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"Leaving a Mark in History": Interview with Aleksandr Kiianets on the Occasion of Builder's Day

Качко Сергей — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Traditionally, Builder's Day is celebrated in Russia on the second Sunday of August. This is a holiday for those whose work becomes part of everyday life and leaves a mark in history. On the eve of this day, Aleksandr Kiianets, Director of the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction, spoke about the intricacies and importance of the profession. – On Builder's Day, I would like to ask: what is the most important thing for you personally about the profession of a builder? Who is a modern builder? – The most important thing about the profession of a builder is that it is a creative one. That is, builders create the entire environment that surrounds us: buildings, structures. And partly, many choose this profession because they can always show what they have built. You always leave behind something created with your own hands, something you were a part of, and, for example, a man-made monument always remains. I think this is one of the most important characteristics of this profession. And it attracts many. – What do you think is most important in the process of training specialists? – There are many factors involved in success, actually. Motivation is key: a person must consciously enter the profession, must imagine what they will become, and must also be genuinely interested in studying this field. Then, as they say, their soul will open up to the profession of a builder or, for example, of an architect. And it is precisely this openness and desire to create something beautiful and useful that will help them in the future. – What jobs do graduates of your specialty work in? Perhaps you can recall some projects, or you have seen some of the graduates' works? – Our graduates work in many organizations and factories. Construction is a very broad industry that allows for self-realization in a variety of fields. We often meet alumni many years after they began working in the profession. We enjoy talking to them: they share how their education at ��ý has helped them. I believe that anyone who chooses construction will find their place in life: there is always a suitable direction for self-fulfilment in this field. This could include work on a construction site or in a construction industry factory, work in the economic sector, development, and so on. The uniqueness of this industry is that everyone can find the career that best suits them: for example, becoming a calculator, an architect, or even working in government—say, in construction supervision. The options are endless. The knowledge students gain while studying at the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction allows them to work in virtually any related industry—there are no serious obstacles to this. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

