change.
     
    At Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, the energy in the room was palpable. Chestha, an engineering student with a passion for rural development, walked in with a question and walked out with a mission.
     
    “I’ve always wondered why farmers still struggle with outdated irrigation systems,” she said. “This workshop helped me think through the problem and sketch out a low-cost, AI-based solution for real-time soil and water monitoring. I now believe it’s actually doable—and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has given me the tools to begin.”
     
    Over in Guru Kashi University, Talwandi, Vatsal found a different calling.
     
    “I’ve been interested in the mental health crisis, especially among teenagers in smaller towns. The workshop helped me design a tech-enabled peer support platform focused on accessibility and anonymity. It feels good to know that ideas like these can get real support. For the first time, I feel like I can make something that truly matters.”
     
    In Patiala’s DAV Public School, the spirit of problem-solving had taken over. Astha, a Class 11 student with an eye for social impact, was brimming with purpose.
     
    “I want to address the lack of menstrual hygiene awareness in rural schools. During the workshop, I mapped out an idea for a mobile app and a local ambassador network. It’s a small step, but it could mean the world to someone. Solve for Tomorrow made me believe that even at 16, I can start something.”
     
    Meanwhile, in Gurugram’s HDFC School, the air was thick with big ideas and bigger ambitions. Rishika, a student driven by climate action, left the session inspired.
     
    “I’ve been worried about the carbon footprint of everyday transportation,” she shared. “This workshop gave me the confidence to explore green mobility solutions—like creating an app that promotes micro-mobility options in school campuses and societies. It’s early, but I’ve started thinking like a designer, a problem-solver.”
     
    The movement didn’t stop there. From BCM Arya Model School in Ludhiana to Guru Teg Bahadur Public School in Bardwal (Dhuri), and KR Mangalam in Gurugram, every workshop was filled with passionate young voices. Some wanted to work on clean energy. Others dreamt of solving water scarcity. What united them all was the belief that they could shape the future—not someday but starting now.
     
    Across every region, one thing stood out—the unwavering commitment Samsung has made to democratizing innovation and nurturing India’s next generation of visionaries.
     
    As the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow roadshows continue their journey, they’re not just delivering workshops—they’re sparking revolutions of thought. And in the hearts of students from Punjab’s villages to Gurugram’s classrooms, the seeds of a better tomorrow are already taking root.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Admissions campaign at NSU has started

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – Why NSU?

    One of the best universities in the country, which is confirmed by numerous ratings and expert assessments. Since this year, NSU has been offering more than 2,100 budget places in all areas of study. NSU offers a wide range of popular areas of study and advanced programs – from biotechnology and IT to business and oil and gas engineering. This year, the university has opened new educational programs in promising areas, such as “Applied Artificial Intelligence”, “Applied Mathematics and Physics”, “Medical Cybernetics”, “Industrial Pharmacy” and others. You can see the full list of educational programs Here. 80% of our teachers are employees of research institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and 8% are representatives of high-tech businesses. New modern campus. Classes will begin in the new building of continuous classrooms on September 1, which includes 4 continuous classrooms, including the largest one – for 400 people; a “smart” scientific library that will work 24/7; a student project center and other modern spaces for learning. A rich extracurricular life: more than 100 student associations, sports sections, creative workshops, as well as annual bright events (Interweek, Miss NSU, Total Dictation, Science Picnic, etc.). At NSU, everyone will find a hobby to their liking. NSU graduates work in leading research centers, high-tech businesses, large manufacturing enterprises, IT and financial companies in Russia and around the world. Among NSU’s partners, with whom the university cooperates in various areas, are the companies Roscosmos, Sber, Rosatom, Alfa-Bank, Rostelecom, Gazprom Neft, Yandex and many others.

    How to assess your chances of admission? Available especially for NSU applicantsUnified State Exam calculator, which will not only help you calculate your points, but also find out about suitable areas of study and your chances of admission.

