On behalf of Vladimir I. Trukhachev, Rector, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor, the foreign guests were welcomed by Igor V. Eremin, Vice-Rector for Innovations and International Activities. He emphasized the fact that more than a thousand foreign students from 76 countries study at the University, testifying to its international scope.
"Understanding the importance of training high-class specialists for the agro-industrial sector, the University, together with industrial partners, opens agro-workshops, educational centers, laboratories and departments. We should note the cooperation with our main industrial partner - PhosAgro. We are grateful to the company for collaboration; today we can show our capacity and capabilities to foreign scientists," Vice-Rector said.
The representatives of PhosAgro and Timiryazev Academy offered young scientists a tour of the PhosAgro's flagship centre, including a lecture hall, a phyto-class, a library, and a workshop area for practical classes. PhosAgro's flagship centre at Timiryazev Academy has become the core of the constantly expanding network of PhosAgro's flagship centre. Now, the network consists of twenty-one Russian agricultural universities.
The researchers learned about the company's "From Ore to Food" educational program for agricultural universities, based on the network of PhosAgro's flagship centres. They were presented an online platform Pro Agro Lectorium, which contains a portfolio of 420 digitalized video lectures on agronomy and agrochemistry, crop production and livestock farming, innovation and digitalization in agriculture, economics and responsible farming.
Last year, the Pro Agro Lectorium project became international, as educational programs available in English and Portuguese were launched. Pro Agro Lectorium has been recognized as an official educational platform by the Agribusiness Working Group of the BRICS Business Council. In collaboration with its African partners, PhosAgro is integrating its online platform into the educational process for African students. Nine cooperation agreements have already been signed with African universities.
The special guest Adeniyi Ganiyu, Advisor to the Ambassador of Nigeria to the Russian Federation on Economy, Trade and Investment shared his impressions on Timiryazev Academy and PhosAgro educational projects: "Working in Russia, I have personally seen the positive impact that innovative farming methods have on the quality of life and the sustainability of ecosystems. I must say that I am very impressed with the educational programs we have seen at Timiryazev Academy. Indeed, Pro Agro Lectorium is a platform designed to help farmers and students improve their knowledge and skills, while increasing productivity and efficiency, as well as raising awareness of sustainable agriculture. The platform provides access to expert knowledge, networking opportunities and convenient learning. I encourage you to take advantage of this important resource," he said.
"As one of the world's leading fertilizer producers, we understand that a sustainable agro-industrial sector is impossible without relying on highly qualified personnel armed with the most advanced knowledge. Therefore, together with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, we are implementing a program for training agro-industrial personnel "From Ore to Food", providing farmers with free access to useful methodological materials. Our educational ecosystem is gradually reaching the international level contributing to the strengthening of scientific contacts between countries," said Mikhail V. Sterkin, Deputy General Director for Sales and Marketing at PhosAgro.
