Russia’s Academic University offers training in nanotechnologies to Belarus

The Saint Petersburg Academic University – Nanotechnology Research and Education Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (the Academic University) is willing to offer training programs in nanotechnologies to Belarusian scientists, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rector of the Academic University Zhores Alferov said speaking at the session of the Belarus-St Petersburg Business Cooperation Council on 2 October, BelTA has learnt.

Zhores Alferov noted that today nanotechnologies are not just a word. “Many realize their huge practical value. The Academic University is ready to sign an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on the enrollment (of Belarusian scientists – BelTA’s note) to this university for a Master's program and postgraduate studies, so that they could take part in joint projects,” the Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences said.

He welcomed rather vigorous sci-tech cooperation between Belarusian and St Petersburg scientists: “Joint projects with Belarusian research institutions are implemented by 23 out of 40 research centers of the Saint Petersburg Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”. According to Zhores Alferov, these projects are important for both Saint Petersburg and Belarus.

He believes that Belarusian and Russian scientists should unite efforts to produce drugs that now have to be imported. Modern science is coming up with new approaches to developing such drugs, including medicines to treat cancer. “I think joint programs in this area would be particularly relevant,” the Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences said. He added that Belarus and Saint Petersburg have a great human resources potential in this field.

As was reported earlier, the northern capital of Russia hosted a session of the Belarus-St Petersburg Business Cooperation Council on 2 October. The session was attended by Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich.