Category: Universities

MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Depot Names David Gray as Chief Financial Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATLANTA, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, announced today that David Gray has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. Gray brings over 20 years of financial leadership experience, with a proven track record of success in driving business transformation, optimizing financial performance, leading high-value mergers and acquisitions, and advising on the impacts of complex strategic initiatives.

As CFO, Gray will oversee Bitcoin Depot’s financial strategy, treasury, and corporate development, ensuring the company remains well-positioned for continued growth amid an evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

Gray joins Bitcoin Depot from Aviat Networks, where he served as CFO and helped lead the company’s growth from $275 million to nearly $500 million in revenue through strategic acquisitions and financial transformation initiatives. Previously, he held CFO and senior finance leadership roles at Superior Essex, Eaton Corporation, and Newell Brands.

“David’s expertise in financial strategy, operational excellence, and strategic planning makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO of Bitcoin Depot. “His experience navigating complex financial landscapes and driving sustainable growth will be crucial as we continue to expand Bitcoin access, scale our operations, and reinforce our market leadership.”

Commenting on his appointment, Gray said: “Bitcoin Depot has built a strong foundation as a leader in the Bitcoin ATM sector, and I’m eager to contribute to its financial strategy during a time of rapid innovation and expansion. I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team to enhance Bitcoin Depot’s financial strength, drive strategic growth, and support its mission of expanding access to Bitcoin.”

Gray holds a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State University and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

About Bitcoin Depot 

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,400 kiosk locations as of December 31, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, our ability to strengthen our financial profile, and worldwide growth in the adoption and use of cryptocurrencies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,“ ”plan,“ ”potential,“ ”priorities,“ ”project,“ ”pursue,“ ”seek,“ ”should,“ ”target,“ ”when,“ ”will,“ ”would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of our projected financial information; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts: 

Investors  
Cody Slach 
Gateway Group, Inc.  
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com 

Media  
Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney  
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 100 creatives supported by Growth Programme in Winchester

Source: City of Winchester

Evolve, in partnership with Winchester City Council, has successfully completed the delivery of its Creative Industries Growth Programme.

Fully funded by Winchester City Council via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the series of free masterclasses, covering subjects such as business planning, Intellectual Property Law and branding and marketing, were held between January and early March.

The programme, which was curated based on the feedback provided by local creatives, was designed to support small businesses and freelancers within the sector to take their business to the next level. Over the course of nine sessions, over 100 creatives from different businesses across the district attended.

“The workshop was brilliant … it has made me feel more confident in my business skills by connecting with others in the field. I am more likely to ask for help now that I know so many have similar issues.” Helen Northcott – Artist and Educator

Rebecca Phillips, Programme Manager at Evolve, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Winchester City Council to deliver this programme. I’ve met so many inspiring creatives working in Winchester and experienced the amazing sense of community, and watched it grow. Bringing practical business support and new connections has resulted in clear increase in motivation levels and productivity for participants.”

Thanks to additional funding from University of Winchester, a peer group of creatives are now benefitting from focused and relevant learning as they continue to meet.

The University of Winchester has also agreed to fund a further series of workshops- ‘The Innovating Together: SME Business Success Programme’, which will be delivered in partnership with Evolve and will be launching soon.

“The creative growth course has been instrumental in turning my blurry dream into an actual strategy. Rebecca is an incredible professional, with endless reserves of knowledge, and I can’t thank her enough for the help she gave me. The highlights of the course, for me, were the business plan workshop and the 121 with Rebecca. I feel lucky to have been able to access the programme for free, and my deepest gratitude goes to both Winchester City Council and to Evolve for the splendid work they’ve done.” Francesco Sarti – Writer and Speaker

Jo Stark, Head of Innovation at the University of Winchester said: “We believe that as a civic university we should be supporting local businesses to thrive and recognise the particular strengths and challenges faced by the creative industries as typically micro-businesses and freelancers. The support provided by Evolve has proved invaluable and we wanted to be able to offer this to a broader range of small businesses.”

Throughout the programme, themes of sustainability and the circular economy (extending product life through repairing, sharing, reuse and recycling) were also woven in, encouraging businesses and individuals to think about the life cycle and environmental impact of their products and services and how they might make small changes to support sustainable action.

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, Winchester City Council, said: “The Winchester District Cultural Strategy identified our creative industries as a priority area for development, and we are pleased that the creative growth programme has proved to be popular and supported so many creatives. We are also thrilled that the university of Winchester are funding an extension and spin-off of the programme, offering further support to small businesses in our district. This is a great example of partnership working which is at the heart of our new strategy.”

Last Updated: Monday 24 March 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Undergraduate Researcher: Kayvona Brown, CLAS

Source: US State of Connecticut

Though she’s in her last semester at UConn, Kayvona Brown (‘25 CLAS) isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Her research is just too important.

Brown, who is from Stamford, is a truly interdisciplinary scholar: a psychological sciences major with minors in sociology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS). Over her four years at UConn, she found a way to braid together her interests in psychology and supporting the health and development of women and children of color, especially Black mothers and children.

Now, she is poised to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or developmental psychology and “continue to make a difference in my community, with the people around me who don’t often get their voices heard.”

On Trauma, Pain, and Healing

Brown’s current research revolves around pain and post-traumatic stress – and ultimately, healing — among sexual assault survivors.

“Typically, when we study PTSD, we are looking at veterans, survivors of natural disasters; those types of traumas, not necessarily sexual assault,” she says. “For people who do not have this experience, it can be a really taboo topic, and we don’t necessarily do a lot of that research within psychology.”

She adds, “As a survivor myself, I really wanted to understand the biopsychosocial effects on my whole body.”

Brown’s research has been supported by the national McNair Scholars program, a prestigious initiative designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

The first research project Brown helped complete investigated how people of various gender identities experienced pain, as well as how they described this pain to male or female clinicians. She worked with Teresa Graziano ’24 Ph.D., and Natalie J. Shook, a professor in the School of Nursing.

“When it comes to reporting pain, there’s a lack of research on transgender and nonbinary individuals,” Brown says. This project sought to fill this gap, exploring the complex gender dynamics between patients and clinicians, as well as how hormone replacement therapy can affect patients’ physiological experiences of pain.

In November 2024, Brown was one of just eight students nationwide selected to share her research with the National Science Foundation and the Board of the US Department of Education at the annual McNair conference, hosted at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County.

The more we learn about these symptom clusters, the more we can make better and improved treatments that are personalized for specific clusters.

She presented her poster “Relations between PTSD Symptoms Clusters and Pain within Recent Sexual Assault Survivors: An Examination of Racial Differences,” which she had previously shared at the Fall Frontiers in Undergraduate Research exhibition at UConn Storrs.

This work explored how PTSD symptoms impact the experience of pain for sexual assault survivors. Overall, she found that women sexual assault survivors with greater PTSD symptoms tend to have greater reported pain severity and pain interference (the degree to which pain interferes with daily life). Brown also found a significant difference in the experience of pain between white and nonwhite survivors, with survivors of color reporting higher pain levels.

“Pain and PTSD are highly comorbid – they go hand in hand,” Brown says.

Brown is specifically intrigued by the way that PTSD symptoms tend to manifest in what are called “symptom clusters.” The DSM-5 defines four distinct clusters: intrusion (intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks), avoidance (avoidance of potentially triggering situations), negative alterations in cognition or mood, and hyperarousal (reactivity, hypervigilance, and difficulty relaxing). Each individual with PTSD will experience different symptoms across these categories.

“The more we learn about these symptom clusters, the more we can make better and improved treatments that are personalized for specific clusters,” Brown says.

Brown’s research is part of a growing tradition in the field of psychology that recognizes the interplay between people’s everyday experiences and their psychological and physiological symptoms. For instance, research has shown that experiencing racism can lead to heightened levels of chronic stress, which in turn can cause and exacerbate adverse health outcomes.

Bringing it Home

Brown presents her research at UConn’s Undergraduate Fall Frontiers in Research symposium. (Courtesy of Kayvona Brown)

For Brown, just exploring this link through research wasn’t enough – she also wanted to try to help stop the cycle at its source. So she joined the UConn Women’s Center Violence Against Women Prevention Program (VAWPP) and started doing direct outreach in her community.

With the VAWPP and its associated One Love program, Brown has spoken with students in First-Year Experience (FYE) classrooms and student athletes. She leads presentations on gender-based violence and how it can manifest in different environments, as well as intimate partner violence prevention and healthy relationships.

Presenting her research on this subject to the Board of Education was a full-circle moment, Brown recalls.

“We were able to really connect, and I was able to share my story and share the stories of millions of other women,” she says. “And I remember people coming up to me and saying, that was really impactful. I realized that was something that I really wanted to continue to pursue.”

Currently, Brown is working on a research project entitled “The Impact of Self-Blame on PTSD Symptom Clusters in Interpersonal Trauma-Exposed Violence.” This work is taking with Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Crystal Park, in her Spirituality, Meaning, and Health Lab.

She is also working in the lab of Marketa Burnett, an assistant professor of Human Development & Family Sciences and Africana Studies. With Burnett, she’s supporting a one-of-a-kind research initiative dedicated to exploring the hopes and dreams African American parents have for their daughters, as well as how these hopes show up in their parenting styles. The project’s title is “‘Getting her to see herself the way I see her’: Exploring Black Caregivers’ Hopes and Dreams for their Daughters.”

One variable the research team is investigating is how Black parents are supporting their daughters in dreaming big by encouraging both creative expression and STEM ambitions.

“A lot of parents don’t teach [girls] that STEM is an option for them,” Brown says, “and if they do, they’re teaching them to do nursing or become a doctor. But there are other types of STEM, like getting your Ph.D. and being a scientist.”

Soon enough, Brown will be taking the next step in her academic journey to do just that.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How political leaders communicate climate policy c should be a defining factor this election

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew Heffernan, Climate Associate at the Information Integrity Lab and Adjunct Professor in Political Studies, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Prime Minister Mark Carney has called an April 28 federal election, setting the stage for a campaign where climate policy could be a central issue.

The current iteration of Canada’s consumer carbon rebate is dead — which many view as a casualty of effective communication — yet climate policy remains a pressing topic for voters and a major battleground for political leaders.

Read more:
The Canada Carbon Rebate is still widely misunderstood — here’s why

As Canada grapples with intensifying climate-related challenges, the next government will not only need to implement evidence-based policies to meet international climate commitments, but also effectively communicate its vision to voters.

The public remains concerned about environmental issues, yet many are worried that bold climate policies have damaged the economy. This tension between environmental responsibility and economic growth will shape how each party formulates and communicates their climate policies in the upcoming campaign.

The Liberals: Navigating the middle ground

For Carney and the Liberal Party, the challenge is twofold. First, the Liberals must present a new climate plan after the collapse of the consumer carbon rebate, which has faced widespread public opposition in recent years.

While the new Liberal leader has already terminated the the carbon rebate, it still remains unclear what exactly his comprehensive climate plan will look like. Carney’s website states that his strategy will: “Provide incentives for consumers. Put more of the burden on big polluters. And help us build the strongest economy in the G7.”

Read more:
Big government, big trouble? Defending the future of Canada’s climate policy

This suggests his climate policy will hinge more on positive incentives for consumers to invest in sustainable approaches rather than putting a cost on polluting.

While the carbon rebate initially enjoyed broad support as a key tool for reducing emissions, it has become a lightning rod for political controversy.

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s increasingly seen as a matter of economic survival, with green energy jobs and clean technologies representing an opportunity for Canada to position itself as a global leader in the sector.