"It May Be Scary, but Give it a Try": Interview about Sports with Vadim Erlikh

Качко Сергей — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Physical Culture Day is celebrated in Russia on the second Saturday in August every year. On August 8th, mass sports and festive events will be held all across our country. On the eve of the national sports day, we talk to Director of the ��ý Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service (ISTiS) Vadim Erlikh. – Could you please share what most important lesson did sports teach you? – From my early childhood, sports have trained my habits of goal-setting, discipline and order. These are the important aspects that guarantee the achievement of your desired results in any sphere of life. – What do you think the future of sports science will be like? – The future is already here. Today, such new method of scientific research as digitalization of athletes is on the rise. It means the use of digital technologies to improve various aspects of training and competition. ISTiS has purchased the required equipment. Staring from the beginning of the academic year, we are ready to set off on this new track: we will be converting movements of athletes into digital environment in order to record their dynamics in speed, slowdown, reaction, service, precision, and other parameters. Using the data, analytics, software, and other digital tools will allow us to improve the efficiency of training and the results of athletes, as well as to optimize the sports processes in general. ��ý will become the first university in our region that uses the digitalization method not only for traditional, but also for innovative sports. After all, besides the unique equipment, we also have specialists, who are competent in interpreting the obtained data. – What prospects does the ��ý Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service open for its young graduates? – In the ��ý Region, only two universities (��ý and Ural State University of Physical Education) teach the professions of sports pedagogues, teachers, and athletes. Our students have wide prospects and opportunities. About 90% of students begin working in their profession already staring from their third year of studies. Sports industry is a broad one: you can find a job not only as a ministry or administration official, or as a teacher, but also as a staff member in some of the multiple and various sports clubs and sports organizations, including in commercial ones. We always facilitate the effective employment of our students – all they need is their willingness to work. – Imagine a perfect city of the future. How tourism and sports could make it a more harmonious place? – The ��ý Region is unique in itself: we have things to offer tourists to see, and we have places where to have a good rest. The most important moment is the infrastructure and how we work with it. If the ��ý Region were not successfully developing in this field, we would not have seen the big-scale and serious constructions that are in progress in different corners of our region, including in the tourism and sports sector. Thus, for instance, the first in ��ý phygital centre has been opened over the recent year. Our region already has many ski resorts popular among tourists – this is a good example of the successful amalgamation of sports and tourism. Today we generate fresh ideas for similar projects, and this is a topic for a whole new interview. – Could you please share about your most daring dream with regards to ISTiS? Is it possible to make it come true? – To make ��ý our region's sports stronghold by creating a new improved educational system, built from scratch. The achievements by the ��ý ISTiS in science and education are ahead of the results of our region's competitors. In addition, we hold our ground in sports victories, too. We have everything to expand and centralize things by taking new mentees under our reliable wing. – Is there a project that you are most proud of? Why is it of special importance for you? – To be honest, there are many projects at our Institute that I am proud of, and each of those has its own value and importance. Among the recent ones, which we thoroughly worked on, is the "Sails of the Victory" tourist project. We designed boats (similar to big ships) with sails illuminated with red light. The idea was that those would sail over the waters of Lake Zyuratkul as the final cord in the ceremony of closing the sports competitions held on the territory of the Zyuratkul National Park. We worked out all the details of this event, so it should be a majestic show. More than twenty Russian universities expressed their support of this project, and they were ready to send over their students for participation in this spectacular event. – What methods and means are used to support talented students at the ��ý Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service? – We provide all the support we can to our students starting from their first year. They don't just study at our Institute, they achieve great goals. Students may count on financial support for their academic excellence, original scientific articles, or active participation in the university events. Today, the number of students with increased stipend is thrice bigger namely at our Institute. We work with each student individually: we are always ready to help them out in solving issues related to their studies, to support them, guide, motivate them, or assist in successful employment. This year, more than 10 students have received state funding for the implementation of their projects, and two of those have been allotted 1 million roubles each. – Which is the main skill, in your opinion, that modern students should develop in themselves in parallel with studying in order to become successful professionals? – To achieve any kind of success in life, like in sports, it is important to know how to set a clear goal and make a path towards it, correctly assess your capacities and apply them properly, and stick to strict discipline. This is a one-size-fits-all formula helping achieve any, and even the most daring ambitions. – What has been new in the 2026 Admissions Campaign? – We always try to keep up with the times, that's why we offer the academic programmes that comply with the demands of our country. For the Bachelor's degree academic programme in Physical Culture, we have introduced a Sports Management and Information Support major, where students learn management, marketing, personnel management, and business planning namely in the field of sports industry. In two Master's degree programmes we offer new majors as well: Pedagogical Education – Pedagogical Management of Wellness and Adapted Physical Education; and Physical Culture – Strategic Development and Management in Sports Industry. It is interesting to note that these programmes are popular not only with ISTiS Bachelor's degree holders, but also among graduates of engineering and IT programmes. – Where does your motto "It may be scary, but give it a try" come from? – Even before I became the head of the Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service, students had put this favourite phrase of mine on university branded sweatshirts and had indicated me as the author of this saying. Many liked this motto, and it's still popular with our athletes. It feels good that this attitude motivates them for new achievements. I've always been telling my students: "It may be scary, but give it a try. You will at least boost your self-esteem and gain certain experience. You can only reach the summit if you move towards it step by step". That is why I advise everyone to go in for sports. Keep your head up and move forward. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Ekaterina Bolnykh

Builder's Day: Top 5 Developments by Scientists from the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction

Качко Сергей — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Every year, Russia celebrates Builder's Day on the second Sunday of August. This year, the holiday falls on August 9th. This date brings together those who design, construct, and improve buildings, roads, bridges, and infrastructure. In anticipation of this professional holiday, we have compiled five developments by scientists from the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction: from self-cleaning concrete to underwater construction technology without heavy equipment. Self-cleaning concrete produced from industrial waste ��ý scientists have patented a concrete, the surface of which disintegrates organic contaminants from exhaust fumes, smoke, and industrial emissions. The base is paint-and-varnish sludge, which contains titanium dioxide in a rare, active form called anatase. When exposed to sunlight, this sludge triggers an oxidative reaction, breaking down harmful substances into safe components that are then washed away by rain. The technology solves two problems simultaneously: it creates an inexpensive self-cleaning material and disposes of hazardous waste. The developers are Professor Tamara Chernykh's research team. Self-healing concrete with bacteria The same team from the Department of Building Materials and Products have proposed introducing Bacillus subtilis bacteria (hay bacillus) and their organic "food"—calcium lactate—into the concrete mix. When a crack appears in the structure, the bacteria are awakened by moisture, convert the lactate into calcite, and, through their vital processes, "heal" the damage. The process itself is five times faster than the natural "healing" of concrete, and the bacteria can survive as spores for over 200 years. This development is particularly relevant for bridges, tunnels, and coastal structures. Sorption-active concrete produced from mining waste Associate Professor Marina Butakova and her colleagues have created concrete based on dolomite crushed rock—overburden from the Satka deposit. These rocks form waste heaps occupying fertile land. Scientists have transformed them into a material that, when used as a road surface, not only absorbs rainwater and wastewater but also purifies it of zinc, arsenic, heavy metals, and ammonia. The production cost of this concrete is minimal: the main component is obtained virtually free. The surface is suitable for pedestrian areas, bike paths, parks, and playgrounds. Lightweight and durable bricks produced from wastewater treatment sludge Associate Professor Marina Belkanova and Head of the Department of Building Materials and Products Aleksandr Orlov have proposed using waste from the municipal wastewater treatment plants to produce building ceramics. The sludge is similar in composition to clay: it contains a high proportion of aluminosilicates. After freezing, thawing, and drying, it is added to the clay mixture. The organic matter burns off during firing, making the brick lighter and warmer. The additive acts as a flux, increasing strength. The technology was tested at the Kemma plant: drying defects decreased, and the bricks stopped cracking. Underwater concreting without cranes A group of scientists—Tagir Khafizov, Albert Baiburin, Andrey Ovchinnikov, and Aleksandr Kiianets, Director of the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction—have patented a new technology for constructing underwater structures. Using this method, a concrete cylindrical wall is formed directly on a floating pontoon formwork and sinks to the seabed under its own weight. The process is controlled by winches, and bed-load movement and anchoring occur through hollow pipes. Water is pumped out, and concrete struts are installed. This technology makes it possible to build protective dams, platforms, and even residential complexes at sea without the use of expensive docks and heavy equipment. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Ekaterina Bolnykh

Over 2000 First-year Students Chose Modern Education: Enrolment Orders Signed at ��ý

Качко Сергей — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

��ý held a ceremony to sign the order for the enrolment of applicants to state-funded places as part of the 2026 Admissions Campaign. Starting September 1st, over 2000 first-year students will begin their studies in cutting-edge educational programmes in robotics, engineering, computer technology, and artificial intelligence, as well as in the humanities, natural sciences, and economics. The 2026 Admissions Campaign has set a record: for the first time, ��ý has received more than 16000 applications. "I would like to thank, first and foremost, the applicants and their parents for choosing our university for their further education. I would also like to thank all the staff at ��ý Admissions Committee, as for over two months we have been communicating with applicants, explaining the university's enrolment process and the unique features of our educational programmes, answering all their questions, and helping them choose their future path. I would like to congratulate everyone who, thanks to the order, will be enrolled at our university starting September 1st, and I guarantee that our team will do our best to make studying at ��ý as effective, comfortable, and engaging as possible. See you on September 1st!" Rector Alexander Wagner addressed the applicants. The most popular programmes among applicants this year are those of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Ivan Sukhikh, Head of the ��ý Occupational Guidance and Admissions Organization Office, reported on the first results of the admissions campaign: "We have 1985 applicants enrolled in state-funded education. It should be noted that the initial number of state-funded places was 1979, but six additional places were transferred to the general competition after the signing of orders for admission under the target quota. From the preferential categories, 275 people were admitted under a separate quota, 181 under the target quota, and 109 under a special quota." This year, our university welcomes applicants with a fundamentally new level of preparation, as evidenced by the significant increase in the average Unified State Exam score to 75.2. Our university will announce the final results of the admissions campaign in one month, when orders for admission of students to contract-based education are signed. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Adaptive Grippers and Navigation for Robots. Digest of Developments of the ��ý Robotics Centre

