OREANDA-NEWS. The Rector of Siberian Federal University (SFU), Eugene Vaganov, and the CEO of Krastsvetmet, Mikhail Dyagilev, signed a collaboration agreement on October, 16.

The main goal of the agreement is to establish SFU academic department at Krastsvetmet not only to bring university science closer to practice, but also to assist graduates with employment opportunities. Students will gain access to technology and equipment, take part in Krastsvetmet's R&D, giving them practical work experience while studying.

"Most people remember the Soviet education system involving industrial internships that allowed students to spend time both at an institution and at a plant, learning to handle equipment and technology," said Mikhail Dyagilev.

"We have already commenced accepting new students this year, and we are already planning to increase the number of enrolled students and modify the course of study as the program develops," he continued.

"Many of the technologies used at Krastsvetmet were created by joint efforts of various institutes, SFU members, and primarily by the Institute of non-ferrous metals and gold, as it was formerly known. We know how important it is to collaborate with such institutions both on the R&D and educational fronts," Mikhail Dyagilev said.

"Most of Krastsvetmet's engineering and technical staff related to metallurgy and chemistry technologies graduated from SFU - so in fact, this agreement is just the next stage of our existing collaboration," he concluded.

Eugene Vaganov added that since SFU was established, the university has made collaboration with extensive hi-tech business a priority.

"We have several dozens of existing agreements with companies on training and personnel development. Krastsvetmet is the most coveted, 'a gold bullion', on this list of agreements," Mr Vaganov said.

Engineering education development is one of the current priorities in the Russian education system. In June this year at the meeting of the Council for Science and Education, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, said that "education should be brought most in line with industrial production. High-grade professionals are required; engineers' skills and qualifications must meet the needs of enterprises."