psuscience

Russian Science Foundation Announces Grants for 2023-2026

20.09.2022 / , , ,

The Department of Scientific and Innovation Activity at Perm State University reminds about the start of applications for a grant competition “Research activity of global-scale scientific laboratories, acquiring the policy of scientific and technological development priorities of the Russian Federation” (Applications Due to 3 October, 2022).

Supported by the President of Russian Federation, the grants by the Russian Science Foundation, will be allocated to acclaimed scholars, including young ones, to support their fundamental research and research practices in 2023-2026, followed by the possible extension of the supported project for 3 years. The scientific study (project) should be aimed at solving specific problems within one of the priorities of scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, as defined by the related strategy.

Invited for the competition are projects of scientific teams involved in global-scale scientific research, performed on the basis of existing laboratories (divisions) of Russian scientific organizations, Russian educational institutions of higher education or other organizations whose constituent documents provide the opportunity of carrying out scientific research on the territory of the Russian Federation by international (interstate or intergovernmental) scientific organizations, regardless of the position held by the head of the research team (hereinafter referred to as the project leader), his/her academic degree and citizenship, as well as organizational, legal and ownership status of the organization which shares the employment or civil law relations with the project leader or research team members.  

The amount of the grant by the Russian Science Foundation is from RUB 20 million up to RUB 30 million in 2023; up to RUB 28 million in 2024; up to RUB 26 million in 2025; up to RUB 24 million in 2026.

To implement the project, legal entities interested in the results of the project may provide additional monetary funding.

Deadline for applications: 5pm (Moscow time), 3 October, 2022. Applications should be filled in electronically, using the Russian Science Foundation information and analytical system.  

The results will be announced on 1 March, 2023.

Detailed information about the Competition and the requirements for the participants may be found at the following link and additionally at the Natural Science Institute at Perm State University (building 16, office 335).

PSU Scholars Present at St. Petersburg International Gas Forum

16.09.2022 / , , , , ,

On 13-16 September, Perm State University (PSU) is participating 11th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, presenting its research and practice activity in photonics and bioconversion, along with Perm Scientific and Educational Center “Rational Subsoil Use”.

Among the Forum participants are Professor Sergey Pyankov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and Anatoly Pankov, Research Engineer at the “Photonics” NTI Competence Center at PSU.

At the Forum, the “Photonics” NTI Competence Center at PSU has presented four types of specially coated optical fibers, resistant to high temperatures (up to +400’C) and electromagnetic radiation, which makes their effective operation in wells and mines. Also exhibited, were two kinds of optical signal modulators developed by PSU “Photonics” Center (https://ntiphotonics.ru/), and used as a signal source for transmitting information via optical fibers from mines and wells to control panels.

The developments of PSU scientists in biotechnology and bioconversion of oily waste are used to restore ecosystems after industrial accidents and in mining areas, across several Russian regions. In that field, PSU joins its efforts with the Laboratory of Alkanotrophic Microorganisms at the Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which stocks the world’s largest collection of bacteria capable of oxidizing natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons.

“The gas industry may rely on Russian science in the tasks of developing technological independence, as  our scientists’ latest developments tend to prove. Here at the Forum, we are promoting photonics technologies that can be applied in advanced well monitoring equipment. Another direction is biotechnologies, which help in the rehabilitation of ecosystems in the mining area or industry-related accidents,”

said Pavel Ilyushin, Head of of Perm Scientific and Educational Center “Rational Subsoil Use”.

Rational Subsoil Use and Photonics at PSU

The Perm Scientific and Educational Center “Rational Subsoil Use” had been created within the national project “Science” by the President of the Russian Federation, aiming  to create an ecosystem ensuring  technological breakthroughs in subsoil use, attracting young and  talented scholars.

Photonics is a dynamically developing area in science and technology, adjoining optics and electronics. Photonics uses photons rather than electrons to transmit data compared to electronics, introducing revolutionary change into entire industry. The solutions offered by photonics allow to increase the speed of information transfer and processing, reduce power consumption and provide a higher margin of competitiveness over electronic counterparts.

The annual income from the sale of devices and systems using photonics exceeds any expectations. While in 2019 the photonics market was valued at $686.86 billion, it is now expecting to reach $1080.3 billion by 2025.

PSU Linguists Acquire to Academic Mobility

15.03.2022 / , , , ,

3rd year students in Linguistics, Faculty of Modern Languages and Literature have completed their internship at the International Academic Cooperation Office, PSU. Their activity has been connected with applications for Erasmus+ European cooperation programs.

Elizaveta Kell and Olesya Likhareva contributed to the project “Enracing Inclusion and Equality in Hybrid Teaching and Learning” – defining the concept, goals and objectives, filling out the application form in English. The students attended international meetings with foreign universities, where the targets of creating a project consortium and defining the roles of each partner were discussed.

Olesya Likhareva shares her impressions on doing a project on hybrid learning: “We liked to create English texts in formal business style, upgrading our professional skills. The project dealt with the improvement of higher education through a hybrid format, incorporating both offline and online practices. Such a mixed approach is being especially relevant during the pandemic.”

