On March 14th, BFU conducted an online seminar to discuss international collaboration with Northern (Arctic) Federal University in Russia. The event was attended by members from the Office for International Relations and the College of Forestry, including representatives from various academic disciplines, with an official from the Office for International Relations presiding.

Throughout the meeting, a comprehensive review of past exchanges and prospective collaboration opportunities with the Northern Federal University was presented by the person in charge from the Office for International Relations. The head of the College of Forestry showcased their accomplishments in forest cultivation, pest and disease management, spatial monitoring, and provided an overview of their laboratories, expressing keen interest in future partnerships. Additionally, faculty representatives shared their notable scientific discoveries on topics including the diversity of forest fungal pathogens and the mechanisms behind Arctic warming, as well as predictions for Arctic navigation routes.

Ms. Lyubov ZARUBINA, Acting First Vice-Rector and Director of the International Cooperation Office at Northern (Arctic) Federal University, attended the meeting and expressed a strong willingness for in-depth cooperation with BFU. She eagerly anticipated close cooperation between the two institutions in forest management and resource monitoring in polar regions. Subsequently, researchers from Northern (Arctic) Federal University, including Mr. Roman ALESHKO from the Arctic Space Monitoring Center, Ms. Tatyana SOROKINA from the Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, and Professor Andrey AKSYONOV from the Department of Biology, Ecology, and Biotechnology, elaborated on the progress of their work in areas such as Arctic space monitoring, polar fish monitoring, human health risk assessment, and polar environment and maritime cultural studies.

Ms. ZARUBINA Lyubov, Acting First Vice President in charge of International Affairs and Head of the International Cooperation Department of NARFU, introduced the historyand school-running of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University. Professor MURASHOVA Olga, Deputy Dean of the Higher School of Engineering, and associate professor CHERKASOVA Anna of the Higher School of Natural Science and Technology introduced the accomplishments of their schools' disciplines of strength, program offerings, and research areas.

Teachers from both sides also engaged in in-depth discussions on pressing issues in the Arctic region, including the ecological environment, climate change, and resource monitoring. Both parties expressed their shared aspiration to concentrate efforts on environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Arctic, while seeking broader collaboration in initiatives such as polar space monitoring labs and joint governmental projects.

The seminar signifies BFU's successful experimentation with new models of international partnership, highlighting a significant advancement in the joint scientific research efforts with Northern (Arctic) Federal University. A delegation from Northern (Arctic) Federal University is scheduled to visit BFU in mid-June to enhance our mutual cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas including forestry education, polar environmental monitoring, academic research, and talent development. This in-depth collaboration is expected to support our endeavors in achieving the construction of "Double First-Class" in forestry disciplines and innovation-driven development.