Siberian Federal University: The KEF Announces the Founding of the First Climatic REC
The plans to build a network of 15 world-class research and educational centres were previously reflected in the May decree of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and are one of the tasks of the Science national project. World-class research and educational centres should unite intellectual and industrial forces in order to create breakthrough projects on specific topics relevant to the region. At the moment, 10 research and educational centres have been selected on a competitive basis — all of them will receive federal support.
Vadim Medvedev, director of the Department for Innovation and Advanced Research of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, notes: “When forming programs for the innovative development of regions, it is extremely important to find a solution, firstly, to improve the quality of higher education, secondly, to improve the training of teachers, and thirdly, to provide support for research and researchers and for work to bridge closer links between universities and the business community”.
The world-class REC should unite the interests of both. And Krasnoyarsk Territory also intends to join its establishment.
Rector of Siberian Federal University Maksim Rumiantsev: “In order to unite the potential of all players, the region needs a platform for conducting fundamental research of various ecosystems and simultaneously developing mechanisms that allow the obtained data on carbon stocks and flows to be translated into the economy in the form of financial equivalents or preferences for our businesses. The first climatic REC in the Russian Federation, in our opinion, can become this platform”.
One of the most pressing topics for Krasnoyarsk Territory is the environment. This is a developed industrial region, one of the country’s leaders in terms of natural resource potential, in which the largest Russian companies that use natural resources operate. It is extremely important to assess the carbon footprint of their products and the carbon offsetting possibilities. At the same time, the scientific and educational potential of the region in this area is well-known and has international recognition.
Sergey Khristolyubov, regional director of QS Quacquarelli Symonds in Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia: “SibFU scientific works in environmental studies and climate change are cited 4.3 times more often than the world average. But few people know about this. Out of these data, we understand what kind of research it is, who these authors are and in cooperation with which universities these works were written. We highly appreciate the prospects for promoting SibFU in the global research market on this topic”.
The experts were unanimous in the fact that for efficient operation, REC needs qualified personnel. Moreover, their training should be placed in the region and actively involve the participation of employers.
Alexander Leibovich, general director of the National Agency for the Development of Qualifications: “The National Council under the President has adopted the Strategy for the Development of Qualifications. At the moment, a document on the timing of the introduction of new professional standards in educational programs is under consideration at the federal level — this period should be no more than a year. In Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Labor and Employment Agency is a strong operator for the development of the qualifications system, and there is every reason to interact with REC in this area”.
REC activities will focus on three key areas:
scientific substantiation of the carbon sequestration potential of forests and soil;
development and implementation of available technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial and energy enterprises;
creation of a network of carbon grounds.
The basis for the start of the climatic REC has already been created — Yenisey Siberia REC has been operating in the region for more than a year. During this time, the project selected its partners, collected primary data on their environmental and economic needs. This is already sufficient information capital, which will allow us to focus on the climate agenda and continue work on a carbon-neutral future not only for the Yenisey Siberia macro-region but for Russia as a whole.