BelSU Brings Together Scientists and Industrial Partners to Boost Materials Engineering

A strategic session at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) brought together university leadership, industrial partners, leading and early‑career scientists, and faculty and laboratory staff to formulate proposals for integrating science, education and industry, developing engineering activities, and attracting investment.

Vice‑Rector for Strategic Development, Science and Innovation Elena Skripnikova opened the session, emphasising its goal: defining the long‑term development strategy for Materials Science at BelSU in line with Russia’s national priorities and key areas of technological leadership.

Industrial partners joined as expert participants, including Dmitry Romanenko (OMK, JSC), Pavel Baskakov (TSNIIPSK im. Melnikov», JSC), and Alexander Lesunov (OZMM, JSC).

Participants split into two panels. The Fundamental Materials Science panel focused on maintaining BelSU’s position as a leading research school in the global scientific community. The Applied Materials Science panel concentrated on transforming the school to meet market demands and expanding strategic partnerships.

Attendees assessed current human resources, material and technical infrastructure, and educational programmes. A SWOT analysis identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Proposals were developed for integrating science, education and industry, boosting engineering activities, and attracting investment.

Alexandra Fedoseeva, Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured and Heat‑Resistant Materials, presented the fundamental panel’s outcomes. Future research will span heat‑resistant steels, aluminium alloys, composites, and high‑entropy alloys.

Dmitry Panov, a researcher at the Laboratory of Bulk Nanostructured Materials, presented the applied panel’s results, emphasising expanded industry cooperation, new product development, and adoption of modern technologies including additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Special attention was given to training highly qualified personnel and modernising laboratory facilities.

Partnership models with industrial companies were discussed, positioning the university as an entry point for businesses into industry programmes and as a centre for consulting and engineering to solve applied problems. Promising areas include high‑strength steels for transport, renovation technologies, and composite material production.

Dmitry Romanenko encouraged participants to take pride in the practical application of their developments. Participants agreed the session was a key step toward strengthening BelSU’s position as a leading centre for materials science and innovation in Russia.