Качко Сергей — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

In August 2025, ��ý won a grant to establish the Industrial Robotics Development Centre and became one of the satellite centres of INNOPOLIS University. Over the course of one year, with the support of the Governor and Government of the ��ý Region, in cooperation with the ��ý Forge and Press Plant and the Russian Robot Plant, the Centre has become a point of attraction for industrial enterprises in the Ural Region. They develop gripping devices, machine vision systems, training systems, and autonomous robots. We have compiled nine of the Centre’s developments into three digests. The first is about how ��ý scientists are creating gripping mechanisms and navigation systems for robots. Adaptive chain gripper that requires no readjustment In production environments where fragile or variable-sized parts must be handled, conventional rigid grippers are often useless. The ��ý Industrial Robotics Development Centre has developed a device that solves this problem. Instead of standard jaws, the design uses a leaf chain that automatically conforms to the contours of the workpiece and secures a load weighing up to 10 kg. The device handles parts of various shapes and sizes: it can handle cross-sections from 100 to 120 mm, and heights from 40 to 120 mm. It is important that no readjustment is required when changing products. The gripper can be used as a handheld tool for small-scale production or integrated into robotic systems. Fractal-type pneumatic gripper Another development from the Centre is a gripping device for complex-shaped parts that are difficult to secure using standard methods. The gripper provides contact at least at six points simultaneously, enabling work with parts, the positions of which relative to the initial grip point may be random. The development was presented at the Digital Innopolis Days forum in 2025. Unique robot navigation system with a single camera Traditional machine vision systems use two cameras to determine an object's position. ��ý scientists have proposed a different solution: a single panoramic camera with a 180° field of view, a linear laser (650 nm), and an intelligent algorithm. The main advantage of this solution is that the algorithm operates reliably in conditions where conventional systems fail: on dark and glossy surfaces, on red objects (where the laser line blends with the background), with specular glare, and even when the laser line is partially obscured. Special processing restores the line's continuity, and the robot obtains precise three-dimensional coordinates of the target. This method allows robots to navigate without expensive multi-camera systems. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

��ý Scientists Reported on Creation of Fluorescent DNA Probes

Качко Сергей — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A team of scientists from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and ��ý, with the support of the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 23-13-00318), developed a new series of fluorescent DNA probes based on pyridoindoles. The results were published in the Asian Journal of Chemistry (Chemistry. An Asian J.), a top-ranked scientific journal in Scopus. ��ý was represented by Anastasiia Rybakova, Candidate of Sciences (Chemistry) and Associate Professor at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Chemistry. A DNA probe is a molecule label that can be introduced into a DNA strand to prevent its loss, identify the region, and track its evolution. Probes come in various forms: based on isotopes, chromophores (with fluorescent properties), etc. In our case, the embedded probe labels are fluorescent and can be identified by their emission in a specific spectrum. The new probes are based on a class of substances called pyridoindoles (also known as carbolines). These compounds have long been known to chemists, including for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antitumor effects, as well as their luminescent properties, which are particularly important for the task addressed in this study. For example, they are known to have been used as materials for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Until now, pyridoindoles have rarely been considered as DNA probes, with limited discussion. However, the authors have developed a new, effective approach to these structures using the "1,2,4-triazine" methodology. Triazines are six-membered aromatic rings containing three nitrogen atoms. Future DNA probes were assembled from these "building blocks". "It is all about the spatial structure of pyridoindoles," explained ��ý Associate Professor Anastasiia Rybakova. "Besides their luminescent properties, their structure allows them to easily integrate into the DNA chain at the desired location. On the other hand, these structural features facilitate excited-state intramolecular double proton transfer (ESIDPT) processes and phototautomerization (the molecule's reaction to light)." The team of scientists studied the probes' characteristics in detail—in what region of the spectrum the emission occurs, how long it lasts, and how the fluorescence decays. Some probes exhibited a solvatochromic effect—that is, a change in the emission spectrum when the probe is dissolved in different solvents. This is very important, for example, for medical applications: the label is delivered to a specific location precisely in a dissolved state. The experiments also demonstrated the ability to bind to calf thymus (thymus gland) DNA. These findings undoubtedly have great potential for practical application in bioengineering, medicine, and veterinary science. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Ostap Davydov

