A new rector was introduced to the staff of Kazan Federal University

Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin attended the meeting

At an enlarged meeting of the Academic Council of Kazan Federal University, new rector Lenar Safin was introduced to the university staff. The event was attended by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Valery Falkov, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Tatarstan President’s Press Office reports.

V. Falkov stressed that the university respects traditions and at the same time confidently and consistently is moving forward thanks to the support of the republican and state government. He also noted that KFU is an active participant of almost all federal programs. “We have to maintain a high standard, - he said, addressing the university staff. – You have made a great progress in the last few years. Despite the difficult foreign situation, the university declares itself as a world-class university and develops accordingly.”

Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education also reminded that KFU successfully develops its strategy in the foreign market. “You have the largest number of international students, - he said. - You are opening international branches, in CIS countries. It is important not only for the university, but also for the republic and for the country.”

Tatarstan President, in turn, noted that KFU is one of the largest scientific and educational centers in Russia. “More than 48 thousand students study here, 11 thousand of them are from other countries,”- R. Minnikhanov said.

He noted the success of the university in all areas and thanked the country's leadership for the support. “In 2010, the university received the status of a federal university, integrated into its structure six independent universities, three medical institutions, two schools for gifted children and a school. The training of teachers, doctors and engineers has been resumed,”- Tatarstan President noted.

In addition, the university has opened advanced training courses for government employees and MBA training programs, Oriental studies, as well as new scientific schools of bio- and information technologies have been formed.

Addressing Lenar Safin, Tatarstan President stressed that he faces large–scale tasks for the further development of the university, among which contribution to the university staff and scientific and technological support of the sovereignty and global competitiveness of Russia. “The University, as the leader of the scientific and educational complex of Tatarstan, should act as an integrator of the efforts of all segments of the sphere of science and technology - academic, university, industry and corporate,”- R. Minnikhanov said. The President stressed that Lenar Safin has all the necessary knowledge, experience and competencies to cope with the tasks set.

“I will continue the chosen course towards training in-demand professionals on the basis of classical university education. At the same time, I believe that teachers should be allowed to focus on teaching, research, and science. I am aware of all the responsibility for the university staff. I promise to work honestly and conscientiously,”- said the new rector of KFU.

For reference, previously Lenar Safin represented the republic of Tatarstan in the Federation Council (at the Economic Policy Committee). After taking office as the Rector of KFU, his powers in the Federation Council expire.

Photo report

A new rector was introduced to the staff at the meeting of the Academic Council of KFU