    After submitting documents, you will be able to find out your place in the ranking inPersonal account of the NSU applicantand on the page“Listsapplicants“.

    How to submit documents?

    There are several ways to submit documents to NSU:

    For more information on what documents are required for admission, see the page“Admissionat NSU“.

    You can find out more about the faculties, the university, Akademgorodok and admission in our Telegram channel “NSU Applicants”

    If you have any questions:

    For additional information on admission, please contact the NSU Admissions Office: phone: 8 (383) 363-40-37; e-mail:Reception@ns.ru; Vkontakte group:HTTPS: //vk.K./insiatorient.

     

    We will be glad to see you among the students of NSU!

    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 –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Anthony Albanese, just back from the G7 and his cancelled meeting with Donald Trump, has abandoned the idea of going to next week’s NATO meeting in pursuit of face time with the elusive president.

    The word was that the prime minister would only go if he could be confident of a bilateral.

    The NATO thought bubble was always a long shot. Even if a meeting could have been arranged, there would have been risk of another no-show by Trump. Given the dramatic escalation and unpredictability of the Middle East crisis, Trump would be even more unreliable, quite apart from having his attention elsewhere.

    Albanese’s mistake was letting the NATO option be publicly known. It led to denigratory jokes about his “stalking” Trump. It also
    sounded as if the prime minister was insulting NATO, only willing to attend if he could secure the Trump one-on-one.

    So Albanese is back where he started, with all diplomatic efforts bent towards trying to secure a meeting, if possible reasonably soon. That might mean facing the scrum in the Oval Office, which Albanese has been anxious to avoid.

    Australia closes embassy in Tehran

    Meanwhile, the government has announced it has closed the Australian embassy in Tehran. The embassy’s 13 staff have left Iran.

    Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday, “This is not a decision taken lightly. It is a decision based on the deteriorating security environment in Iran”.

    “At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed.”

    Asked how much more difficult it would be for Australians to leave Iran now there was no consular assistance in the country, Wong said: “We are really conscious it is extremely difficult. I wish it were not so. I wish that we had more capacity to assist but the difficult reality is the situation on the ground is extremely unstable.”

    Wong said Australia’s ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, would “remain in the region to support the Australian government’s response to the crisis”. The Department of Foreign Affairs is sending consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossing, to help Australians who are leaving Iran.

    Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft are being sent to the Middle East as part of planning for when airspace is re-opened. Wong stressed “they are not there for combat”.

    Other countries to close their embassies include New Zealand and Switzerland. The United States does not have an embassy there.

    Wong urged Australians able to leave “to do so now, if it is safe. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place”.

    About 2000 Australian citizens, permanent residents and family members are registered as wanting to depart. There are about 1200 registered in Israel seeking to depart.

    Australians in Iran seeking consular assistance should call the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-decides-against-pursuing-donald-trump-to-nato-258972

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Anthony Albanese, just back from the G7 and his cancelled meeting with Donald Trump, has abandoned the idea of going to next week’s NATO meeting in pursuit of face time with the elusive president.

    The word was that the prime minister would only go if he could be confident of a bilateral.

    The NATO thought bubble was always a long shot. Even if a meeting could have been arranged, there would have been risk of another no-show by Trump. Given the dramatic escalation and unpredictability of the Middle East crisis, Trump would be even more unreliable, quite apart from having his attention elsewhere.

    Albanese’s mistake was letting the NATO option be publicly known. It led to denigratory jokes about his “stalking” Trump. It also
    sounded as if the prime minister was insulting NATO, only willing to attend if he could secure the Trump one-on-one.

    So Albanese is back where he started, with all diplomatic efforts bent towards trying to secure a meeting, if possible reasonably soon. That might mean facing the scrum in the Oval Office, which Albanese has been anxious to avoid.

    Australia closes embassy in Tehran

    Meanwhile, the government has announced it has closed the Australian embassy in Tehran. The embassy’s 13 staff have left Iran.

    Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday, “This is not a decision taken lightly. It is a decision based on the deteriorating security environment in Iran”.