Mizhgona Giyosova, Margarita Yurkova, Alena Kardakova, Valeria Titova and Marina Smirnyagina worked on the project “Virtual Exchanges in Climate Research”. They mastered and perfected the skills of planning an international project, drafting a project proposal in English, risk management, working in a project team, negotiating with Russian and international partners.

Natalya Dobrynina, head of the International Academic Cooperation Office, noted the ability of PSU interns to work in a team, interact with colleagues, use background knowledge and conduct search.

PSU Sets on 2021 Records, Raises Money to Support Science

25.02.2022 / , , , , , ,

Dr. Sergey Pyankov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, has overviewed the results of 2021 at the Academic Council of Perm State University (PSU). Along with PSU Press Office, we have paid close attention to the international component of his report:

In 2021, and for the first time, a group of PSU researchers from a wide spectrum of disciplines performed as authors for the “Science and Global Challenges of the 21st Century – Science and Technology” by Springer. In total, out of 99 publications 59 belonged to PSU scholars.

The Scientific Publishing Office at PSU helped organize the publication of papers, initiated at the Science and Global Challenges of the 21st Century Forum (autumn 2021); the Office continues providing assistance in writing scientific articles for the University scholars.

For the past year, 237 PSU scholars published their papers in internationally recognized journals; among them, 111 people had their publications quoted by the Web of Science. On the average, the number of articles published at Scopus is 2.6, and 2.8 at the Web of Science.

In 2021, a new Department of Scientific and Innovative Activity had been launched at PSU. For the first months of its activity, the Department concluded 12 contracts worth about RUB 70 million. Among the Department’s divisions, the International Academic Cooperation Office assists grant applications, promotes science diplomacy and contributes to the “Rational Subsoil Use” Perm Scientific and Educational Center.   

“This year, we will keep on building a unified and transparent network – providing informational, instructional and executive support of the scientific activity at PSU. We are doing our best to encourage our faculties and research units to write grant applications, as well as run commercial and contractual activities. The related search algorithms, regulatory support and tangible results should be clear and convenient for those researchers. We see our task at providing most full and complete support on that,”

said Dr. Sergey Pyankov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovations, PSU.

Summing up the annual financial records, Dr. Pyankov noted that in 2021, PSU received the maximum amount of RUB 720 mln for research activities, which was 60% higher than in 2020. The Photonics NTI Competence Center, the Natural Sciences Institute, and the Faculty of Physics, PSU made the greatest contribution in this progress.

Scientists Unite to Globally ‘Shape’ Weather

17.12.2021 / , ,

In less than 40 years, we will be able to control and analyze the weather – combining photonic technology and quantum computers, like preventing storms with a laser, say experts from the “Photonics” NTI Competence Center at Perm State University.

Making weather forecast more accurate and ‘local’? Possible, using optical sensors across the globe!  According to the Laboratory of Integral Photonics at PSU, incorporating the Bragg gratings into such sensors will increase their response to changes in temperature, humidity and ambient pressure. The use of fiber-optic communication lines will help transmit a tiny parameter change via optical signal to data processing centers – to have these data calculated and interpreted through quantum computers.

“By combining photonics and quantum computing technologies, we will be able to control various disasters or cyclones with greater precision. To implement that, we will have to create a new element-component base using photonic technologies, including photonic integrated circuits,” says Valery Kozhevnikov, expert at the Photonics NTI Competence Center, research engineer at the Integrated Photonics Laboratory, PSU. One of the Center’s projects concentrates upon making the platform to design and manufacture photonic integrated circuits, based on hybrid technology.

The principle task of constructing a climate and weather model is, among others, making calculations and building predictions out of incomplete or scattered initial data. The final forecast will be available for a download. As a result, we will enjoy a global network that monitors the weather at every single square mile or kilometer – just like buoys in the ocean or sea monitor water levels.

With ultra-short laser pulses passing through the atmosphere, it is also possible to stimulate precipitation in dry areas or wide distance fires. In 2021, the scientists from Switzerland have already used a laser lightning rod – the new method, which unlike the classical ones, does not cause  electromagnetic interference, hence the protection of electronics from possible interference.

The photonic integrated circuits will be extensively introduced in Russia by 2035.

Photonics is a dynamically developing area in science and technology, adjoining optics and electronics. Photonics uses photons rather than electrons to transmit data compared to electronics, introducing revolutionary change into entire industry. The solutions offered by photonics allow to increase the speed of information transfer and processing, reduce power consumption and provide a higher margin of competitiveness over electronic counterparts.

Today, photonics is a developing high-tech industry, which annual income from the sale of devices and systems exceeds any bold expectations. While in 2019 the photonics market was valued at $ 686.86 billion, it is now expecting to reach $ 1080.3 billion by 2025.

PSU Participates Russian-German Symposium

15.12.2021 / , , , , ,

The International Academic Cooperation Office team spoke on behalf of Perm State University at the Russian-German Symposium “The Interaction of Climate Issues Coverage and Science Diplomacy.”