Carney will have to make a convincing case that his policy will create jobs, stimulate innovation and provide a clear path toward a greener, more sustainable economy.

Failing to do so could lead to the loss of centrist and moderate voters, some of whom are wary of the perceived economic risks of aggressive climate action.

The Conservatives: Axing the rebate isn’t enough

On the opposite end of the political spectrum, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made axing the carbon rebate a central part of his platform.

Framing the carbon rebate as an economic penalty, Poilievre has played into populist sentiments by promising to “axe the tax” and relieve financial pressures on Canadian families and businesses.

However, even if the Conservatives are successful in eliminating the carbon rebate, they still face the challenge of needing a comprehensive climate policy that lowers emissions and meets Canada’s Paris Agreement targets. Poilievre has said he would not withdraw Canada from the accord, but he hasn’t addressed how he would meet Canada’s commitments.

Poilievre’s populist rhetoric may resonate with voters who feel economically squeezed, but it’s unlikely to be enough to win over voters concerned about the climate crisis — especially as he has voted against environmental and climate action in Parliament over 400 times in his career, a point his opponents will be sure to raise repeatedly.

For the Conservatives, the real challenge will be how to present a climate policy that appeals to both economic conservatives, who prioritize fiscal responsibility, and environmental conservatives, who are concerned about the future of the planet.

Poilievre will need to clearly articulate how his policies will preserve Canada’s environmental future without stifling economic growth or inflating costs for the average Canadian.

NDP and Green Party

A key piece of the future of climate policy in Canada will be the NDP and Green Party, who are generally considered left-of-centre parties alongside the governing Liberals.

The NDP, which can siphon progressive votes away from the Liberals — which sometimes benefits Conservatives — have been clear as mud when it comes to their climate policy for the next election.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh rescinded his party’s long-standing support for the Liberal carbon rebate in April 2024, but has not yet said what his party would put in its place.

Meanwhile, the Green Party, which has historically played a less significant role in electoral outcomes in terms of vote splitting, has generally maintained its support for the carbon rebate. Its website suggests the party supports the polluter-pays principle. However, the Greens have yet to take a clear stance on the shifting climate grounds on which this election could partially be fought.

Political communication the key to success

In the coming years, the future of climate policy in Canada will be less about crafting the perfect policy and more about crafting a message that addresses how people are feeling.

The Liberal Party has been open about the demise of the carbon rebate being a combination of a lack of their own effective communication strategy, mixed with harmful disinformation campaigns that led to the demise of their signature climate policy.

For the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Greens alike, the road to effective climate policy will lie in this communication. Political leaders will need to balance ambition and pragmatism, ensuring their policies align with Canadians’ economic interests.

With 71 per cent of Canadians suggesting they want the next government to do more to address climate change, leaders who can articulate a vision for a sustainable, prosperous future while addressing the immediate concerns of Canadians will be the ones who have the best chance of winning the public’s trust — and the next election.

Andrew Heffernan is affiliated with the Liberal Party of Canada.

– ref. How political leaders communicate climate policy c should be a defining factor this election – https://theconversation.com/how-political-leaders-communicate-climate-policy-c-should-be-a-defining-factor-this-election-251990

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been confirmed in a single sheep in Yorkshire

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

March 24, 2025

Scientists comment on the first case of Avian Flu (H5N1) confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire.

Prof Ed Hutchinson, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (MRC CVR), said:

“Influenza viruses are common in wild birds. Over the last five years, a particularly aggressive strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread through bird populations across the world. On the way, it has caused repeated ‘spillover’ infections of mammals: mammals that wouldn’t normally get avian influenza have caught the disease from birds. Usually these are one-off infections that don’t go any further, although last year the virus began to spread widely among dairy cattle in the USA, demonstrating the potential influenza viruses have for adapting to new species.

“The emergence of avian influenza in cattle last year was surprising, as normally cattle don’t catch this type of influenza (influenza A virus). Another animal we hadn’t previously thought of as a host for influenza A viruses is sheep, which makes this announcement of H5N1 influenza in a single sheep in Yorkshire startling. Sheep haven’t previously been thought of as hosts for influenza A viruses, although last year in the USA young goats did get infected with H5N1 at a farm in Minnesota – in this case, this was a one-off infection that didn’t go any further.

“The sheep was on a farm where avian influenza was present in captive birds, suggesting an obvious route of transmission from wild birds to captive birds to the sheep.

“The fact that the virus was detected in the sheep’s milk is also surprising. It suggests parallels to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle in the USA, where the virus is spreading through cow’s milk. At the moment there is no evidence of any ongoing transmission from the sheep, and the case appears to have been contained.

“More work will be needed to understand what’s going on here – in particular to understand if this is a very rare or one-off event which happened because there was a lot of H5N1 around and this was just the wrong sheep in the wrong place, or whether sheep infections with H5N1 might become more common in the future. Ongoing surveillance will be needed to understand the risk this virus poses to the welfare of sheep as well as to food security.

“In terms of direct risk to humans, we know from the dairy outbreak in the USA that H5N1 in milk is a possible source of human infection. H5N1 can cause severe illness in humans and it is important to minimise the risk of farmed animals infecting them, although so far in the USA human cases of H5N1 contracted from cows in dairies have typically been quite mild. There is also a risk of H5N1 ‘breeding’ with human strains of influenza to produce a new human influenza virus. There is no evidence that this has happened anywhere with an H5N1 virus, but it is important that we work hard to keep that risk as low as possible.

“A single infected sheep does not pose a significant risk to humans, particularly because it looks as if the farmer, DEFRA and the APHA have worked together effectively to contain and monitor the situation. However, H5N1 is globally distributed in birds, and if it did become clear that this was not a one-off and that sheep are at risk of infection then this would have implications for surveillance and farm biosecurity in any country with sheep farming. For the time being, this is one to keep an eye on, but not to get too alarmed about.”

Professor Ian Brown, Group Leader at the Pirbright Institute, said:

“The detection of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the mammary gland of sheep which has had close contact with infected birds is not an unexpected finding. Proactivity in looking for spillover to domestic mammals has been strengthened in the UK subsequent to the spread of infection amongst USA dairy cattle. The threat to animals and humans remains unchanged since such spillover we have learnt is possible when close contact occurs between multiple infected species. It is too early to consider whether such virus is capable of onward spread within sheep but this was an isolated small holding with a small number of birds and sheep. The pathways of spread of these viruses in the USA has been shown to be by movement of dairy cattle in commercial milking herds which appears not applicable in this single case of one animal becoming infected. It does emphasise the importance of separating species and maintaining good farm hygiene.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/influenza-of-avian-origin-confirmed-in-a-sheep-in-yorkshire

Declared interests

Prof Ed Hutchinson: I have received honoraria for work in a steering group of the Centre for Open Science (Open Practices in Influenza Research; 2021-2022) and on an advisory board for Seqirus (2022). I have unpaid positions on the board of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ESWI) and as a scientific adviser to PinPoint Medical. I am part of FluTrailMAP(OneHealth), a UKRI-funded research consortium aiming to respond to H5N1.

Prof Ian Brown: IB receives research funding to study avian influenza in multiple hosts. IB is a member of the UK scientific committee ‘New and Emerging Respiratory Threats Assessment Group’. IB participates in UKHSA led fora that assess the risk to human health from avian influenza viruses.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Francophonie Month 2025: Update on the implementation of the commitments made at the Villers-Cotterêts summit (21 March 2025)
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

To mark Francophonie Month, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, welcome the progress in implementing the 16 commitments made by President Macron, the leaders of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and civil society stakeholders during the 19th Francophonie summit, held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris on 3 and 4 October 2024.
At the first meeting of the Villers-Cotterêts commitments monitoring committee, at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on 6 March, the main project leaders – from the ministries, the operators and the Cité internationale de la langue française – highlighted the vitality of the projects launched at the 19th Francophonie summit in support of a practical, open, dynamic French language.

The Villers-Cotterêts commitments are directly connected to the challenges of our time, in the current international context: young people’s employability, artificial intelligence, women’s rights, the resilience of the information space, and media education.

Since the 19th Francophonie summit, the road map has been set in motion: the launch of the Francophone alliance for intellectual property; the signature on 8 March, with Quebec’s Minister of Francophonie and Equality , of agreements on the Francophone network for women’s equality and rights and on the Francophone feminist alliance; and the announcement of France’s contribution to the international Francophone mobility and employability programme (PIMEF), promoted by the Francophone University Agency.

In the coming weeks, active efforts by all the stakeholders involved will continue to make several major projects launched at the Villers-Cotterêts summit operational, such as:

The inauguration of the ALT-EDIC / LANGU:IA language technology centre in Villers-Cotterêts on 20 March and the launch of four projects led by the European consortium (data, language models etc.);

The creation of the France-Quebec committee for the discoverability of French-language scientific content on 9 April;

The development of programmes on the TiVi5 youth channel in the Maghreb in the spring;

The official creation of the Collège international de Villers-Cotterêts for teacher training on 4 June;

The signature of the tripartite agreement between the National Institute of Industrial Property, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers and Intermediary Organizations, in the framework of the Francophone alliance for intellectual property, at VivaTech on 11 June;

Map showing training opportunities in the cultural and creative industries to be launched in Rabat in June;

Launch of the Volunteers united for La Francophonie programme (1) between now and the summer.

With the power of the Francophone players taking them up – as at the trade fair for innovation in French, FrancoTech, which has been placed on a long-term footing and made an annual event in conjunction with the OIF and the Alliance of French-speaking Employers –, the wide-ranging Villers-Cotterêts commitments are directing energies towards a multilateralism that is more necessary than ever.

For M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, “The Villers-Cotterêts commitments show that the OIF is at the service of citizens, especially young people, when it comes to building the tools, networks and levers appropriate to a changing world.”

For M. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, “We’re continuing to focus our efforts also on diversifying our partners, in order to ensure the long-term nature of the Villers-Cotterêts summit initiatives, stepping up communication efforts to highlight more effectively to our fellow citizens the impact of these projects.”

(1) Volontaires unis pour la Francophonie – a programme enabling 100 young nationals from OIF member States to travel to other OIF countries to take part in missions in civil-society organizations, local authorities and public bodies, working in the areas of educational cooperation, social entrepreneurship and promoting the values of Francophonie.
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4486-4487: Ankle-Breaking Kind of Terrain!