    “At this stage, our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited due to the situation on the ground. The airspace remains closed.”

    Asked how much more difficult it would be for Australians to leave Iran now there was no consular assistance in the country, Wong said: “We are really conscious it is extremely difficult. I wish it were not so. I wish that we had more capacity to assist but the difficult reality is the situation on the ground is extremely unstable.”

    Wong said Australia’s ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, would “remain in the region to support the Australian government’s response to the crisis”. The Department of Foreign Affairs is sending consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossing, to help Australians who are leaving Iran.

    Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft are being sent to the Middle East as part of planning for when airspace is re-opened. Wong stressed “they are not there for combat”.

    Other countries to close their embassies include New Zealand and Switzerland. The United States does not have an embassy there.

    Wong urged Australians able to leave “to do so now, if it is safe. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place”.

    About 2000 Australian citizens, permanent residents and family members are registered as wanting to depart. There are about 1200 registered in Israel seeking to depart.

    Australians in Iran seeking consular assistance should call the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-decides-against-pursuing-donald-trump-to-nato-258972

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy birthday to Sergey Lenshin!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Today is not an ordinary Friday, because the State University of Management congratulates the director of the Institute of Distance Education, corresponding member of the Academy of Military Sciences, candidate of legal sciences, associate professor Sergei Lenshin on his birthday.

    For over 10 years, Sergey Ivanovich has been at the helm of the correspondence education of the State University of Management, constantly improving and updating the system in accordance with modern trends. As a result of painstaking work and established discipline among the staff, the Institute is growing, employees clearly perform their duties, students regularly enroll and graduate, replenishing the ranks of specialists who are needed today more than ever.

    We wish the birthday boy new achievements in educating future leaders of our country, successful completion of assigned tasks and support from a team of like-minded people.

    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 –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia wants more foreign investment. That’s why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shumi Akhtar, Associate Professor, University of Sydney

    Marlon Trottmann/Shutterstock

    The Australian origins of Santos have made an indelible mark on the company’s very name. The energy giant was first incorporated in 1954 under the acronym for “South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search”. It was publicly listed on the Adelaide Stock Exchange that same year.

    Fast forward to today, there are pressing questions about whether Santos could serve Australia’s national interest if it was largely in the hands of a foreign government.

    This week, it was announced a consortium led by the investment division of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had made an all-cash takeover bid of almost A$29 billion for Santos. This would value the company at $36.4 billion (including its debt).

    Santos’ board has said it will support the deal if there isn’t a better offer on the table. But it will first have to clear a raft of regulatory approvals – not only in Australia but also Papua New Guinea and the United States, where Santos has operations.

    The acquisition would be a monumental event in Australia’s corporate history. Key elements of this country’s critical energy infrastructure are at stake.

    But it’s set to put a difficult decision before the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. On the FIRB’s advice, Chalmers will have to balance Australia’s stated desire to attract foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.

    Who’s trying to buy – and why?

    Also in the ADNOC-led consortium of prospective buyers are US private equity firm Carlyle and a sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ). There are a few key reasons for their interest.

    First, ADNOC is keenly interested in expanding its footprint in gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Acquiring Santos would give it a stake in much of Australia’s gas production and established LNG export facilities. This includes major operations at Gladstone and Darwin.

    They would also gain a share in two important Papua New Guinean projects: PNG LNG and the yet-to-be-developed Papua LNG. These assets are particularly attractive because they offer direct access to the growing Asian LNG markets, where future demand is projected to be strong.

    Second, the acquisition would allow ADNOC to diversify its portfolio and gain control of export capacity from Australia and PNG to the Asia Pacific region. Santos’s Gladstone LNG plant, for example, has significant export capacity. Much of Santos’ LNG capacity is under medium and long-term contracts.

    And third, the timing of this bid is strategic. Santos has recently been in a period of high capital expenditure. A number of major projects are nearing completion. A successful takeover could free up funding for further development.

