At an enlarged meeting of the
Academic Council of Kazan Federal University, new rector Lenar Safin was
introduced to the university staff. The event was attended by the Minister of
Science and Higher Education of Russia Valery Falkov, Tatarstan President
Rustam Minnikhanov and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Tatarstan President’s Press
Office reports.
V. Falkov stressed that the
university respects traditions and at the same time confidently and
consistently is moving forward thanks to the support of the republican and state
government. He also noted that KFU is an active participant of almost all
federal programs. “We have to maintain a high standard, - he said, addressing
the university staff. – You have made a great progress in the last few years.
Despite the difficult foreign situation, the university declares itself as a
world-class university and develops accordingly.”
Russian Minister
of Science and Higher Education also reminded that KFU successfully develops
its strategy in the foreign market. “You have the largest number of
international students, - he said. - You are opening international branches, in
CIS countries. It is important not only for the university, but also for the
republic and for the country.”
Tatarstan President,
in turn, noted that KFU is one of the largest scientific and educational
centers in Russia. “More than 48 thousand students study here, 11 thousand of
them are from other countries,”- R. Minnikhanov said.
He noted the
success of the university in all areas and thanked the country's leadership for
the support. “In 2010, the university received the status of a federal
university, integrated into its structure six independent universities, three
medical institutions, two schools for gifted children and a school. The
training of teachers, doctors and engineers has been resumed,”- Tatarstan
President noted.
In addition, the
university has opened advanced training courses for government employees and
MBA training programs, Oriental studies, as well as new scientific schools of
bio- and information technologies have been formed.
Addressing Lenar
Safin, Tatarstan President stressed that he faces large–scale tasks for the
further development of the university, among which contribution to the university
staff and scientific and technological support of the sovereignty and global
competitiveness of Russia. “The University, as the leader of the scientific and
educational complex of Tatarstan, should act as an integrator of the efforts of
all segments of the sphere of science and technology - academic, university,
industry and corporate,”- R. Minnikhanov said. The President stressed that
Lenar Safin has all the necessary knowledge, experience and competencies to
cope with the tasks set.
“I will continue
the chosen course towards training in-demand professionals on the basis of
classical university education. At the same time, I believe that teachers
should be allowed to focus on teaching, research, and science. I am aware of
all the responsibility for the university staff. I promise to work honestly and
conscientiously,”- said the new rector of KFU.
For reference,
previously Lenar Safin represented the republic of Tatarstan in the Federation
Council (at the Economic Policy Committee). After taking office as the Rector
of KFU, his powers in the Federation Council expire.