Source: NASA

Written by Catherine O’Connell-Cooper, Planetary Geologist at University of New Brunswick

Earth planning date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
This terrain is a tricky drive, with rocks angled chaotically all around. One of our geologists remarked that they wouldn’t like to even walk over this without solid boots coming way up over the ankles — this is definitely the kind of terrain to result in twisted and broken ankles! So it wasn’t too unexpected that the drive we had planned on Monday cut short after 18 meters (about 59 feet). Fortunately, we ended up both at a workspace with abundant bedrock and in an orientation that allowed us to pass SRAP (our “Slip Risk Assessment Process”).
The rover planners were quickly able to find a spot to brush, so we have a coordinated target on “Palm Grove,” one of the laminated rocks in the lower half of the accompanying image. APXS and MAHLI will look at this target on the first sol of the plan, and then ChemCam LIBS and Mastcam will look at it on the second sol. Although the bulk of the bedrock is relatively nodule free, ChemCam will look at the nodular target “Refugio” to compare to the more dominant, nodule-poor bedrock.
On Monday, our workspace included some very interesting layers in the bedrock that might represent preserved sand ripples, but sadly, as Conor reported on Monday, we didn’t pass SRAP, which precluded any contact science. However, today we ended up near rocks that had similar layer geometry, and will acquire a MAHLI “Dog’s Eye” or mosaic image of these rocks at “Duna Vista” and two Mastcam 5×3 mosaics (“Bayside Trail” and “Oso Flaco”) on other examples.
Mastcam is taking several other images here. A 14×3 mosaic will capture the “nearfield” or area close to the rover, and a set of four further images focus on four distinct trough features, to help us better understand ongoing modification of the surface. Further afield, the “Quartz Hill” and “Pino Alto” mosaics look at areas of fragmented bedrock which may be similar to the “Humber Park” outcrop we analyzed this past weekend. Even further from the rover, ChemCam will acquire RMI (Remote Micro Imager) images of the “Boxworks” and an almost circular depression (“Torote Bowl”) whose origin is not clear.
The environmental theme group (ENV) planned a Mastcam tau (to look at dust in the atmosphere) and a Navcam dust-devil survey (to look for dust devils!) for the first sol of the plan. On the second sol, we fill out the movies with Navcam movies looking toward the south of the crater (suprahorizon, cloud shadow, and zenith movies) and a Mastcam sky survey.
In between the movies on the second sol, our drive is planned to take us another 34 meters (about 112 feet)… but we will have to see how far our intrepid rover will make it on this tricky terrain. Slow and steady will win this race!

MIL OSI USA News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapid7 Appoints Three New Board Members

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced that it will appoint three new members to its Board of Directors: Wael Mohamed, Mike Burns and Kevin Galligan. These appointments will expand Rapid7’s Board to comprise 11 directors. In addition, Rapid7 and JANA Partners Management, LP have entered into a cooperation agreement, which, among other things, provides that JANA Partners will support all of Rapid7’s director nominees at its upcoming annual shareholder meeting.

Corey Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Rapid7, stated: “Rapid7 is entering an exciting new chapter of growth, and we are confident that adding Wael, Mike and Kevin to our Board will accelerate our ability to execute with greater speed, focus and impact. Each brings a wealth of expertise that will help us sharpen our strategy, strengthen execution and drive greater value creation for our shareholders.”

Thomas continued, “With a differentiated security data platform and an expanding security operations ecosystem, we are delivering cutting-edge solutions in AI-driven threat detection and response, cloud security and exposure management — empowering organizations to secure their environments more effectively and efficiently. We are well-positioned within these markets to drive sustainable, profitable growth, and these strategic Board appointments reinforce our commitment to scaling our business, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving long-term shareholder returns.”

Scott Ostfeld, Managing Partner of JANA Partners, added: “We are encouraged by the steps Rapid7 is taking to enhance its leadership and execution capabilities. We have appreciated our highly constructive dialogue with Rapid7 and look forward to working with management and the Board to capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead and to maximize value for shareholders.”

A copy of the cooperation agreement will be included as an exhibit to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor, to Rapid7 in connection with the cooperation agreement.

About Wael Mohamed

Wael Mohamed has a unique combination of cybersecurity, digital transformation, and executive leadership expertise, which has enabled him to be a go-to advisor for boards and executives for more than 30 years. Mr. Mohamed is the co-founder and Managing General Partner of Global Forward Capital. Prior to that, Mr. Mohamed was an Operating Partner at Advent International and became the CEO of Forescout, an Advent International portfolio company. He previously served as President & COO and board member of Trend Micro Group. Mr. Mohamed received a Bachelor of Computer Science from Dalhousie University and the Executive Corporate Director Certificate from Harvard Business School.

About Mike Burns

Mike Burns has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in finance and operations with high-growth public technology companies. Most recently, Mr. Burns served as Chief Financial Officer of Imperva, Inc. Previously he served as CFO of Gigamon as well as CFO of Volterra Semiconductor. Earlier in his career, Mr. Burns held senior finance roles at Intel Corporation. He earned his A.B. in Economics and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, and his MBA from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.

About Kevin Galligan

Kevin Galligan has 18 years of experience investing in companies and driving shareholder value. He is a Partner and Director of Research at JANA Partners, an investment firm specializing in enhancing shareholder value. Mr. Galligan joined JANA Partners in 2011 from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company where he was a Principal in the North American Private Equity Group. Prior to that, he worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Division of The Blackstone Group. Mr. Galligan holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University.

About Rapid7

Rapid7 (Nasdaq: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management and threat detection to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements regarding the appointment of Wael Mohamed, Michael Burns, and Kevin Galligan, and the experiences and value that they will bring to the Board and Rapid7, Inc. (“Rapid7”). Our use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The events described in our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, unstable market and economic conditions, fluctuations in our quarterly results, our ability to successfully grow our sales of our cloud-based solutions, including through the shift to a consolidated platform sales approach, effectiveness of our restructuring plan that was completed during fiscal year 2024, failure to meet our publicly announced guidance or other expectations about our business, our ability to sustain our revenue growth rate, the ability of our products and professional services to correctly detect vulnerabilities, renewal of our customer’s subscriptions, competition in the markets in which we operate, market growth, our ability to innovate and manage our growth, our sales cycles, our ability to integrate acquired companies, exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities, and our ability to operate in compliance with applicable laws as well as other risks and uncertainties that could affect our business and results described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, particularly in the section entitled “Item 1.A Risk Factors,” and in the subsequent reports that we file with the SEC. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we may make. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Additional Information

Rapid7 intends to file a proxy statement, together with a proxy card, with the SEC in connection with its solicitation of proxies for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”). Rapid7 stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement, together with the proxy card, and other relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC when they become available because they contain or will contain important information. Investors will be able to get copies of the proxy statement and other documents (including the proxy card) filled with the SEC by Rapid7 for free at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Copies of those documents will also be available free of charge through the “Investors” section of Rapid7’s website, under Financials/SEC Filings, at www.rapid7.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Rapid7, members of our Board of Directors and certain of our executive officers are “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company’s Board of Directors and executive officers and their respective interests in the Company, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025. To the extent such ownership interests have changed since such filings, such changes have been reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC, and will be reflected in the Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting when filed with the SEC. Security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.

Investor contact:
Elizabeth Chwalk
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@rapid7.com
(617) 865-4277

Press contact:
Alice Randall
Director, Global Corporate Communications
press@rapid7.com
(214) 693-4727

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Insights from Hackathon
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in collaboration with MyGov is organising a data visualization hackathon titled ‘Innovate with GoIStats’ during the period 25.2.2025 to 31.03.2025.

The hackathon is organised aiming to create awareness about the data being generated by the Ministry and encourage students and researchers to utilize the data for analysis to create any data visualization by using technology which may include AI/ML. The visualizations would aid dissemination of insights derived from the data for further use by researchers and policy makers.

MoSPI has taken the following measures to promote data literacy and statistical analysis among students and researchers in India:
1. The official statistics being generated by the Ministry are published on the website of the Ministry and also disseminated through social media handles of the Ministry for use by students and researchers.
2. MoSPI provides internship opportunities to students pursuing or completed graduate/post-graduate or research scholars in recognized institutes / universities / research institutes under the ‘National Internship in Official Statistics’ programme.
3. MoSPI promotes research in official statistics by way of providing financial assistance under the Grant-in-Aid component of the Capacity Development scheme of the Ministry.
4. The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) organizes one-week awareness programme on official statistics for Heads of the Departments and UG/PG Students of Departments of Statistics / Economics / Social Science of Central and State Universities.
5. NSSTA also organises one-day awareness workshop on official statistics for UG/PG students of Departments of Statistics/ Economics/Social Science at the campuses of the Universities/ Colleges.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Planning and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Observance of International Women’s Day at Department of Legal Affairs

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:52PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, marked International Women’s Day with a special event at the Conference Hall of Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was both enlightening and inspiring, serving as a powerful call for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and recognition of their invaluable role in society and the future.

The occasion was graced by Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Law Secretary, along with other distinguished women from various fields who addressed issues related to women’s rights and empowerment. The esteemed panel included Ms. Tripti Gurha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development; Dr. Vageshwari Deswal, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi; and Ms. Monika Arora, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Delhi High Court.

Smt. Sunita Moorti Anand, Additional Secretary, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing that women—comprising nearly half the population—now have equal opportunities to actively contribute across social, economic, and political spheres of society.

Dr. Vageshwari Deswal highlighted society’s collective responsibility in championing the cause of women’s rights and equality. She traced the historical evolution of the movement, which ultimately led to the establishment of International Women’s Day as a global celebration of women’s achievements. Ms. Monika Arora captivated the audience with a compelling real-life narrative, illustrating how the law serves as a powerful tool for advancing women’s rights and providing legal protection.

Ms. Tripti Gurha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s welfare, emphasizing the various initiatives and schemes available for women’s empowerment. Building on this discussion, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana provided a nuanced perspective, stressing that rights must be accompanied by corresponding duties. She encouraged women to step forward, take initiative, and embrace leadership roles in all aspects of life. Her exhilarating keynote address resonated with the entire audience, inspiring a renewed commitment to action.

A highlight of the event was an award ceremony recognizing the winners of an essay competition organized by Department of Legal Affairs. Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Law Secretary, felicitated the winners and presented them with awards in the presence of esteemed guests, adding a memorable touch to the occasion.

The event concluded with thought-provoking discussions on leadership, inclusivity, and the evolving role of women in shaping society. It reinforced the need for collective action to create a future where women are not only recognized for their contributions but also seen as architects of progress. More than just a celebration, the gathering served as a reminder that true equality is achieved through continuous effort, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2114392) Visitor Counter : 68

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog organized a National Workshop on ‘Building Synergies in Indian Innovation Ecosystem’ held in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 11:52AM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative to strengthen India’s innovation landscape, the National Workshop on “Building Synergies in Indian Innovation Ecosystem” was organized at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 22^nd March 2025. The National Conference was organized by NITI Aayog and hosted by the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST), DST, Government of Gujarat.

The workshop aimed to facilitate dialogue and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders, including government officials, academic leaders, industrial experts, startup founders, and international representatives. With an agenda designed to foster synergy across sectors, the workshop addressed crucial topics like R&D investments, state policies on innovation, global innovation trends, and grassroots entrepreneurship.

The workshop was graced by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, and Smt. Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat. Their presence highlighted the significance of the workshop and reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements.

In his inaugural address, Dr. V.K. Saraswat emphasized the vital role of collaboration between government bodies, academia, and industry in driving India’s innovation landscape forward. He called for a greater focus on translational research that fosters meaningful innovation and creates impactful startups, reflecting the global shift toward innovation. Dr. Saraswat also highlighted the importance of supporting DeepTech startups and stressed the need for India to transition from a service-based to a product-based industry model. Additionally, Dr. Saraswat shared valuable insights into key government initiatives designed to enhance research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the country.

Smt. Mona Khandhar, IAS, spoke about Gujarat’s commitment to fostering a strong innovation ecosystem, driven by policy initiatives. She highlighted the state government’s dedication to promoting the startup and innovation landscape through various strategic policies, including the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, Gujarat Semiconductor Policy, Gujarat Electronics Policy, and the Gujarat Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy.

Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) outlined the action points for next 10 years for unique developmental journey of India. IP profile of India is small but has increased in last few years, Indian Origin patent filing has increased, and the country will add more S&T clusters in the near future, he added.