    ADNOC is the state-owned oil company of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
    Marco Curaba/Shutterstock

    Defining national interest

    For regulators assessing the move, the potential takeover touches upon many national security, energy supply, and economic concerns for Australia.

    One of the primary concerns is the potential loss of control over critical energy infrastructure.

    Foreign ownership, especially by a state-linked investor such as ADNOC, raises questions about whose interests will ultimately shape strategic decisions about Australia’s essential gas flows, pricing, or even the integrity of operational technology systems.

    There’s also concern that a foreign owner could prioritise LNG exports over domestic supply. That could potentially exacerbate domestic gas shortages and price hikes. In the eastern states of Australia, such issues are already a concern.

    This is not the first time the Australian government has faced a tough decision on a foreign takeover bid in the oil and gas sector. In 2018, the Morrison government blocked a $13 billion Chinese bid for gas pipeline operator APA Group. It said a single foreign owner should not control Australia’s largest pipeline business.

    And the then-Treasurer Peter Costello blocked Royal Dutch/Shell’s $10 billion blockbuster offer for Woodside Petroleum in 2001, also in the national interest.

    The national interest checklist

    On the other hand, Australia generally welcomes foreign investment. It brings capital, creates jobs, and supports economic growth.

    If this deal proceeds to final stages, the decision could become a “test case” for Australia. Can we still attract global capital while also diligently safeguarding our sovereign interests?

    The consortium has made commitments to maintain Santos’s headquarters in South Australia, preserve jobs and invest in growth and decarbonisation initiatives. But this is only part of the picture.

    The FIRB and the Treasurer will need to consider how the deal would affect:

    • national security and critical infrastructure, including ownership and control risk, system integrity and supply chain vulnerability
    • the economy (such as on jobs and investment, tax revenues)
    • energy security and domestic gas supply
    • other Australian government policies, such as climate targets
    • the character of the investor
    • the complexity of regulation.

    The FIRB and the Treasurer must be acutely aware that few other nations have extended the same generosity to foreign investors as Australia has over recent decades.

    This generosity, while attracting capital, has also raised concerns about the nation’s control over its vital assets.

    The SA government has already signalled it won’t stand idly by if the deal is “not in the interests of South Australians”.

    All of this sits in the context of ongoing questions about how little tax is being paid by some multinationals while exploiting Australia’s natural resources.

    It is paramount the Australian government makes a forward-looking, informed decision. This should serve Australia’s best interests, rather than those of foreign entities.

    Associate Professor Akhtar has been invited to make several submissions to national Senate inquiries on tax, trade, and investment, and some of the material from those submissions has been drawn upon in writing this article.

    – ref. Australia wants more foreign investment. That’s why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position – https://theconversation.com/australia-wants-more-foreign-investment-thats-why-a-29-billion-bid-for-santos-puts-the-treasurer-in-a-tricky-position-259153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia wants more foreign investment. That’s why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shumi Akhtar, Associate Professor, University of Sydney

    Marlon Trottmann/Shutterstock

    The Australian origins of Santos have made an indelible mark on the company’s very name. The energy giant was first incorporated in 1954 under the acronym for “South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search”. It was publicly listed on the Adelaide Stock Exchange that same year.

    Fast forward to today, there are pressing questions about whether Santos could serve Australia’s national interest if it was largely in the hands of a foreign government.

    This week, it was announced a consortium led by the investment division of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had made an all-cash takeover bid of almost A$29 billion for Santos. This would value the company at $36.4 billion (including its debt).

    Santos’ board has said it will support the deal if there isn’t a better offer on the table. But it will first have to clear a raft of regulatory approvals – not only in Australia but also Papua New Guinea and the United States, where Santos has operations.

    The acquisition would be a monumental event in Australia’s corporate history. Key elements of this country’s critical energy infrastructure are at stake.

    But it’s set to put a difficult decision before the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. On the FIRB’s advice, Chalmers will have to balance Australia’s stated desire to attract foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.

    Who’s trying to buy – and why?

    Also in the ADNOC-led consortium of prospective buyers are US private equity firm Carlyle and a sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ). There are a few key reasons for their interest.

    First, ADNOC is keenly interested in expanding its footprint in gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Acquiring Santos would give it a stake in much of Australia’s gas production and established LNG export facilities. This includes major operations at Gladstone and Darwin.

    They would also gain a share in two important Papua New Guinean projects: PNG LNG and the yet-to-be-developed Papua LNG. These assets are particularly attractive because they offer direct access to the growing Asian LNG markets, where future demand is projected to be strong.

    Second, the acquisition would allow ADNOC to diversify its portfolio and gain control of export capacity from Australia and PNG to the Asia Pacific region. Santos’s Gladstone LNG plant, for example, has significant export capacity. Much of Santos’ LNG capacity is under medium and long-term contracts.

    And third, the timing of this bid is strategic. Santos has recently been in a period of high capital expenditure. A number of major projects are nearing completion. A successful takeover could free up funding for further development.

    ADNOC is the state-owned oil company of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
    Marco Curaba/Shutterstock

    Defining national interest

    For regulators assessing the move, the potential takeover touches upon many national security, energy supply, and economic concerns for Australia.

    One of the primary concerns is the potential loss of control over critical energy infrastructure.

    Foreign ownership, especially by a state-linked investor such as ADNOC, raises questions about whose interests will ultimately shape strategic decisions about Australia’s essential gas flows, pricing, or even the integrity of operational technology systems.

    There’s also concern that a foreign owner could prioritise LNG exports over domestic supply. That could potentially exacerbate domestic gas shortages and price hikes. In the eastern states of Australia, such issues are already a concern.

    This is not the first time the Australian government has faced a tough decision on a foreign takeover bid in the oil and gas sector. In 2018, the Morrison government blocked a $13 billion Chinese bid for gas pipeline operator APA Group. It said a single foreign owner should not control Australia’s largest pipeline business.

    And the then-Treasurer Peter Costello blocked Royal Dutch/Shell’s $10 billion blockbuster offer for Woodside Petroleum in 2001, also in the national interest.

    The national interest checklist

    On the other hand, Australia generally welcomes foreign investment. It brings capital, creates jobs, and supports economic growth.

    If this deal proceeds to final stages, the decision could become a “test case” for Australia. Can we still attract global capital while also diligently safeguarding our sovereign interests?

    The consortium has made commitments to maintain Santos’s headquarters in South Australia, preserve jobs and invest in growth and decarbonisation initiatives. But this is only part of the picture.

    The FIRB and the Treasurer will need to consider how the deal would affect:

    • national security and critical infrastructure, including ownership and control risk, system integrity and supply chain vulnerability
    • the economy (such as on jobs and investment, tax revenues)
    • energy security and domestic gas supply
    • other Australian government policies, such as climate targets
    • the character of the investor
    • the complexity of regulation.

    The FIRB and the Treasurer must be acutely aware that few other nations have extended the same generosity to foreign investors as Australia has over recent decades.

    This generosity, while attracting capital, has also raised concerns about the nation’s control over its vital assets.

    The SA government has already signalled it won’t stand idly by if the deal is “not in the interests of South Australians”.

    All of this sits in the context of ongoing questions about how little tax is being paid by some multinationals while exploiting Australia’s natural resources.

    It is paramount the Australian government makes a forward-looking, informed decision. This should serve Australia’s best interests, rather than those of foreign entities.

    Associate Professor Akhtar has been invited to make several submissions to national Senate inquiries on tax, trade, and investment, and some of the material from those submissions has been drawn upon in writing this article.

    – ref. Australia wants more foreign investment. That’s why a $29 billion bid for Santos puts the Treasurer in a tricky position – https://theconversation.com/australia-wants-more-foreign-investment-thats-why-a-29-billion-bid-for-santos-puts-the-treasurer-in-a-tricky-position-259153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –