Rustam Minnikhanov: "Problems of engineering education to be discussed in Kazan"

On September 26 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, representatives of Russian Ministry of Education and Science, rectors of national research universities, heads of Tatarstan ministries and leading enterprises, representatives of international and Russian public organisations took part in a session on training engineering staff for oil, gas and chemical industry in Kazan within the framework of international symposium on engineering education.

The symposium “Global challenges in engineering education” is organized by the International Society for Engineering Education to discuss trends in education development and researchesat higher technical school, share practices in engineering education, and get familiar with new projects and innovative developments.

The moderator at the session was Rector of Kazan National Research Technology University, Co-Chairman of IGIP symposium German Dyakonov.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted growing needs of Tatarstan enterprises in highly skilled engineers. He reminded that two roil-refining plants, big petrochemical complexes, tyre production are functioning and developing in Tatarstan.

Rustam Minnikhanov continued: “For the whole period of new state formation Russia faced chaos in educational sphere. Today, all opportunities should be consolidated, and we should focus on real sector of economy, in cooperation with foreign partners as well.”

President of International Society for Engineering Education Dr. Michael Auer welcomed participants of the event and thanked Tatarstan leadership for organization of the forum. He also presented the membership certificate to Rustam Minnikhanov.

Deputy Director General of OAO Tatneft on personnel and social development Rustam Mukhamadeev and Deputy Director General of OAO Nizhnekamskneftekhim Vasily Shuisky told about their own personnel training system.

Director of School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University (USA) Arvind Varma told that they teach students individual thinking, searching of multiple solutions, team work skills, and self-education skills.

President of American Society for Engineering Education Wolter Buchanan noted that in USA research universities pay less attention to engineering education, unlike Kazan National Research Technology University. He was surprised by the fact that 40 per cent of Russian students study engineering disciplines in comparison with USA.

Vice-President of Russian Rectors’ council, Chairman of Rectors’ Board of the Volga federal district Roman Strongin said that educational infrastructure became out-of-date, though Tatarstan is trying to renew it.