The workshop featured several interactive discussions led by eminent leaders in the field of innovation and technology. The session on “Bharat Innovates: Overview of the National Innovation Ecosystem” explored strategies for building an innovation-friendly India, moderated by Dr. R Ramanan, Former MD, Atal Innovation Mission. This was followed by a session on “Navachar Niti aur Rajya Yojnaayein: Learning from the Best,” which highlighted state-level initiatives and best practices in fostering innovation, chaired by Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head, NCSTC, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

Another insightful session, “Navachar Ke Sarathi: Pioneering Innovations,” discussed the inspiring stories of grassroots innovators and start-ups were discussed, was moderated by Dr. Arvind Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation (NIF). Additionally, “Vishwa Mein Ubharta Bharat: Strengthening India’s Global Innovation Footprint” focused on India’s rising presence in the global innovation landscape, with key contributions from international experts specially Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent from World Intellectual Property Organisation and Dr. Rajul Gajjar, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Technological University.

The conference concluded with an insightful discussion on future action plans, led by member Dr. V.K. Saraswat, alongside senior officials from NITI Aayog, senior representatives from the Gujarat State Government, and the Former DG of CSIR & Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The closing session underscored Gujarat’s pivotal role in driving innovation, emphasizing the state’s progressive policies, investment in research, and commitment to fostering a startup-friendly ecosystem.

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MJPS/SR

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: VSKS and Katyusha held master classes on safety for children and people with disabilities at the State University of Management

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On March 21 and 22, the State University of Management hosted master classes by the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps and the Regional Public Organization “Society for Support of Parents with Disabilities and Members of Their Families “Katyusha”. Volunteers and instructors of the VSKS held master classes on first aid and fire safety for people with disabilities.

The program included classes adapted to different age groups and characteristics of the participants: – first aid classes for people with disabilities and children aged 8–10 and 14–16; – fire safety classes, including practicing algorithms for action in an emergency and familiarization with protective equipment.

The project is being implemented with the participation of VSKS instructors – trained volunteers and professional rescuers who provide training in basic skills that can save lives, and with the support of the State University of Management, which helps create an inclusive environment.

Since 2010, the regional public organization “Katyusha” has been supporting parents with disabilities and their family members, and also works to create an accessible environment and involve people with disabilities in public life.

VSKS and ROO PRI “Katyusha”, by combining efforts, contribute to the formation of an inclusive safety culture and expand opportunities for personal and professional self-realization of all program participants.

Let us recall that the first part of the joint events of VSKS and Katyusha took place at the State University of Management from March 11 to 13.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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 –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Priorities of International Education. Strategic Session of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

A strategic session of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education dedicated to strengthening Russia’s position in the international educational space was held in Moscow. The event was attended by rectors of major universities, vice-rectors responsible for international cooperation, representatives of a number of ministries that founded universities, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rossotrudnichestvo, Rosobrnadzor, other government bodies, and companies with interests abroad. The Polytechnic University was represented by Rector and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev.

Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov focused on Russia’s strategic priorities in international education. He stressed the need to increase the number of foreign students to 500,000 by 2030 while simultaneously improving the quality of their training. Today, about 395,000 foreigners are studying in Russia. However, it is important not only to increase the number, but also to form a motivated contingent. It is better not to meet the indicators, but to take those who are truly striving for knowledge, the minister said. Valery Nikolaevich noted that some students from the CIS countries use educational visas to solve personal problems, which requires increased control.

The Minister also touched upon the issue of creating a barrier-free system for foreign students, including simplifying migration procedures and developing employment programs. According to him, up to 10% of foreign graduates remain in Russia, and given the shortage of personnel, this potential must be used. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with new markets – the BRICS countries, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Valery Falkov noted the importance of synchronizing educational programs with industry demands, citing as an example projects with Rosatom and Rusal corporations, which train foreign specialists for their enterprises.

Speaking about foreign branches, the minister highlighted three conditions for their success: political support from the state, a clear definition of a niche for graduates, and partnership with large companies. Valery Falkov separately mentioned the project of Advanced Engineering Schools, which are already being replicated abroad. For example, two such schools have been opened in Uzbekistan at the request of local authorities.

The minister announced the creation of a single digital profile for foreign students, a platform that will support students from enrollment to employment. In addition, by 2028, it is planned to increase the number of grants for talented foreign students from 2,000 to 5,000.

Andrey Rudskoy, participating in the work of the group on new formats for promoting Russian universities, shared the experience of SPbPU. He noted that network structures such as the Slavic Universities in Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, as well as the Russian-African Network University (RAFU), have become drivers of education export. Over three years, RAFU has trained 535 students from 33 African countries. Andrey Ivanovich also spoke about projects with China, including joint institutes with Jiangsu Normal University and Xi’an University of Technology, where specialists are trained in the areas of automation of technological machines and equipment, materials science and materials technology, electric power engineering and electrical engineering.

The rector of SPbPU spoke in favor of legislative changes, including the allocation of target quotas for network programs and the simplification of financial mechanisms for international cooperation.

The 2023 methodological recommendations do not take into account work with foreign universities. This requires adjustments, he emphasized.

Andrey Rudskoy also suggested focusing on representative offices and joint institutes instead of branches, citing the SPbPU Representative Office in Shanghai as an example. Its work has expanded partnerships and enabled communication with industry and government agencies using the “long arm” principle. Thanks to the work of the representative offices, the number of students from China at the Polytechnic has increased many times over, and the number of internships and short-term programs has increased.

Speaking about the adaptation of foreign students, Andrei Ivanovich supported the idea of a single digital profile and the need to develop pre-university training centers abroad.

The participants of the strategy session discussed issues related to strengthening effective international cooperation. The result of the two-day work of the expert university community was the presentation of proposals to strengthen Russia’s position in the international educational space.

Photo: website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ash plume heights, hazards, and ashfall projections, oh my! What do volcanologists learn from ashfall maps?

Source: US Geological Survey

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Dr. Madison Myers, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at Montana State University, Stacy Henderson, PhD student at Montana State University, and Dr. Colin Wilson, Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington, NZ.

Map demonstrating the extent that ashfall has been found around the United States, including the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, and three large-volume caldera-forming eruptions, including two from the Yellowstone area (the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, which is 2.1 million years old, and Lava Creek Tuff, which erupted 631,000 years ago) and one from eastern California (the Bishop Tuff, which is 767,000 years old).

If you are a fan of Yellowstone’s volcanic history, you have probably seen the simplistic ashfall map that highlights how, during its largest eruptions, ash is distributed (and mostly preserved) across the United States. However, you might not know how these maps are created, or how volcanologists use these data to determine the height of the eruption plume produced during a caldera-forming eruption. To explore this question, we’ll discuss how volcanologists study ash deposits and take a short field trip to a sedimentary basin in central Wyoming, where geologists have found something remarkable.

First off, what is an ash plume? In volcanic systems, these are mixtures of gas, ash, rocks, and crystals that are released from an eruptive vent at speeds that approach or exceed the speed of sound (343 meters per second, or 767 miles per hour). For smaller plumes, the wind controls the ash plume’s pathway, resulting in ash that falls in an elongated zone downwind of the volcano, like that of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. However, as the eruption size grows, often so does the plume height, leading to plumes that are able to spread-out like an umbrella and deposit ash over broader areas. A recent example of a powerful umbrella-like plume was the 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga in the south Pacific—an event that could be seen clearly from space.

Although caldera-forming explosive eruptions are amongst the most devastating natural events on Earth, they are not common. Thus, the tools available to determine the height of the ash plumes of past eruptions rely on measuring the thicknesses of their ash-fall deposits and sizes of their particles. Essentially, if a plume is larger, it will leave thicker deposits at greater distances from the source vent, with pumice (shattered magma) and lithics (rocks torn from the vent) that become gradually smaller with distance. By measuring these parameters in the field at numerous locations around the vent, scientists can estimate the height of the eruption plume.

If there are discrete layers in the ash deposits, this technique can even be used to tell if the plume height changed through time! For instance, scientists can see that the major eruption that occurred about 3,600 years ago from Santorini Volcano, Greece, started with a 10 km (6 mi) high plume that grew to 30 km (19 mi)—for reference, the cruising altitude of most airplanes is 9–12 km (30,000–40,000 feet). This is why calculating plume heights from past eruptions is important for understanding the potential impacts of future eruptions on aviation. For a volcanic eruption the size of Yellowstone’s largest caldera-forming events, the plume likely reached the top of the stratosphere, which is 50 km (31 mi) above the Earth’s surface!

Simplified schematic of a volcanic plume ejecting ash, crystals and fragments of rock from a vent. This rising plume will eventually hit a zone of neutral buoyancy in the atmosphere, where it is then carried by the wind. Material is ejected from both the upward moving jet and falls from the umbrellaing plume. Modified from Wilson and Houghton (2000), Encyclopedia of Volcanology first edition.

In the 1960s, geologists Ray Wilcox and Glen Izett created ashfall maps for past Yellowstone eruptions by driving around the western United States, identifying Yellowstone eruption deposits based on their chemistry, and measuring characteristics like thicknesses. These maps were instrumental in understanding the characteristics of eruption plumes from Yellowstone’s major explosive eruptions. If you live in any of the many states covered by these deposits, you can visit these locations by looking them up on the map that Wilcox and Izett created, which includes coordinates and field descriptions (https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/i1325).

Professor C.J.N. Wilson, FRS, pays due homage to the Lava Creek Tuff ashfall bed in a basin just east of Shell, Wyoming. Photo by Madison Myers, Montana State University, August 9, 2024.

A group of geologists from Montana State University and Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) recently visited one such location near Shell, Wyoming. At this site, two ash fall deposits associated with the two defined ash flow units of the Lava Creek Tuff, which resulted from the formation of Yellowstone Caldera about 631,000 years ago, have been reported. But the geologists found something else as well. Not only did this basin, tucked against the Bighorn Mountains, contain the deposits in question, but beneath the Lava Creek Tuff deposit, and therefore older in age, were two additional ash fall deposits that are not in Wilcox and Izett’s maps!

What are some possible sources of thick additional ash in the middle of Wyoming? Could they be the ashfall deposits from the Mesa Falls Tuff (1.3 million years old) or Huckleberry Ridge Tuff (2.1 million years old), also from Yellowstone? Or could it even be ash from farther away, for instance, the Bishop Tuff eruption, which formed Long Valley Caldera, California, about 767,000 years ago? The presence of crystals of the mineral biotite in the one of the mystery deposits points toward the Bishop ash as a likely suspect, as this mineral is not associated with any of Yellowstone’s major eruptions. But what about the older ash? To settle the debate, geologists sent samples of the mineral sanidine from each of these deposits to the US Geological Survey at Moffett Field, California, for dating using the argon geochronology technique. The results will give the ages of the eruptions that fueled these ash deposits, thus telling geologists the likely sources. We don’t yet have the answer, but will report back once the results are in.

Although the mystery regarding the source of the unknown ash beds will soon be solved, another mystery will remain: how did this basin in central Wyoming preserve so much volcanic ash, both from Yellowstone and perhaps beyond?

MIL OSI USA News –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: A USD$25 billion public-private Ghana climate futures and socio-economic initiative is agreed
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The Ghana Green Guard USD$25 billion climate futures initiative agreement commits to deliver a series of diversified regenerative solutions to drive a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians. The agreement is a public-private collaborative partnership between the developer CarbonPura Africa, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) representing the government of Ghana and PSPH (Private Sector Participation in Health). Leveraging carbon financing, and carbon and biodiversity monetisation, the agreement will drive environmental restoration, clean water access, and community-based social programmes in Ghana.

