On Friday, August 1, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University held the closing ceremony of the Summer Schools, organized in collaboration with the International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO. Since May, participants have been engaged in educational programs specially designed by faculty from Russia’s oldest technical university. Each session lasted two weeks.
In a formal setting, graduates were congratulated on the successful completion of their training and awarded certificates. This document confirms the professional skills acquired during the program and serves as a valuable addition to their core education, enhancing their competitiveness in the labor market.
In 2025, participants in the short-term international educational programs included young students from China, India, Bolivia, Belarus, and Russia.
“Modern Mining Technologies,” “Current Trends in the Oil and Gas Industry,” “Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Power Engineering,” “Petroleum Geology,” “Management in the Mineral Resources Sector,” “Advanced Structural Materials,” “Intelligent Control Systems,” and “Digital Mining” — these were among the 11 available tracks students could choose from. Instruction for international participants was delivered in English.
Traditionally, the most popular program is “Modern Mining Technologies,” and 2025 was no exception — more than 100 participants completed training in this international school.
- There was even greater demand. The China University of Mining and Technology alone submitted over 150 applications. However, to maintain the quality of education, groups are kept small, typically consisting of 10 to 12 participants. Applicants who could not be accommodated were registered for the next session, planned for the autumn, - explained Valeria Starshaya, Senior Specialist at the UNESCO Centre.
Another highly sought-after track was the “Current Trends in the Oil and Gas Industry” program, which this year welcomed students from two Indian universities.
Also among the most popular were the “Digital Mining” and “Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Power Engineering” programs, attended by students from India and Belarus.
- These programs consistently receive a large number of positive reviews due to their strong practical component and the approach to knowledge assessment, which allows students to develop their own technological solutions to challenges in ensuring the reliability and safety of the mining industry, - noted Valeria Starshaya.
The “Management in the Mineral Resources Sector” program also continues to see growing demand — not only among students of economics, but also among those specializing in mining and oil and gas. The course focuses on building additional competencies in managing mining companies, human resources, administrative processes, and in evaluating and mitigating project risks within the mineral resources sector. This year, the program welcomed participants from Bolivia and India.
The academic plans of the short-term international educational programs included lectures, master classes, case competitions, training on simulation equipment, and an introduction to the work of scientific research centers.
And, of course, there were site visits to real industrial facilities. The list of companies and locations visited by Summer School interns includes more than 16 sites. Among them were the militarized mine rescue unit, the “Smart Labor” training site at SPbGASU, the Ministry of Emergency Situations University, Petrostal plant, Kirov Plant, Power Machines, Baltic Industrial Company, Metrostroy, and the Gavrilovskoye Deposit. All participants also visited the educational and research site of the Mining University in Sablino.
Boris Llanos came from Bolivia, where he works in the postgraduate education department at the University of San Andrés in La Paz, overseeing the organization of doctoral degree defenses. During the Summer Schools, his primary interest lay in gaining knowledge about innovative teaching methods.
- At Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, I was impressed by the combination of solid theoretical training and hands-on practical sessions, as well as the use of advanced technologies, which significantly enhance the learning experience and make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. I would also like to highlight the hospitality and dedication of the host institution. My team and I were warmly welcomed, which made us feel comfortable throughout our stay, - noted Boris Llanos.
Liu Sige, Associate Professor at the College of Resources and Civil Engineering of Northeastern University (Shenyang, Liaoning Province), completed the “Intelligent Control Systems” course, where he studied data processing techniques, analysis of machine learning-driven decisions, and the application of neural networks.
- It’s great that your university organizes so many experiments involving virtual modeling. Students go through simulation-based training before working in real field conditions, which undoubtedly helps ensure safety and allows them to understand what the most challenging aspects of real-world operations are — and which ones should be addressed through research, - said Liu Sige.
Summing up the knowledge he gained over the two weeks of study, Liu Sige highlights two main aspects.
- First, I now have a much better understanding of the fundamentals of control systems. Previously, I only knew the term ‘PID’ [proportional-integral-derivative controller, which analyzes data based on a mathematical model] from textbooks. After studying the relevant theory and working through practical examples, future lab sessions will be far less confusing. Second, I’ve been able to create a solid database for writing future academic papers. This gives me a major advantage — I won’t have to start from scratch, - said Liu Sige.
The Summer Schools format offers a successful blend of education and leisure. That’s why Forpost’s interviewees also shared their personal impressions of the city — rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Saint Petersburg is a fascinating mix of majestic architecture and vibrant student life — completely different from what I expected before coming to Russia. The grand palaces, historic churches, and even the metro stations are a delight to the eye. I was also struck by the Russian mentality. At first, people seemed very serious, even distant — they rarely smile in public. But that impression changes as soon as you get to know them. Then you realize they’re actually warm and kind-hearted, - recalls Liu Sige.
- The architecture of Saint Petersburg is truly breathtaking. At the same time, great attention is paid to safety — something that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s world. That’s one of the reasons I felt confident undertaking such a long journey with my team, - adds Boris Llanos.
The Summer Schools project has been implemented at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University since 2018. Over this period, more than 4,000 participants from 35 countries — including Cuba, Vietnam, Germany, Azerbaijan, Ghana, and Bolivia — have taken part in the program.