Young scholars, communicators in science and journalists from Germany and Russia used the Symposium platform to discuss the relevant issues, and practice academic communication skills in an interactive workshop. Addressing the topic, the team of Natalia Dobrynina, Kristina Vetrova and Anna Peisakhovich discussed the role of science diplomacy and science journalism.

On behalf of the German side, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences as a part of the Helmholtz Association of National Research Centres (GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam – Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum), and Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin,) took part.

“The events like this are important for Russian universities, as they contribute to the progress of bilateral academic ties, effective academic communication and involvement in the search for joint solutions to global challenges,” says Natalya Dobrynina, Head of the International Academic Cooperation Office, PSU, in an interview with Dr. Ludwig Stroink, Head “Projects & International Affairs” – Executive Board, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences.

Concentrating on the Symposium topic, the participants discussed the positive effect of climate research in international academic collaborations, contributing to the overall diplomatic climate. Dr. Géza Andreas von Geyr, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Russia (Botschafter der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in der Russischen Föderation) participated in the discussion. The participation in the Symposium followed the goal of developing the science diplomacy at PSU within the framework of the “Rational Subsoil Use” Perm Research and Educational Center

Why Study Programming and Nano-Tech in Russia?

03.12.2021 / , , , , , ,

The doors to new friends, research collaborations, hi-tech and job opportunities: where to start with? Ever thought of studying neural networks, nanotechnology and programming? Why not try PSU?

According to https://www.payscale.com/ the average software developer salary in Russia is RUB 1,294,904 ($17,500) per year. In the global scale, the knowledge of programming plus competencies in nano-tech and neuroscience increases this figure several times, hence the demand for education in that field. Which is quite affordable here in central Russia, as well.

Recently, the students of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, PSU won prizes at the RuCode 4.0I international educational festival. Festival participants Vasily Chelpanov, Nikita Ponkin and Vladislav Smirnov won the artificial intelligence competitions.

The RuCode 4.0 IV All-Russian Educational Festival Finals in artificial intelligence and algorithmic programming were held on 20-21 November. In total, 5540 people from 82 regions of Russia and 39 countries took part. The Perm krai has entered Top 5 five active participants, taking the 4th place in terms of the number of Festival participants – 118 people.

PSU contestants took first and third places in the track by the School of Deep Learning at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) and second in the track from Research Data Infrastructure, as well as prizes in the algorithmic programming championship.

“The championship allowed us to test our knowledge and skills in the field of machine learning. In one of the tasks, we had to experiment with architecture of neural networks, stepping in some kind of research. It was fun to see the solutions of the top participants on all tracks, and learn something new,”

says Nikita Ponkin, student of the Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Module, PSU.

The RuCode Festival is known as an international intensive training for young programmers who want to improve their knowledge and gain experience through competitions. The IT Network University and Perm State University assisted to the event in the Perm territory.

Picture source and more info on programming in Russia.

PSU Scientists Analyze Basalt Reserves in Belarus

19.04.2021 / , , , , , , ,

As part of a group of Permian scientists, PSU geologists examined a deposit of basalts found in the Pinsk region (Belarus), regarding its capacity for production of cast glass-crystalline materials. The total reserves of basalt and tuff are estimated at 164.1 million tons.

“Basalt is known as one of the main ‘building components’ of the earth’s crust. Since 5/6 of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, it is mostly the oceanic type we are talking about. With a thickness of 5-15 km (3-9 mi), it is mainly represented by basalts. The challenges of basalt technologies have been the subject of our University scientific research for more than 10 years,”

states Dr. Vladimir Naumov, Department of Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Resources, PSU.

The laboratory and technological samples were sent to the Natural Science Institute at Perm State University, where a complex of analytical and experimental studies have been carried, determining the composition and mineral structure of the initial substance, as well as change of its properties under the high temperatures, within melting,. Using a micro-analyzer, information on samples’ chemical composition was obtained.

“Using the potential of a specially accredited lab here at PSU, enforced by professional equipment and experts involved, recommendations were developed for methods and parameters of rock processing to obtain cast glass-crystalline materials. The scientific report showed the charge compositions with various technological additives; it served a demonstration of specialized melting equipment and principles of its operation, and also commented on physicochemical properties of the materials obtained,”

says Dr. Vladimir Naumov.

The scientists presented a technological scheme for obtaining cast glass-crystalline and welding materials, as well as information on types of products and areas of their application. Also, the analysis of market demand and final products’ application have been performed, with regard to stone casting methods, on industrial scale.

The study involved the cooperation of several research teams, as a ‘test-drive’ consortium of Perm Scientific and Educational Center “Basalt Technologies” – uniting the research Laboratory of Sedimentary and Technogenic Deposits, the Laboratory of Mineralogical and Petrographic Studies at the Natural Science Institute (PSU), the Division of Nano-Mineralogy (PSU), as well as specialists from the Perm National Research Polytechnic University and the Helium Research and Production Company.

On photo: photomicrographs of obtained cast glass-crystalline materials’ surface
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