ACCRA, Republic of Ghana, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarbonPura pioneers Ghana Green Guard, a transformative series of privately funded environmental protection, restoration, and climate-smart projects and initiatives bespoke to the landscape of Ghana. The Ghana Green Guard Agreement harnesses the power of leveraging a climate futures ecosystem combined with flows unlocked from carbon finance to address critical climate and sustainability challenges while advancing Ghana’s environmental restoration and socio-economic development goals.

Chief Executive Officer of the EPA of Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse says “the Ghana Green Guard Agreement is a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey and marks the beginning of a new era in public-private stakeholder engagement to implement development practices and leverage international carbon markets to achieve sustainability, protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”
- One of the most significant nature-based project methodology solutions globally it will generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits across 12 million hectares of diverse landscapes with a projected cumulative revenue of $10.4 billion over 25 years.
- Each project supports Ghana’s socio-economic and community enhancement programmes and initiatives to empower women, children, and the most vulnerable farmers and communities.
- Aligns international and local partners, government support, NGO and University Collaboration, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments.
- Immediate intervention to enhance Ghana’s water security using the most effective and sustainable solutions and technologies that ensure long-term protection and safeguarding for the provision of clean water and the restoration of polluted water sources caused by illegal mining.
Ghana Green Guard combines the relationship driven socio-economic benefits of a public–private partnership to deliver projects that align seamlessly with President Mahama’s Policies for the Future of Ghana, Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement will utilise restorative and ecosystem vision – not only in project execution but from new relationship driven economic models fuelled by investment grade biodiversity and carbon credit projects.

Dr. Fred Bedzrah, the Vice President of Operations for CarbonPura Africa, stated that “the Green Guard Ghana Agreement sets a new benchmark for environmental and socio-economic impact and is a bold step forward toward positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable carbon finance by integrating transparent governance, investment grade carbon credit generation, and inclusive community engagement. CarbonPura is proud to deliver a framework that enhances global climate action and ensures tangible benefits for healthier local communities and ecosystems. Ghana demonstrates how high-integrity restorative biodiversity and climate smart projects can drive sustainability and long-term investment confidence.”

The Ghana Green Guard Project leverages 12 million hectares of risk assessed eligible land across various regions of Ghana, strategically and with scientific rigour, chosen for their ecological, biodiversity and socio-economic potential. The expansive project ensures scalable investment-grade carbon credit generation goals and sustained environmental improvement by carefully integrating targeted activities such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, illegal mining restoration and coastal environment restoration.

The Executive Director of PSPH Dr. Francis Adjei adds that “True sustainability is not just about restoring the environment—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for the most vulnerable. Through the Ghana Green Guard initiatives, we are ensuring that climate action translates into better healthcare, stronger communities, and a future where no one is left behind.”

Cath Thrupp, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Planet, says that “Ghana is leading the way in terms of showcasing a sustainable future for their country and the world. They are actively originating large-scale decarbonisation and landscape restoration programmes that will support their country to transition to net zero. In working with the global carbon markets to support this transition, Ghana is actively creating new jobs and opportunities for local communities. As a company, Carbon Planet is honoured to work with the Government and people of Ghana to create a sustainable future, with no one left behind”.

Each project methodology activity is designed to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, creating a positive feedback loop where ecological improvements—such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and enhanced coastal resilience—foster sustainable community development, employment creation, strengthen food security, provide clean water, eliminate species extinction, and drive long-term economic resilience across regions dependent on agricultural and coastal livelihoods.

Mark Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Capital Corporation, says that “through strategic collaboration with Carbon Planet we lead the Ghana Green Guard project origination and ensure that all credits are investment ready, meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and financial integrity and achieve long term environmental and social impact. This initiative exemplifies how carbon finance can drive real change, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments. Through Ghana Green Guard, we demonstrate that carbon markets can be a force for equitable and sustainable development.”

The Parties to the Ghana Green Guard Agreement

About the EPA

The EPA is the leading statutory body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. Recognising the need for stronger oversight, the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124) was enacted. Effective from January 6, 2025, this Act elevated the EPA to an Authority, expanding its mandate to regulate, protect, coordinate, and oversee all matters pertaining to the environment. This new legislation marks a pivotal moment in the EPA’s evolution towards greater environmental stewardship and governance.

For further information on Ghana EPA, please visit: www.epa.gov.gh/new/
For media enquiries, please contact: info@epa.gov.gh

About CarbonPura
CarbonPura Africa is the Ghana Green Guard lead developer and is committed to advancing global sustainability through large-scale innovative carbon management and stewardship initiatives that transform environmental goals into impactful realities.

CarbonPura is dedicated to pioneering projects that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propelling the world towards a greener and more prosperous future.

CarbonPura provides end-to-end expertise in net-zero advisory and bespoke solutions that ensure each project contributes to carbon reduction and enhances ecological and social value. CarbonPura integrates top-tier methodologies with community-based conservation efforts for land, forestry wetland and marine ecosystems protection and restoration with scalable carbon solutions.

The social capital and ecological model demand the highest degree of team expertise, including ecologists and environmental auditors, trusted partners and strategic alliances, to enhance the capabilities for CarbonPura in carbon-backed funding, project development, and community reinvestment. CarbonPura navigate market complexities with data-driven precision, ensuring each project maximises value and supports global sustainability.

For more information, visit: www.carbonpura.com/greenguard
For media enquiries, please contact:
Melanie Budden
melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com

About Private Sector Participation in Health
Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH) is a leading not-for-profit organisation driving transformative healthcare and social development in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. As a key partner in the Ghana Green Guard Agreement, PSPH integrates healthcare, education, and social empowerment into climate resilience efforts. Through innovative public-private partnerships, PSPH expands access to essential healthcare, empowers women and youth, and fosters alternative livelihoods, creating lasting socio-economic impact. By bridging corporate Ghana with grassroots needs, PSPH ensures that sustainability, health, and development go hand in hand; building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.

For further information on PSPH, please visit: www.psphghana.com
For media enquiries, please contact: DrFred@carbonpura.com

About Carbon Capital Corporation [CCC]
CCC is an Australian registered company that operates under an Australian Authorised Financial Services License [278530]. CCC is part of the GBC Group and stands out in global carbon markets offering unique and specialised feasibility, origination, procurement, trading and advisory services for both the buy and sell side. With operations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Pacific CCC facilitates large scale carbon projects with stackable value methodologies that allow projects to generate multiple environmental and social co-benefits.

CCC utilises an integrated approach that combines financial structuring, technical expertise, and advanced technology, delivering unmatched value in carbon markets. By optimising carbon and biodiversity credits to meet the high standards demanded by institutional buyers, CCC achieve both financial returns and measured sustainability impact.

For more information, visit: www.carboncapitalcorporation.com
For media enquiries, please contact: markphillips@greenbondcorporation.com

About Carbon Planet
Carbon Planet is an Australian registered ecological company globally leading project feasibility, origination and technical development, bringing extensive expertise in carbon project execution and innovation. Carbon Planet picture a world where natural capital has value, investments are transparent, landholders can feed their families, and local communities can create new jobs and regenerative industries. This requires creating a world where trees and natural capital are valued.

For further information on CarbonPlanet, please visit: www.carbonplanet.io/
For media enquiries, please contact: cath@carbonplanet.io

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency with Dr Fred Bezrah, Vice President of CarbonPura Africa

Aerial photo in Ghana showing the decimated landscape and River Pra waterway caused by illegal mining (“galamsey”) that is a focus of Ghana Green Guard restorative initiatives.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bde12b4-932a-4a25-a144-dc2edc0cb373

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0bb5dd6-e886-4d71-89d4-ddb793c08a70

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ad39039-d081-4987-862b-aae74c12cebf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb7393fb-aab6-4276-aa2b-757084c3764f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1c55422-8468-4acc-ab59-282b4e076a3b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21dffd0d-14f2-45af-afca-f3659132ba7a

The MIL Network –
March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The qualifying round of the XVIII youth patriotic competition “Spring of 1945” was held at the State University of Management

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Last week, the State University of Management held the qualifying round of the 18th youth patriotic competition “Spring of 1945” in the “Patriotic Song” category.

The main goal of the event is to revive the ideals of spiritual, moral and cultural traditions of centuries-old Rus’ among young people, to preserve the memory of the heroes of the multinational people who survived and won the Great Patriotic War. Amateur performers, youth student groups from Moscow, the Moscow region and all regions of Russia take part in the competition.

The Director of the Institute of Distance Education of the State University of Management Sergey Lenshin addressed the participants of the competition with a welcoming speech, thanking the organizers and all participants of the competition on behalf of the university management for their active participation in preserving historical traditions, developing aesthetic taste in young people, and introducing them to cultural and historical heritage.

The competition committee included teachers, professional performers, costume designers, fashion designers, directors, writers, heads of specialized universities and foundations, heads of historical clubs of Moscow, representatives of veterans’ councils, and the founding organizations of the Competition.

The State University of Management held a selection in the nomination “Patriotic Song”, which includes four sub-nominations: – a song with patriotic content; – favorite songs of veterans; – an original song; – a song with a guitar.

The following represent the State University of Management at the competition: the creative team “StuDos”, Alexandra Morozova and Ekaterina Mironova – students of the Institute of Correspondence Education.

The Grand Prix winners, laureates and diploma winners in the nominations will be awarded diplomas of the Youth Patriotic Competition “Spring of ’45”. The winners will be awarded at the Gala Concert on April 16, 2025. The performance of the Grand Prix winner and laureates of the Competition will take place on May 9, 2025, as part of the annual citywide festive program “Victory Ball “At Six O’Clock in the Evening…”.

We wish all our participants bright performances and, of course, victory!

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New recruitment to the driving school of the State University of Management

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The GUU-Auto training center announces new recruitment for groups under the program “Professional training of drivers of category “B” vehicles”.

The training starts on April 14. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 19:00.

Hurry, there are still places left!

Additional information by phone 8 (495) 377 6446, 8 (916) 760 1014 (WhatsApp, Telegram), as well as in the educational department of the UC GUU Auto (room A-219) and on the official page of the UC GUU-Auto

The GUU-Auto training center is a structural division of the State University of Management, providing paid educational services in professional training programs for drivers of vehicles.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Not Child’s Play. Polytechnic University Talks About Financial Security

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

At Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, as part of the V International Financial Security Olympiad, a thematic lesson “NOT Child’s Play: 2.0. Drop Willy-nilly” was held, dedicated to issues of financial security and counteracting fraud. The event was held in a mixed format, which allowed more than 3,000 participants to unite: students and teachers from various SPbPU institutes, teachers and schoolchildren from St. Petersburg and the Donetsk People’s Republic.

At the event, Deputy Head of the Interregional Department of Rosfinmonitoring for the Northwestern Federal District Daniil Sharippo presented the activities of the structure and spoke about various fraud schemes. He explained who droppers are, as well as the methods used by criminals to deceive citizens.

The expert spoke in detail about the forms of telephone fraud and demonstrated how fake video and audio recordings are used. Particular attention was paid to current types of crimes.

During the discussion, participants shared personal stories about encounters with scammers and discussed how to properly respond to such situations. The lesson was not only educational, but also practical, as students learned the basic rules of security in financial matters.

“We will continue to hold such events. This is a very important topic that needs to be covered,” stressed SPbPU Vice-Rector for Security Alexander Airapetyan. “Today you were told about the main methods and ways to combat fraudsters. Use them, help the older and younger generations, as they are most susceptible to negative influence. Critical thinking is very important in the modern world.”

At the end of the event, the participants received an invitation to the international Olympiad on financial security, the winners and prize winners of which have priority when entering the bachelor’s, specialist’s and master’s programs of SPbPU. This became an additional incentive for in-depth study of this topic. Detailed information on the procedure for holding the Olympiad can be found atwebsite.