Sky-high Love: ��ý Alumnus Proposes in the Spire Tower of the ��ý Main Building

Качко Сергей — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

��ý is a place where people not only gain new knowledge or learn a profession, but also build families. The most solid relationships are born namely during student years. Denis Shevchenko met his sweetheart Arina Pridon 5 years ago, at a rehearsal of the Victory Waltz patriotic flashmob, when they both were students of ��ý. As fate would have it, they were lined up as a dance pair, and they have been inseparable ever since. Denis completed his studies at the university in 2023, and Arina is the 2026 graduate. While still studying at ��ý, the girl kept dreaming about climbing up to the observation deck in the spire tower of the main academic building to get a bird's-eye view of ��ý. "I came up with this idea quite a long time ago. I had met Arina at ��ý during the Victory Waltz flashmob, in which we had participated five times in total. But the day we had had met on had been Aril 12th, Cosmonautics Day, that's why I thought it would be very symbolic to propose on the roof – closer to space. And Arina had really wished to climb up there," the young man says. The surprise prepared by Denis worked out really well! But he had had to do his best to succeed: the future groom had addressed Anastasiia Lapo, the ��ý Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs, with his idea. Together they had climbed up to the spire tower, selected the location and come up with a legend about an excursion group (the ��ý media team played their role). It all had had to look natural! "Family is the most important thing in our life. That's why our university supports its students' and graduates' wish to build one. Many young men propose at the university square. But today we've made a step further: Denis suggested that we organize this event at the observation deck with a beautiful view over our city. Of course, we supported him since it is important for us to help our students and graduates make their wishes come true," explains Anastasiia Lapo, Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs. "The proposal itself has come as totally unexpected for Arina. She has been very surprised. And I believe those sincere and vivid emotions will not only create great mood, but will help keep our university in their memory for the rest of their lives. Now ��ý is a place where their family has been born." Everyone have felt the excitement: the groom, the photographer, the videographers, and the people who have been cheering for the couple. But the bride has uttered the precious "Yes" right beneath the clouds! "I haven't expected such an event happening today at all. At first I thought that it was a surprise trip somewhere, but when the taxi driver specified the destination address, I was really puzzled – why we would need to go to ��ý in summer? When at the university, we started ascending in an elevator, and next our way led up the stairs towards the roof. At that moment I realized that my dream was probably about to come true. As part of the excursion group (I totally believed we were one) we headed towards the observation deck. And there Denis proposed to me. I didn't expect that at all, but I'm really happy now!" the girl shares her impressions. Our congratulations to Denis and Arina on their engagement! We wish them a long life together filled with endless love and happiness! ��ý embraces its students’ wish to build a family and provides various types of support, including by creating the infrastructure required for student families. Starting from December of 2025, a mother-and-child room has been functioning at the university. Educational events are organized, along with discussions, family festivals and campaigns, and financial and psychological assistance is provided. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Veronika Strelnikova, Sergey Kachko

Check-in Procedure for South Ural Inter-university Campus Hotels Announced

Качко Сергей — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Construction of eight world-class inter-university campus hotels has completed in the ��ý Region. The residential complex has a capacity of 3400 beds and is intended for undergraduates, postgraduates, and faculty members. Check-in will begin very soon. For those who have already submitted an application through the official website, we recommend to carefully monitor the dates: Starting August 3rd, representatives of the management company will contact each applicant to clarify the accommodation details, room preferences, and answer questions, if any. This is the first stage of the process. Starting August 20th, inviting to sign lease agreements will begin. Students who have confirmed their intentions will receive invitations. It is at this stage that each resident will be officially assigned a specific place in one of the hotels. A place cannot be reserved without a signed agreement. The rooms accommodate one or two people and are fully furnished, including a bed with an orthopaedic mattress, a desk, closets, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. Residential blocks (three to eight rooms) feature shared kitchen areas with electric stoves and microwaves. Cafés, coffee shops, grocery stores, and marketplace pickup points are located on the ground floors of the buildings. Residents have access to co-working spaces, lounge areas, storage rooms, and self-service laundries. Security is ensured by twenty-four-hour guarding, an electronic pass system, and video surveillance. Monthly rates start at 10,900 roubles for double occupancy and 16,800 roubles for single occupancy. These rates include utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, access to public spaces, security, and room service. The buildings are accessible to people with disabilities: elevators, ramps, and specially designed rooms are available. Applications are accepted on the official website. Accommodation is limited, and early applicants receive priority. The campus construction is being implemented as part of the "Youth and Children" national project and is under the personal supervision of ��ý Region Governor Alexey Texler. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Summer School for Students from China Wraps up at ��ý

