Nornickel, Siberian Federal University and Fedorovsky Polar State University have signed a cooperation agreement with a view to fostering innovation and advancing the educational landscape.

The agreement aims to combine scientific and educational efforts for achieving mutually beneficial results. The main areas of cooperation include the advancement of R&D projects, especially in studying permafrost and climate change in the Arctic, the introduction of innovative production technologies, as well as research in biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

An important aspect of cooperation is the development of Nornickel’s R&D centre, which will focus on the digitalisation and optimisation of mining industry processes. The agreement also provides for educational support, encompassing joint events, field schools and internships for students and postgraduates from both universities.

**Maksim Rumyantsev, Darya Kryachkova and Yevgeny Golubev at the agreement signing ceremony**

The parties pay special attention to building a talent pool for the Company. This involves updating specialist, bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, as well as implementing professional development programmes tailored to Nornickel’s current talent needs.

Darya Kryachkova, Vice President for HR at Nornickel: “The cooperation between Nornickel and the two universities opens up new horizons for research, innovation and training of top-notch professionals, fostering the sustainable development of the Far North and the industry as a whole. Our goal is to train experts who will be at the forefront of innovation and ready to tackle global challenges.”

Yevgeny Golubev, Rector of Fedorovsky Polar State University: “As a university focused on practical knowledge and graduates’ fast career start, we will contribute to identifying technological challenges, implementing practical solutions, and improving the relevance of educational programmes and engineering training for the jobs across Norilsk’s strategic industries.”

Maksim Rumyantsev, Rector of Siberian Federal University: “We have a long-standing cooperation with both Nornickel and Polar State University. The agreement inaugurates its next stage as we reconfigure existing programmes to align with the directions outlined in the Priority 2030 programme. Our focused work on climate research and transformation of engineering education structured as strategic projects within the programme has yielded results, allowing us to acquire new competencies and produce promising developments. All this has made it possible to reach the next level of relationship with our established partners.”

Nornickel joins forces with Siberian Federal University and Polar State University for scientific and educational cooperation