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Young scientists from 18 nations arrived in Saint-Petersburg for XIV “Topical issues of rational use of natural resources” international forum

Горный университет
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Анастасия Литвинова

On Wednesday, 18th of April, XIV international forum on “Topical issues of rational use of natural resources” opened at Saint-Petersburg Mining University. Students and young scientists from national and foreign universities as well as officials representing various mining, gas, oil, energy and metallurgical companies participated in the forum this year.

Rector of Saint-Petersburg Mining University, Vladimir Litvinenko, addressed the audience stating that humanity is currently facing a serious issue related to the use of subsoil resources. On one hand, it is necessary to increase the extraction of mineral resources to meet the demand of energy complex. On the other hand, minimizing the damage to environment is vital. Solving this issue requires introduction of new technologies to the industry while constantly upgrading the old ones. This dilemma will become the main topic of upcoming international forums, meanwhile, the participants are arriving in Saint-Petersburg to present their current scientific research and other industry-related projects.

The Universities from all over the world agree that progress in sphere of science and education is not just a necessity of life, it’s a locomotiv of development for the whole society. That is exactly why the number of participants of the forum increases every year. We see new faces and new schools present, while universities like Freiberg Mining Academy (Germany), Mountain University of Leoben (Austria) and Krakow University of Technology (Poland) visit us every year,” Litvinenko said.

Another important task at hand is to reduce the deficit of certain specialists in mining and processing industries. Nowadays, it’s a “number one problem” for many nations. The solution here can only be reached by consolidating the effort of the whole international academic community.

Горный университет
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Анастасия Литвинова

Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Saint Petersburg, Andjei Hodkevic stated, “Various Polish universities have been collaborating with Saint-Petersburg Mining University for years. We do not want to lose such opportunity. The way forward for both of us is in exchanging students, faculty and scientists. Russia, for example, is a great place to learn mining of oil and gas, while Poland is well-advanced in coal generation; and we are willing to share those technologies”.

Carsten Drebenstedt, the professor of Freiberg Mining Academy, noted that his University participates in the young scientists international forum every year. Over 30 undergraduate and graduate students from Freiburg and about the same number from other universities in Germany arrived at the forum in 2018. Their research highlights topics such as energy preserving technologies, protection of the environment, post-mining remediation of land amongst many other.

Горный университет
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Анастасия Литвинова

“I think it is important to familiarize our young scientists with Russia and its people. Personally, I am a strong believer you can hardly find better friends than russians. The people here are kind and very hospitable and we want our future generations to feel it as well. If Europe and Russia continue collaborating constructively, we will ensure peace and lay a strong foundation for future progress in science and education”, Carsten Drebenstedt added.

In total, this year’s forum attracted over 300 students and young scientists from 68 universities and companies representing 18 different nations such as Austria, Germany, UK, Spain, China, Poland, Czech Republic and many others.