The Higher School of Public Administration of IPMEiT is an active participant in the Olympiad movement on financial security. Students participate and win prizes in this competition every year.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic football players win Turchak tournament

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The 11th tournament of the association of football federations “North-West” among youth teams named after Anatoly Turchak has ended in Saint Petersburg. Eight U-21 teams from professional clubs and sports schools, as well as two student teams, participated in the event. The fate of the final was decided by a penalty shootout, in which the team of the Polytechnic University beat “Leningradets”.

The final match was tense. In the 24th minute, with the score 1:1, the SPbPU team was left in the minority after a dismissal. At the end of the first half, Leningradets took the lead. But the Polytechnicians showed character, leveling the score — 2:2. In the penalty shootout, SPbPU goalkeeper Nikita Maksimov repelled three shots from the opponents and brought the team victory.

The Polytechnic team finally broke its losing streak: in 2023 and 2024, our footballers missed out on bronze, losing on penalties. The first medals of the Turchak tournament turned out to be gold for the Black Bears. Captain Dmitry Gultyaev was recognized as the best player of the tournament.

The Polytechnicians were awarded an exclusive trophy, which bears the logos of the football federations that are part of the North-West OFF, and the signature of Anatoly Turchak with his quote: I have loved, love and will love football.

We had two goals for this tournament: to win and to prepare for the first stage of the National Student Football League. For us, it starts in mid-April in Astrakhan. All the matches were tough, the score did not always reflect what was happening on the field. When we lost 0:4 to Leningradets in the group stage, I thought that perhaps this was the key moment of the tournament for us with a plus sign. I knew that the team would shake itself up and win in the decisive matches, and so it turned out. Many thanks to all our players who did not let us down, came to all the matches. We also thank the administrative staff and fans who supported us in the stands and watched the broadcasts, – shared the head coach of the Polytechnic national football team Stepan Verbitsky.

Photos provided by OFF “North-West”.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Students of the State University of Management won medals at intellectual games of logisticians

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Last week, the first Logistics Debates and the III Elective Intellectual Game were held at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, in which students from the State University of Management took part.

In the first Logistics Debates, teams of three competed in the persuasiveness of their arguments for prizes in the form of certificates for the Art of Speech course. GUU was represented by 4th-year students: 1. Fink Daniil; 2. Molchanova Elizaveta; 3. Kozhokar Andrey.

Our glorious trio won bronze medals, congratulations!

In the III Elective Intellectual Game on Logistics, the team of the 2nd year students of the State University of Management competed for the crystal owl and the title of the smartest and most resourceful: 1. Pirozhnikov Alexander; 2. Rezvov Anton; 3. Glyzina Ekaterina; 4. Antonova Kristina; 5. Pashayeva Sayat; 6. Nikolaev Igor.

Our students showed their worth and received certificates.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Experts of the State University of Management awarded the winners of the International Competition “PRO-tourism”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On March 20, 2025, at the 31st International Exhibition of Tourism and Hospitality Industry MITT, the Award Ceremony for the winners of the III International Competition “Tourism Code of My Country, City, Town, Region – PRO-tourism” took place.

A total of 770 participants and scientific supervisors from 85 regions of Russia and foreign countries came to Moscow for the in-person stage. Contestants from Serbia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan participated for the first time and presented their works in a foreign language, where they considered tourism within the framework of their cultural, ethnographic, and national values.

The day before, within the walls of the State University of Management, more than 400 participants of the competition defended their works before an expert jury, and 200 scientific supervisors completed the educational program “Methods and technologies for developing the tourism potential of municipalities of the Russian Federation.”

The children presented their works in 4 age categories and 47 different nominations. The most popular nominations in 2025 were: “History of the country, history of peoples – ethnographic tourism”, “Excursion tourism”, “PRO-tourism video”.

The winners and prize-winners were 350 participants of the competition, including the winner in the age category of 14-17 years old, the team from Bulgaria, and the second place in the category of 36 years and older was taken by a representative of Serbia. Five winners of the competition in the category of 14-17 years old were awarded vouchers to the International Children’s Center “ARTEK” for the thematic shift “Territory of Development – Urban Environment – Home of Your Dreams”.

On behalf of the State University of Management, awards and gifts with the university emblem were presented by Associate Professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management, General Director of the ANO “Institute for Local Communities Development” Sergey Kochnev, Associate Professor of the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry, Deputy Director of the Institute for Local Communities Development for Educational Work, Chairperson of the Expert Council of the Competition Svetlana Grishaeva and Head of the Project and Educational Laboratory of Urban Development, Associate Professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration Irina Milkina.

Associate professors of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management Yulia Lebedeva, Olga Petrina, Mikhail Stadolin, Tatyana Shushunova also acted as experts of the competition, and students of the State University of Management of the first to fourth years helped in organizing and holding the competition.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Continuity and the spirit of an IT company”: what will the SHIFT of the St. Petersburg HSE be like?

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The School of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the HSE in St. Petersburg has started 2025 with big changes: it is being transformed into SHIFT — the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology. VK is the key partner of the educational project. How students will study, what advantages does cooperation with a large technology company provide, and what awaits graduates of the new school — we tell you in our article.

What is SHIFT?

The School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is the successor to the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. “The launch of the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is a transition to a globally new concept. We are starting to build the faculty according to the model of an IT company: training will take place in conditions as close as possible to work in big tech. This approach will ensure seamless integration of graduates into the industry,” emphasizes Mikhail Mukhin, Dean of SHIFT.

During the training, the role of practical training will increase significantly. The educational process will be built jointly with VK experts and other industrial partners of the School, while maintaining a strong academic base. As a result, students will receive a relevant set of skills and competencies, and bigtech will become a familiar environment for them.

What specialties will SHIFT students master?

SHIFT is five bachelor’s degree programs and the same number of master’s degree programs: four in IT and one in physics.

Bachelor’s degree

Applied data analysis and artificial intelligence Applied mathematics and informatics Computer technologies, systems and networks Programming and engineering of computer games Physics

Master’s degree

Machine learning and data analysis Design and development of high-load information systems UX analytics and information systems design Computational biology and bioinformatics Physics

The flagship bachelor’s degree programs include new tracks: “Applied Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence” — RS (recommender systems), CV (computer vision), NLP (natural language processing), “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” — high-load systems, industrial programming, tool development. The tracks are available in the third and fourth years.

The master’s programs include elective tracks: “Machine learning and data analysis” – ML, advanced ML, “Design and development of high-load information systems” – software architecture, systems engineering, development management.

At the end of the second year of the bachelor’s degree, students choose one of three tracks to study. Each semester has two or three fixed courses, and they choose the same number as part of the variable program.

In the Master’s program, students also master compulsory basic disciplines, and half of the curriculum consists of elective subjects.

“The technologies, knowledge and practical experience that we give to students will be in demand, no matter how the trends in the IT industry change. We give them both a strong base that allows them to develop in different directions, and practical skills that can be applied for further development in other areas,” explains Mikhail Mukhin.

How will VK participate in the training of SHIFT students?

VK is involved in creating educational programs in the field of artificial intelligence: recommender systems, computer vision, NLP (natural language processing). Students will be able to learn from the company’s cases, prove themselves in group projects, receive advice from experts, and (importantly) receive personalized scholarships.

“We have big plans with VK not only to transform existing educational programs, but also to open project workshops. This is an important strategic partnership with a focus on the challenges facing businesses,” Mikhail Mukhin shares.

What partners does SHIFT have besides VK?

SHIFT develops cooperation with industry leaders. Among the latest important events: in September 2024, the HSE in St. Petersburg launched the educational program “Computer Technologies, Systems and Networks” with YADRO. In September 2025, a program on computer game development will start with “Lesta Igra”. Among the School’s important partners are 1C, BIOCAD, Gazprom Neft, Yandex and others. Experts conduct specializations and special courses, and also provide relevant cases, projects and tasks on which students learn.

How is SHIFT similar to an IT company?

Studying at SHIFT will be closer to the realities of a real IT company. For this purpose, it is planned to use different formats and approaches.

Balance between academic completeness and practical orientation. Programs are created together with IT companies, leading experts in their field, and projects are close to real tasks.

Organization of educational processes. During training, the Continuous Integration and Continuous Education approaches will be used. That is, all the knowledge that students receive in lectures is immediately applied in classes or projects. We will also integrate the Agile approach into training – when regular meetings are held, plans and tasks are discussed. Managers, curators and program directors will regularly communicate with students, and senior students will become mentors for first-year students and adapt them to life at the faculty, help them get involved in the educational process.

Technologies in education: remote access and online broadcasting of all classes. Thanks to the project management system, students will work in an IT infrastructure that meets bigtech. The LCMS system will provide convenient access to educational content.

Training takes place on real business problems in various laboratories: in the Engineering and Mathematics School of the Higher School of Economics and VK, the Laboratory of the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems YADRO, the 1C Project Center, the Laboratory of Bio- and Chemoinformatics, the HSE-Yandex Natural Language Laboratory, the Center for Machine Learning and Data Analysis, collaborating with Gazprom Neft, and the International Laboratory of Quantum Optoelectronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Where will SHIFT students study?

SHIFT will occupy part of the space of the new building of the Saint Petersburg Higher School of Economics — the Rope Workshop on Vasilievsky Island, a five-minute walk from the metro station. High-quality coworking spaces and comfortable seminar rooms will be set up here. Students from the first year will be able not only to work on cases of leading bigtech companies, but also to immerse themselves in the corporate culture of partners in branded spaces.

Who is expected at SHIFT?

SHIFT identifies personal characteristics that will indicate that undergraduate programs are suitable for an applicant:

desire not just to learn how to apply technologies, but to understand the principles underlying the technologies; desire to develop. Students will have to study hard, and also devote a lot of time to homework and independent work. You need to be ready to constantly develop and grow; desire to achieve super results. Readiness to perceive training at SHIFT not as a process, but as a project with a high result; personal responsibility. SHIFT, like an IT company, has its own corporate culture, which is built on mutual respect and responsibility to students and colleagues.

Graduates from non-core fields are also welcome to apply for Master’s programs. The main requirement is the readiness to master a new subject area and have high-quality basic training in mathematics and programming. During the studies, adaptation disciplines are provided to make up for non-core bachelor’s degrees. So the main personal characteristic here is motivation.

What does studying at SHIFT give you?

SHIFT graduates will have many advantages and skills:

a relevant set of knowledge and competencies that allow you to be in demand on the labor market and successful in your career. All programs are developed with the participation of the School’s industrial partners, primarily VK; practical work in the infrastructure of IT companies and in the project approach paradigm; relevant work experience in big tech: projects, teachers, mentors, internships; mastering fundamental disciplines – deep knowledge in mathematics and programming; networking. The best graduates apply for middle, middle positions and in a short time become leading experts in the strongest leading IT companies in the country.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Revised rules aim to boost China auto market

Source: China State Council Information Office

China’s push to encourage the automotive industry is taking shape through measures including the expansion of trade-in policies, strengthening the used car market and easing purchasing restrictions, boosting confidence among automakers, dealers and consumers.

An injection of long-term special treasury bonds amounting to 300 billion yuan ($41.4 billion) will be issued in 2025 to support the expansion of consumer goods trade-in programs, notably automobiles, which was outlined in an action plan revealed by the central government in mid-March.

Compared to 2024’s 150 billion yuan in treasury bonds, it is expected to invigorate market activity, said Lang Xuehong, deputy secretary-general of the China Automobile Dealers Association.

