On 22 January Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI where he got an overview of the university’s development plans, looked at some of the latest work produced by young engineers, and spoke with the university’s students.
At the entrance to the University the President was welcomed by Director General of the State Corporation «Rosatom» S.V. Kiriyenko, the Russian Minister of Education and Science D.V.Livanov, the assistant to the President A.A. Fursenko and the rector of the MEPhI M.N. Strikhanov.
Rector accompanied Russian President along the several stands telling him about the history and present state of the university. In particular, he noted that MEPhI has been included in some of the world rankings along with only a few Russian universities. Rector also told about the implementation of major programs and about the university plans to attract the world's scientists to provide lectures.
M.N. Strikhanov reported on the implementation of the one of the tasks within May presidential decrees - raising salaries to teachers. According to him, by 2020 it will meet specified parameters fixed by the leadership of the country.
Afterwards Vladimir Putin came to the stand with a number of new developments. Young engineers showed him a unique endoscopic capsule and a system called «Shield» to protect against cyber-attacks. «This device was already established in the White House in 2012», - said one of the development engineers. Later the President went to the Assembly Hall to communicate with students.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the participants with Tatiana's Day and wished MEPhI and all russian students a success in their education and future employment.
«I should say that I am curious to visit such university as MEPhI, the legendary university, without any exaggeration», - said the President highlighting the importance of its establishment in the Soviet era (1942). Now the university, according to Vladimir Putin, «has become the source of manpower for our nuclear industry, both for military nuclear facilities and for the peaceful atom».
The President also praised the quality of teaching, the level of research and graduate training. «Experts of your institution are the absolute world leaders on the wide range of directions» - said the Head of the state.
He added that experts in the nuclear industry are watching intently the progress being achieved within MEPhI walls. «And, of course, a lot will depend on you», - said Vladimir Putin addressing the students.
Especially great impression on students made a sudden musical improvisation of Vladimir Putin who performed on the piano a melody of the song «Moscow Windows». Male voice choir of MEPhI immediately and easily took up the song.
Afterwards in the library hall of the University was held the conversation of the President with scholarship students and with the winners of MEPhI science competitions. The shorthand record of this meeting may be found at the president site.
According to the materials of the federal media
Photos ate made by Press and Information MEPhI Office
