ASU News

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized the significance of technological initiatives undertaken by universities participating in the Priority 2030 program. In his report to the State Duma today, he highlighted various models of collaboration between employers and educational institutions that are being implemented at universities. Specifically, he discussed partnerships between universities involved in the Priority 2030 program and industry companies. As examples, he cited innovative technology projects at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Southern Federal University, and Bashkir Medical University.

He highlighted that the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) has proposed solutions for establishing an integrated network of unmanned aerial systems, as well as satellite and mobile communications. Southern Federal University has developed a comprehensive platform and associated services leveraging artificial intelligence to predict and monitor soil conditions. Additionally, Bashkir Medical University has advanced to mass produce a biological material used in regenerative surgery and therapy.

The Prime Minister explained that hundreds of technology companies are actively involved with leading engineering schools, both financially and substantively. These universities are also developing new, in-demand educational programs. Overall, he noted that the new mechanisms being implemented to foster collaboration between industry and vocational and higher education institutions are helping to address the imbalances that have emerged in the labor market

"Together, we will continue to train specialists across nearly 300 fields that align with the country's priorities in scientific and technological development. This represents a significant contribution to strengthening the domestic economy," stated Mikhail Mishustin.

As a reminder, Adyghe State University is implementing the strategic technology project "Digital Breeder's Assistant" as part of the "Priority 2030" program. A dedicated team of scientists and students is developing a domestic digital platform designed to automate various breeding processes—ranging from the collection of phenotypic data to analysis, forecasting, and digital selection of mating pairs. The proposed algorithms and software facilitate the automatic calculation of key parameters and the classification of studied objects based on photographs of seeds and leaves, according to each of the approved characteristics. 

Due to the current geopolitical situation, the country lacks advanced digital breeding technologies that could expedite the development of new agricultural crop varieties and enhance seed production.

"By integrating phenotypic data with genetic passports, we have accelerated the process of creating new hybrids by 30%. Our plan involves developing extensive breeding databases to support this effort. The project also encompasses launching a master's program in bioinformatics, a specialized program in plant breeding, machine learning modules for biology curricula, and phenomics modules tailored for IT students," stated Elena Kukva, Head of ASU's Research Initiatives Department.

The project's partners include the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, Kuban State Agrarian University (I.T. Trubilin), and Rusid, a leading breeding and seed company.

The implementation of a digital breeder assistant will significantly reduce the industry's reliance on imported seeds and enhance agricultural productivity by streamlining processes, shortening the time required to achieve results, and thereby facilitating the development of new varieties, including those resistant to climate change. 

As a reminder, in May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Decree titled "On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030 and for the Perspective Up to 2036." Unlike the previous Decree of 2020, this one introduces a new strategic objective: achieving technological leadership.

"It is important to clarify that the previously articulated idea centered on technological sovereignty, not leadership. Currently, the objective is to attain a level of technological excellence comparable to global standards. This endeavor is also entrusted to the universities involved in the Priority program," explained Elena Sergeevna.

The university also plans to conduct research in the fields of artificial intelligence in biology, mathematical biology, bioinformatics, and high-throughput phenotyping.

Video about the project by the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company "Adygea"

https://rutube.ru/video/c91d0550a759e019df051950002feff9/?r=wd.