Driven by these trade-in policies, domestic passenger vehicle retail sales reached 22.89 million units in 2024, a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase, with rapid growth in new energy vehicles penetration.

In early 2025, China expanded the scope of vehicle scrapping and replacement while improving subsidy standards for trade-ins. With new trade-in policies rolling out regionally, the China Passenger Car Association estimates that 5 million vehicles will be scrapped and 10 million vehicles will be replaced this year.

Consequently, domestic car retail sales are projected to reach 23.4 million units, a 2 percent year-on-year increase, while NEV retail sales are expected to hit 13.3 million units, growing 20 percent to capture a 57 percent market share, the CPCA predicted.

The auto consumption chain is set to be extended through pilot reforms in car distribution and an increased focus on the automotive aftermarket, encompassing car modifications, leasing and recreational vehicle camping.

Lang noted that the action plan emphasizes service-oriented consumption, which aligns with the current state of the auto industry where car supply exceeds demand, yet the need for high-quality services remains unmet.

While 4S stores still dominate China’s auto aftermarket, third-party brands are growing rapidly, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

As the market becomes more standardized and diverse in demand, the value of the auto aftermarket will increase, emerging as a key growth area for China’s auto industry, Xu added.

The rising popularity of RV camping exemplifies this trend. However, challenges such as inadequate facilities, unstable water and electricity supply as well as insufficient sewerage at campsites hinder the development of this sector.

Addressing these issues and improving infrastructure could significantly boost consumption and promote automotive culture in China.

The used car market will also receive a boost through enhanced cross-regional transaction measures and the development of third-party platforms to assist secure and convenient trade, according to the action plan.

According to CADA statistics, there were 19.61 million used cars transacted in 2024, a 6.52 percent year-on-year increase, with a total transaction value of 1.29 trillion yuan. Notably, the transaction volume of secondhand NEVs exceeded 1 million units for the first time, reaching 1.13 million units, an increase of 47.97 percent.

Zhang Xiang, an auto industry researcher at the Beijing-based North China University of Technology, noted that China’s used car market is still small compared to Europe and the United States. Expanding this market could benefit both used and new car sales by increasing car turnover.

He suggested establishing an industry database to collect information on each used car, allowing consumers to transparently purchase secondhand vehicles.

It is noteworthy that the action plan mentioned reducing consumption limits and removing unreasonable restrictions to ensure that long-term non-plate households can purchase cars.

Guosen Securities stated that gradually easing purchase restrictions will release new car demand, leading to sales growth, with first-time buyers creating an incremental market.

A report by China Merchants Securities pointed out that relaxing these restrictions is a low-cost, quick-acting stimulus measure.

Traffic expert Xu Kangming said that the lottery-based vehicle plate application was initially intended as a short-term measure. However, in some major cities it has lasted for over a decade. This policy is increasingly seen as unfair to households without cars and long-term non-plate applicants. As the number of vehicles grows, the restriction’s effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion diminishes.

In recent years, various regions have gradually eased car purchase restrictions. Except for Guizhou and Hainan provinces, which have lifted all restrictions on NEVs, cities such as Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Tianjin have relaxed limits by increasing quotas or optimizing rules.

An expert noted that for megacities like Beijing and Shanghai, lifting all car purchase restrictions is unlikely. Given the severe traffic congestion, completely removing limits would worsen road conditions.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, by the end of 2024, Beijing and Shanghai had more than 7 million and 5 million vehicles on their roads, respectively.

MIL OSI China News –

March 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Wilson, Professor of Social Impact, University of Technology Sydney

Queensland and the federal government have reached an agreement on school funding. This means all Australian states and territories are now signed up to new arrangements, which officially began at the start of 2025.

The agreement follows more than a year of negotiations between the federal and state governments.

The agreements mean government schools will receive 25% of funding from the federal government, up from 20%. Cash-strapped state and territory governments now only have to find 75% (down from 80%).

In some good news for schools, it also means there is now a firm plan to “fully fund” public schools by 2034. This means they will get 100% of the funding recommended by the schooling resource standard (or school funding mechanism) – albeit more than a decade after it was first recommended by the Gonski review in 2011.

Much of the debate about the agreements has understandably focused on the funding split between federal and state governments.

But the agreements also tie vital funding for schools to specific targets and reforms for the next ten years. There is plenty of fine print.

Here are four major changes we can expect to see in schools and classrooms around Australia.

Read more:
Underfunded? Overfunded? How school funding works in Australia

1. A ‘unique’ identifier for all students

The new agreement will see all students receive a “unique student identifier” as part of a national system.

This is a number all students will have from the time they start school. It would follow them through school to tertiary education or any other further study or training.

The idea was first agreed to by the former Council of Australian Governments in 2009 and is already in place for university and vocational education students.

A long time in the planning, it was included in the last school funding agreement, which expired at the end of 2024, despite little progress.

At the moment, education systems can easily lose track of students. For example, pre-COVID an estimated 50,000 children and young people were not officially tracked by education authorities.

The identifier number means governments will be able to track students across school systems. For example, if they move from the public system to the private system. Or if they move states or begin homeschooling.

The identifier will also provide a greater understanding of the pathways taken by young people after school and potentially make it easier to link senior high schooling with TAFE and other vocational studies.

Introducing a bill to set up architecture for the indentifier last year, federal Education Minister Jason Clare said it would have “robust privacy measures”, including protection under the Privacy Act.

Read more:
NSW has finally struck a school funding deal. What does this mean for schools and students?

2. A new numeracy check

Along with rolling out a well-publicised national phonics check for Year 1 (which some states are already doing), the new agreements include a numeracy check for young students.

While numeracy is checked as part of NAPLAN in Year 3, the test was not designed to provide diagnostic data on individual students.

The new checks will be used to identify students and schools in need of extra support.

So far, we have few details on the design or time frames. The checks may also need significant research and development to work effectively. But existing programs (such as in South Australia) show screening checks have the potential to provide better monitoring and resourcing for student needs.

3. A review of how school funding is calculated

The new agreement also flags two more significant reviews.

One will be on the way school funding is calculated – the first review since the current system was devised in 2011.

The schooling resource standard is an estimate of how much total public funding a school needs to meet its students’ educational needs.

In 2025, the base rates are A$13,977 for primary students and $17,565 for high school students. On top of these, there are six loadings to provide extra funding for students and schools with additional needs. This includes students with disability, Indigenous students and students in remote areas.

But as a 2023 Productivity Commission review noted, some individual students qualify under multiple categories, and “the effects can be compounding”. This means this level of disadvantage needs more understanding and policy adjustment.

The review will examine the methodology behind the base rate and loadings. As part of this, it will hopefully look at transparency around school funding arrangements. The Australian National Audit Office identified this as an issue as far back as 2017.

4. A review of how schools are measured

There will also be a review of the national Measurement Framework for Schooling in Australia. This details key performance measures for schooling, such as attendance, NAPLAN results and school completion.

This framework usually has just minor adjustments about every couple of years. But a more significant overhaul is now in the works, with states agreeing a review will look at “possible new and updated measures”.

These could include indicators for students’ engagement and learning growth, as well as outcomes for students with disability and the teaching workforce.

An improved national data set holds enormous potential for addressing educational challenges, like declining participation rates, school refusal and teacher shortages.

Elsewhere in the new agreement, states and territories also agreed to “better understand” how socioeconomic diversity and school attendance are impacting student learning. This can be seen as high-level acknowledgement the current reporting mechanisms and data on students need to improve.

Now we need to see progress

The new schools agreement contains some promising new measures to improve outcomes for students and teachers. But we now need to see them implemented.

As the Productivity Commission and National Audit Office have previously noted, just because something is included in a school funding agreement, does not necessarily mean it will happen on time or as planned.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement – https://theconversation.com/4-key-changes-you-may-have-missed-in-the-new-school-funding-agreement-252291

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Choi Yuk-lin bound for Iceland

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin will lead a delegation of Hong Kong principals and educationalists in attending the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland, from tomorrow.

After visiting Iceland, Ms Choi and her delegation will visit India. Their itinerary is aimed at promoting Hong Kong’s advantages as an international post-secondary education hub.

Besides discussing trends in global education with education ministers from around the world at the Reykjavík forum, Ms Choi will also visit local schools and meet Icelandic educationalists.

The education chief will fly to Delhi on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 2025 Conference & Exhibition.

She will be accompanied by representatives from the University Grants Committee (UGC) and UGC-funded universities, and will give a speech at the Delhi event about studying in Hong Kong.

Ms Choi will return to Hong Kong on Friday. During her absence, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tony Juniper CBE reappointed to continue protecting nature and boosting growth as Natural England Chair
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Tony Juniper CBE reappointed to continue protecting nature and boosting growth as Natural England Chair

His reappointment comes as Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, is rewiring and reforming Defra and its arm’s-length bodies to unlock growth under the Plan for Change
Tony Juniper CBE (Photo credit: Jason Bye)

The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has today (Monday 24 March) confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE has been reappointed as Chair of Natural England for a third term.

Tony’s continued leadership comes as Mr. Reed is rewiring Defra and its arm’s-length bodies to embark on an ambitious programme of reforming regulation and delivery to unleash economic growth across the country, with Natural England playing a major role.

Planning reforms and a new Nature Restoration Fund under the Secretary of State’s leadership will unblock much needed housing and development whilst supporting nature recovery at scale. It will help developers meet their environmental obligations more efficiently, making it easier to build vital infrastructure like wind farms, railways and roads, gigafactories and data centres.

Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper said:

“It is truly an honour to be reappointed Chair of Natural England. Our role in protecting and restoring the natural environment is vital for the country’s economy, health and security and I am looking forward to two more years supporting government in delivering Nature-positive change.

“From creating the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves and the King Charles III England Coast Path, launching 12 new landscape-scale Nature Recovery Projects and bringing the iconic beaver back to Britain’s waterways, our work over the past six years is helping turn the tide toward Nature’s recovery.

“I’m immensely proud of the Natural England team and excited to lead the organisation as we ensure development, growth and nature restoration go forward hand-in-hand – delivering a brighter future for everyone.”

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

“Tony brings a wealth of passion, experience and expertise to the role, which we will need more than ever as we grow the economy and restore our natural world.

“Tony and I are fully committed to infrastructure, to housing, to growth.

“Our reforms will fast-track development to boost economic growth while funding large-scale environmental improvements across whole landscapes as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.”

First appointed in 2019, Tony Juniper will become the longest serving chair of Natural England, the government’s statutory adviser on nature. He will continue in the role for two years from 23 April 2025 to 22 April 2027.

Natural England is working with the government to deliver the shared ambition to grow nature and the economy for the benefit of everybody. This includes ensuring guidance is fit for purpose and moving toward better strategic planning to secure environmental improvements while development takes place.

Nature in Britain is in decline. That is why this Government has launched a rapid review to deliver on our legally binding environment targets, including halting the decline of species by 2030. Under his extended chairmanship, Tony will be at the forefront of the Government’s drive to meet these targets.

Tony Juniper’s reappointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be made public. Tony has declared that he has not taken part in any significant political activity in the past five years.

Tony Juniper biography

Tony Juniper CBE has been Chair of Natural England since 2019.

Prior to joining Natural England, Tony was Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at WWF-UK and President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

He is a Fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and former advisor to the Prince of Wales (now King Charles).

He began his career as an ornithologist, working with Birdlife International and for many years worked with Friends of the Earth, most recently as Executive Director and Vice Chair of Friends of the Earth International.