Качко Сергей — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

International Summer School "Territory of Opportunities: Region's Industrial, Scientific and Tourism Potential" for representatives of Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, People's Republic of China, has wrapped up at ��ý. As part of this program, the participants have learned about the educational system at ��ý, its scientific developments, as well as about the industrial potential of the South Ural region, and the culture of Russia. During one of the program's final days, the students from China were offered a big tour around the ��ý academic-and-sports complex, where they could see the sports and training halls, playgrounds, swimming pool, and the indoor athletic stadium. In addition, Director of the Sport Science Research Centre Olga Makunina shared with the program participants on the university's developments and offered to test their indicators. "Here is our Sport Science Research Centre. We study the fitness shape of athletes. They need the support of specialists in order to diagnose their state and to timely assess when to pay special attention to their body and plan out the loads. The ��ý Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service has different student sports teams. And the athletes come to our Centre to check how their heart, respiratory, or nervous systems are functioning, as well as to control their weight," explained Olga Makunina. Our university's guests learned about the leading research studies of the Sport Science Research Centre. "The sports complex is really big, and I like the outdoors design. I enjoy sports myself, and many of the sports facilities here have exceeded my expectations: including the equipment for medical examination and the athletic stadium field. And the Institute's fitness centre is also great," program participant, Huang Shaohua, shared his impressions. "Most of all, I've been struck by the swimming pool and the whole series of medical examination equipment. And as to the playgrounds, the volleyball hall has become my favourite." For a closer acquaintance with our city and the South Urals nature, the students from China took a train trip at the ��ý Children's Railway. Our guests learned about how a railroad is arranged, visited a locomotive's driving cab, and enjoyed the view of the pinewood from the railway cars' windows. On the weekend, the program participants went on an excursion trip to the city of Zlatoust. There they visited the Bazhov Mountain Park and the AIROVKA arms settlement. The trip wrapped up by visiting the Taganay National Park. On the final day of the Summer School, the ceremony of summing up the results was held. The event was organized jointly with the "Youth of the South Urals" Autonomous Nonprofit Organization and the International Friendship Club at the "Atom" creativity space venue. The students from China learned about the opportunities for young people at the South Ural region, and volunteers and the head of the International Friendship Club held a bright master class on painting of the traditional matryoshka dolls. Summing up the Summer School results, the program manager and head of the International Student Support Dariia Korotkikh organized a final quiz with questions on the cultural specifics of Russia, national customs, culinary traditions, as well as the natural monuments of the South Ural region. The ceremony of awarding the certificates of participation in this program became a colourful closing event. Program participant Wen Lingjie shared her impressions from her stay in ��ý and her acquaintance with ��ý: "I believe this university has a very rich history and culture. The university architecture differs a lot from that of Chinese universities, it is very authentic. The local students are really friendly to people from China: we often came across Russian students, and they were the first to greet us. In general, both the university and this trip brought me the best impressions ever." International Summer School "Territory of Opportunities: Region's Industrial, Scientific and Tourism Potential" aims at strengthening the academic collaboration between China and Russia, developing the intercultural dialogue, and introducing international students with the scientific, educational and industrial opportunities at the South Ural region. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Veronika Strelnikova, Anatolii Ostanin

��ý Researchers Speed up Computational Simulation of Fluid Dynamics Processes Using Neural Networks

