BelSU to Update Three Master’s Programs as Part of the New Materials and Chemistry National Project

As a result of this selection, Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) will receive a grant of 7.8 million roubles to update three master’s programs in Chemistry. These programs include Analytical Chemistry, led by Viktor Deyneka, Professor in the Department of General Chemistry; Chemical Technology (Industrial Technology) of Drugs, headed by Elena Zhilyakova, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology; and Practical Biotechnology, overseen by Irina Batlutskaya, Head of the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology.

More than 40 experts from industrial enterprises and universities evaluated the applications submitted for this federal project. Each application was assessed based on four key criteria: the presence of partners from the real economy, the feasibility of the program, the qualifications of the project manager, and the characteristics of the student body.

Maria Ivanova, an expert on the commission and CEO of the Employers’ Russian Union of Chemists Association, as well as Director of Science and Development at Plastik JSC, highlighted the importance of this rigorous selection process. She noted that involving both university representatives and industry professionals is essential for aligning education with the needs of the high-tech chemical industry.

“During the analysis of university applications, I was particularly impressed by the thorough development of the programs, which take into account the needs of industrial partners – a key criterion within the national project. The high level of preparation and research across various fields is immediately evident. It’s clear that the authors are systematically preparing specialists to tackle specific challenges in new materials and chemical technologies while strengthening their position in this area,” Ivanova concluded.

Congratulating her colleagues on winning the competition, BelSU Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya emphasized that each master’s program will be reformatted to meet professional standards and address the needs of the high-tech industry.

“As practice shows, employers expect higher education institutions to produce not only highly qualified specialists but also innovative and forward-thinking individuals. This year, during the admissions campaign, we received requests from large pharmaceutical and chemical companies for targeted training of specialized specialists in these programs. Often, master’s programs are pursued by professionals already working in these companies to enhance or acquire additional qualifications,” commented Karlovskaya.

Elena Zhilyakova, head of the Industrial Technology of Drugs master’s program within the Chemical Technology program, noted that according to the “Pharma-2030” Russian Federation Pharmaceutical Industry Development Strategy and professional standards, specialists trained by universities for chemical and pharmaceutical production facilities must be equipped to address professional challenges – from organizing technological processes to standardizing and controlling drug quality. Their competencies include developing production standards, specifying material consumption processes, selecting equipment, validating processes, understanding GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) requirements, and standardizing finished pharmaceuticals.