The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their work related to informatics: "fundamental discoveries and inventions in the field of machine learning and neural networks." This reflects a current trend where humanity, having moved from ancient unified natural philosophy to highly specialized divisions within science, is now rapidly returning to interdisciplinary approaches.
Saint Petersburg Mining University, named after Empress Catherine II, has made advancing interdisciplinary knowledge a core component of its strategy for reform under the pilot project to enhance the national higher education system (as per the presidential decree of May 12, 2023). The university regularly hosts Act Lectures addressing pressing issues in economics and society that appeal to students across all disciplines. These have been delivered by notable figures such as Nobel Physics laureates Anton Zeilinger and Steven Chu, Konstantin Simonov (founder and director of Russia’s National Energy Security Fund), Mikhail Shvydkoy (Special Representative of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation), Karin Kneissl (former Austrian Foreign Minister), academicians from the Russian Academy of Sciences, ambassadors of partner countries, and top executives of multinational corporations.
Ms. Kneissl also conducted a series of four discussion panels at Mining University this semester, addressing topics that transcend any single field of knowledge: the insurance market from the perspective of technological sovereignty, the challenges of collecting energy market statistics, political and commercial actors in the mining industry, and "green deals".
Pedagogical science offers more than 30 definitions of interdisciplinary connections. Numerous methodological approaches to this topic exist, but they are all united by a single principle: such knowledge transforms science from a "disciplinary" field of activity into a problem-oriented one.
«If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to long for the vast and endless sea» – wrote Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
The ultimate goal of the Act Lectures and panel discussions is precisely to inspire representatives of various scientific disciplines to contribute to solving shared problems, spark collaborative research efforts, and broaden their horizons.
Victoria Solovyova, an assistant at the Department of "Organization and Management" at the Mining University, participated as one of the speakers in the discussion panels and shared her opinion on these events with "Forpost":
«Karine Kneissl conducted the discussion panels in English, which primarily provided students with valuable language practice. Moreover, it was active practice—participants not only listened to English speech but also engaged in dialogues. This language skill is essential for young researchers, especially when writing scientific articles for international journals.
The topics discussed were highly beneficial for students and postgraduates from various educational fields. For instance, I participated as a speaker in the panel on energy market analysis. We discussed issues such as finding statistical data. Every young researcher encounters the challenge of sourcing reliable information when working on scientific papers. Such information is often scarce. The event provided valuable advice on how to search for data, assess the reliability of sources, and properly use them, all supported by practical examples and real scientific knowledge about the energy market.
Additionally, the participation of students and postgraduates from different departments enabled them to hear not only the speakers but also each other. A dialogue between representatives of various scientific disciplines on a common problem undoubtedly fosters research collaboration. For example, as an economist specializing in the rare earth metals market, I find it fascinating to engage with metallurgists or environmentalists».
According to Victoria Solovyova, the moderator of the discussion platform, Karine Kneissl, herself exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge. Her expertise in numerous aspects of economics, politics, and law motivates students to pursue self-education, extending beyond the mandatory university curriculum.
Let’s hear from a student representative as well. Viktor Slobodin, a first-year student in specialized higher education, equivalent to the second year of a traditional five-year program in metallurgical studies, shared:
«For me, it's important not only to acquire a system of professional knowledge at the university but also to develop a broad perspective on the world. The format of interdisciplinary lectures and discussion platforms contributes precisely to this. It provides an understanding of various issues from the perspectives of technologists, economists, and so on.
After graduation, I plan to enroll in postgraduate studies to eventually become a lecturer at the Mining University. I believe that having a broad outlook is particularly essential for a teacher. Pedagogical practice begins as early as the second year of postgraduate studies. One must be able to answer students' questions, including those beyond the core subject, provide an overview of related fields, and recommend additional material for independent study».
It is worth noting that both the Act Lectures and discussion platforms are just one element in the process of students acquiring additional competencies at the university. To coordinate this process, a dedicated institute has been established at the Mining University. It integrates the activities of the Interdisciplinary Youth Creativity Center, the Digital Technology Center, the Sablino Educational and Research Ground, and the collaboration of departments and other specialized units into a unified methodological system.
In January 2025, Viktor Slobodin, along with other participants of the panel discussions, will undergo testing, and based on the results, he will receive a certificate for mastering one of the more than 200 additional competencies offered by the Mining University. Graduates, in addition to their main diploma, will have at least eight such competencies in their professional portfolio, as well as two additional professional qualifications.
Once the pilot project is completed, this new model of higher education will be implemented nationwide.