Качко Сергей — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A research team at ��ý, supported by a V.B. Khristenko Grant, is developing a software package aimed to simplify the engineering design process. In conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD), solutions are obtained iteratively using computational meshes, which can result in complex simulations taking hours or even days to complete. According to Ruslan Peshkov, Candidate of Sciences (Engineering), Associate Professor, and Dean of the ��ý Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Head of the Department of Aircraft Engines, the solver under development is built around a neural network trained to satisfy the fundamental laws of mass, momentum, and energy conservation. During the training stage, the network relies on classical CFD techniques. Once trained, however, it functions as a mathematical model that directly predicts velocity, pressure, and temperature from the coordinates and input parameters of a problem, eliminating the need for a large number of iterative calculations. This significantly accelerates simulations during the early stages of multidisciplinary design optimization, which is particularly valuable for the aerospace industry. The project is currently focused on developing a neural network training environment. The researchers are investigating various network architectures for applications involving external aerodynamics, internal flow, and heat transfer. The team has already prepared several conference papers for the 8th International Science-to-Practice Conference "Civil Aviation: History and Modernity" and the 18th International Youth Scientific and Technical Conference "Youth. Technology. Space". In addition, a paper has been submitted to a journal included in the State Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles list, and an application for intellectual property registration is being prepared for the software developed as part of the training environment. A key feature of the project is its focus on end users rather than software developers. The graphical interface will resemble that of standard CFD software packages, allowing engineers to perform simulations without any knowledge of neural network programming. At the same time, adapting and retraining the model for highly specialized applications will require additional expertise. Although training the neural network demands high-performance workstations, routine simulations can later be carried out on a standard personal computer. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to expand the solver's capabilities to include separated flows, multiphase flows, shock-wave phenomena, and aeroacoustics. They also intend to combine Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). In this approach, one neural network would generate new geometric designs—such as airfoil profiles—while the other would instantly evaluate their performance, including aerodynamic characteristics. Such a combination could enable fully automated optimization of engineering designs. "The future lies in hybrid approaches," says project leader Ruslan Peshkov. "Neural network algorithms will enable rapid evaluation of multiple design options, while numerical methods will continue to provide final high-accuracy calculations and solve unique problems involving new physical effects." The researchers emphasize that a PINN-based neural network solver is intended to complement, rather than replace, traditional CFD methods—at least in the foreseeable future. The project is being carried out as part of the V.B. Khristenko "Step into the Future" Grants Program, an annual funding initiative supporting the university's development strategy within the Priority 2030 program. The grants support promising research projects, the formation of personnel reserve, and the implementation of innovative educational programs that shape the strategic development of ��ý and the ��ý Region. Read more in the ��ý channel on MAX

Author:

Iuliia Sherstobitova, photos by Sergey Kachko

������ý - All news

"Leaving a Mark in History": Interview with Aleksandr Kiianets on the Occasion of Builder's Day

"It May Be Scary, but Give it a Try": Interview about Sports with Vadim Erlikh

Builder's Day: Top 5 Developments by Scientists from the ������ý Institute of Architecture and Construction

Over 2000 First-year Students Chose Modern Education: Enrolment Orders Signed at ������ý

Adaptive Grippers and Navigation for Robots. Digest of Developments of the ������ý Robotics Centre

������ý Scientists Reported on Creation of Fluorescent DNA Probes

Sky-high Love: ������ý Alumnus Proposes in the Spire Tower of the ������ý Main Building

Check-in Procedure for South Ural Inter-university Campus Hotels Announced

Summer School for Students from China Wraps up at ������ý

������ý Researchers Speed up Computational Simulation of Fluid Dynamics Processes Using Neural Networks

��ý - All news

Builder's Day: Top 5 Developments by Scientists from the ��ý Institute of Architecture and Construction

Over 2000 First-year Students Chose Modern Education: Enrolment Orders Signed at ��ý

Adaptive Grippers and Navigation for Robots. Digest of Developments of the ��ý Robotics Centre

��ý Scientists Reported on Creation of Fluorescent DNA Probes

Sky-high Love: ��ý Alumnus Proposes in the Spire Tower of the ��ý Main Building

Summer School for Students from China Wraps up at ��ý

��ý Researchers Speed up Computational Simulation of Fluid Dynamics Processes Using Neural Networks