He is a prolific author publishing many books, including ‘Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet’ and the multi-award-winning bestseller ‘What has Nature ever done for us?’

In 2017, Tony was recognised for his services to conservation with a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Natural England

Natural England is the government’s statutory adviser for the natural environment in England.

Natural England’s purpose is to help conserve, enhance and manage the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

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Published 24 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Jeito Capital co-leads the oversubscribed €78 million financing in Augustine Therapeutics to develop novel therapies for neuromuscular, cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Jeito Capital co-leads the oversubscribed €78 million financing in Augustine Therapeutics to develop novel therapies for neuromuscular, cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
- Proceeds from the financing will advance Augustine’s lead candidate, AGT-100216, through a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial in Charcot-Marie-Tooth and support significant pipeline expansion into cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
- This investment reinforces Jeito’s expertise and interest to breakthrough innovations in neurological diseases that affect large patient populations with high unmet medical needs and limited treatment options
Paris, France, March 24, 2025 – Jeito Capital (“Jeito”), a global leading independent Private Equity fund dedicated to biopharma, announced today it is co-leading an oversubscribed €77.7 million (USD 84.8 million) Series A financing round in Augustine Therapeutics (“Augustine”), a biotechnology company focused on developing new therapies for neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic diseases through the inhibition of the cytosolic Histone DeACetylase 6 (HDAC6) enzyme.

Jeito and Novo Holdings, new investors, co-led the oversubscribed total financing, joined by existing investors Asabys Partners, who led an initial €17,5 million closing in 2024, Eli Lilly and Company, AdBio Partners, V-Bio Ventures, PMV, VIB and Gemma Frisius Fund, the US-based Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation, and Newton Biocapital. Augustine was initially formed and seed-funded by V-Bio Ventures, AdBio Partners, VIB, PMV, and Gemma Frisius Fund.

Mehdi Ainouche, Senior Principal, and Annette Clancy, Operational Investor at Jeito Capital, will also join Augustine’s Board of Directors respectively as Board member and observer.

Founded in 2019 in Belgium, as a spin-off from the European-based excellence center VIB-KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Augustine has identified HDAC6 inhibition as a promising approach for the treatment of neuropathies and particularly Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease – a motor and sensory neuropathy that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to progressive muscle weakness, sensory loss, deformities, and walking difficulties.
HDAC6 plays a key role in cellular processes related to tissue aging, and its pharmacological inhibition is a promising approach in a number of diseases. Augustine Therapeutics has developed a next-generation approach to selectively inhibit HDAC6 while preserving its beneficial non-catalytic functions.

Proceeds from the investment will advance Augustine’s lead candidate, AGT-100216, through a Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept clinical trial in CMT, expected to begin in 2025. The financing will also support pipeline expansion for two other programs in undisclosed neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic indications.

Through this investment, Jeito leverages its expertise in neurology, a therapeutic area with strong potential for innovation and significant unmet needs. The quality of Augustine’s assets and team – led by Gerhard Koenig who brings more than 30 years of experience in drug development and track-record in biopharma successes – aligns with Jeito’s investment thesis of accelerating the development of groundbreaking medical innovations and unlocking companies’ potential to become future global market leaders.

Dr. Rafaèle Tordjman, MD, PhD, Founder and CEO of Jeito Capital, said:
“Through this new investment, Jeito reaffirms its interest in a cutting-edge therapeutic field, where innovation can bring transformative benefits for patients still heavily impacted by the disease. This commitment to the patients is at the core of our mission, and takes on its full meaning through this funding. We are delighted to support Augustine and share our knowledge and experience with its talented teams, to advance novel therapeutics and contribute to the development of future innovative treatments.”

Mehdi Ainouche, Senior Principal at Jeito Capital, added:
“This investment illustrates Augustine’s potential for innovation in a therapeutic area where patients have limited to no treatment options. We are therefore happy to co-lead this financing to realize Augustine’s potential, which stands out for both the quality of its research and the expertise of Gerhard and his team. We look forward to our future collaboration, which shares a common ambition: to accelerate clinical development to go faster to patients.”

Gerhard Koenig, CEO Augustine Therapeutics, concluded:
“This significant financing is a testament to the innovative medicinal chemistry that Augustine was founded on, which acts via a unique mechanism of action. The therapeutic potential of HDAC6 is widely recognized in our industry, but previous drug approaches have been sub-optimal, particularly for chronic diseases. At Augustine, we believe we have solved these challenges with a novel non-hydroxamate, non-hydrazide producing chemotype which is highly selective and avoids the typical liabilities of prior chemotypes, unlocking HDAC6 inhibition as a therapeutic approach. We now look forward to rapidly advancing our lead candidate into clinical trials for the treatment of CMT, while broadening the potential for our candidates to change treatment paradigms for neurological and cardio-metabolic diseases. I would like to thank our new and existing investors for their unwavering support as we continue to advance into clinical development.”

About Jeito Capital
Jeito Capital is a global leading Private Equity fund with a patient benefit driven approach that finances and accelerates the development and growth of ground-breaking medical innovation. Jeito empowers and supports managers through its expert, integrated, multi-talented team and through the investment of significant capital to ensure the growth of companies, building market leaders in their respective therapeutic areas with accelerated patients’ access globally, especially in Europe and the United States. Jeito has built a diversified portfolio of clinical biopharmas with cutting-edge innovations addressing high unmet needs. Jeito Capital is based in Paris with a presence in Europe and the United States.
For more information, please visit www.jeito.life or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

About Augustine Therapeutics

Augustine Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the treatment of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic diseases through its next-generation approach to selectively inhibit HDAC6. Augustine’s HDAC6 inhibitors has been purposefully designed to selectively inhibit HDAC6 while preserving its beneficial non-catalytic functions. Augustine’s lead program, AGT-100216, is the first selective HDAC6 inhibitor for long-term treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. With its novel non-hydroxamate, non-hydrazide producing chemotype, Augustine’s HDAC6 approach is selective, avoids the limitations of other chemotypes, and built for chronic diseases. With this novel approach, the Company will also be targeting diseases beyond CMT, including neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic diseases. Augustine Therapeutics was founded on the ground-breaking research of Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch from the VIB-KU Leuven in Belgium.
For more information visit www.augustinetx.com.

Contacts:

Jeito Capital
Rafaèle Tordjman, Founder & CEO
Jessica Fadel, EA
Tel: +33 6 33 44 25 47

Maior                                                ICR Healthcare
Stéphanie Elbaz                                Mary-Jane Elliott / Davide Salvi / Kris Lam
Tel: +33 6 46 05 08 07                        Jeito@icrhealthcare.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

The MIL Network –
March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin discussed in the DPR the implementation of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the program of socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

March 23, 2025

Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic and inspected a number of facilities

March 23, 2025

Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic and inspected a number of facilities

March 23, 2025

Previous news Next news

Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the program of socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic, where he held a meeting on the program for the socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, and also inspected a number of facilities.

“We discussed the housing restoration program at the meeting, discussed the implementation of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”. We also looked closely at the road renovation program, which the region has worked out very well: a detailed plan is outlined up to 2030 and concerns federal, regional and municipal roads. The main emphasis this year is on repairing the street and road network. I would like to note that we are now preparing to restore four districts of Donetsk that have been under fire for a long time,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

As part of his tour of Mariupol, Marat Khusnullin visited the stadium, the infrastructure of which was completely modernized, and the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education of PSTU.

“In September 2023, after a large-scale restoration, the Priazovsky State Technical University opened its doors. Today I visited another of its institutions and talked to students. The building from the late 19th century was originally planned for training, and to this day it is an alma mater that trains specialists in 21 areas. Including builders and metallurgists. The plans for the 2025 academic year include accepting more than 1.5 thousand people. The buildings with a total area of about 15 thousand square meters were half-destroyed, they were on fire. They were restored by specialists from the Leningrad Region, and during the work they also discovered a painting from the Soviet period, which depicts builders,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin made working trips to Zaporizhia Oblast and Sevastopol

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

March 22, 2025

Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

March 22, 2025

In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin inspected the construction of a multidisciplinary pediatric medical center

March 22, 2025

In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin got acquainted with the current and completed work at the largest university in the Zaporizhia region – Melitopol State University

March 22, 2025

Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region

March 22, 2025

In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region

March 22, 2025

Previous news Next news

Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia Oblast and Sevastopol on working trips. In Melitopol, he checked the progress of construction of a multidisciplinary pediatric medical center, familiarized himself with the current and completed work at the largest university in Zaporizhia Oblast – Melitopol State University, and held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region.

“During the meeting, they said that in order to attract people to the Melitopol and Berdyansk agglomerations, it is important to create a modern infrastructure, increasing the volume of housing construction, upgrading housing and communal services facilities, and social facilities. What is encouraging is that positive dynamics are visible in these areas. For example, they are actively working with long-term construction projects. I stopped by one of three such sites on Belyaeva Street in Melitopol. The first house was completed in December last year, and the second is planned to be commissioned in August. In total, there will be about 140 apartments. On my next visit, I hope to see that the construction of investment housing has also begun. They also talked about industrial development, interaction with the Free Economic Zone Territory Development Fund. I looked at how an enterprise producing parts for railway locomotives, motor cars, and rolling stock is working. They are planning to expand the sales market, but they are already sending their products to Penza and Kolomna,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

In the multidisciplinary pediatric medical center with an infectious diseases department under the control of the “Single Customer”, work is currently underway on reinforcing and concreting the foundation slab, reinforcing the columns and basement walls, and the construction of internal walls and partitions has already begun in the infectious diseases building. And at the Melitopol State University, builders are repairing academic buildings, dormitories, gyms, canteens, a library, boiler houses and other facilities located on the territory of the university. As a result, a comfortable educational environment will be created for more than 12 thousand students.

During a working visit to Sevastopol, Marat Khusnullin met with the region’s governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, and discussed the development of the region with him.

“Sevastopol is among the leaders of the Southern Federal District in implementing national and federal projects. I consider it extremely promising in terms of housing development, investment attraction, and, of course, tourism. We will continue our comprehensive work within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

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 –

March 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Hack the Future” Hackathon at IIT Gandhinagar organized by NSO, India successfully concluded

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 8:52AM by PIB Delhi

NSO. India in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), successfully concluded its 36-hour hackathon titled “Hack the Future” today at the IITGN campus.

The event witnessed participation from 18 teams representing prestigious academic institutions across India which included IITs, NITs, IIITs etc. Participants tackled three innovative challenges presented to them with guidance given by mentors from the Ministry and the institute. A five jury members comprising experts from industry, academia, and the Ministry evaluated the final solutions.

The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head NSO; Shri P.R. Meshram, Director General, NSO India and Dr. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar.

In his address, Shri P.R. Meshram congratulated all participants and highlighted that the hackathon represents an extension of the Ministry’s ongoing modernization initiatives. Dr. Moona encouraged participants to continue their work in data science and statistics beyond the hackathon, leveraging the extensive datasets made available by MoSPI. He also commended the Ministry for its innovative initiatives.

Dr. Garg expressed satisfaction with the nationwide participation and congratulated all finalist teams. He encouraged participants to continue working in this field to contribute to nation-building efforts.

Prizes were awarded to the top three solutions across three categories. Plaksha University, Chandigarh claimed the top spot in two categories, while Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology won in the remaining category. The second-place winners were IIT Jammu, VIT Vellore, and NIT Goa in their respective categories, while NMIMS Mumbai, IIIT Vadodara, and IIT Kharagpur secured third place in their respective categories.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to continue fostering innovation through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 24, 2025