The VII International Scientific Symposium “Innovations in Life Sciences” recently took place at Belgorod National Research University, drawing over 300 participants from countries including Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Argentina, and Korea.
The opening ceremony and plenary session featured representatives from Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) and its partner institutions, Dezhou University (China) and Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute (Uzbekistan), along with esteemed scientists and researchers from leading universities across Russia.
Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya welcomed attendees, highlighting the symposium’s growth each year with the emergence of new fields and an expanding audience.
“Belgorod National Research University, as a modern multidisciplinary institution with a robust resource base and human potential, stands as the flagship for scientific and educational innovations in the Belgorod region. The Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology is one of our leading divisions with significant achievements, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive in the future,” she remarked.
Professor Kamal Rizayev, rector of the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute, expressed gratitude to the BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology for their fruitful collaboration and voiced hopes for further development of partnerships aimed at transforming scientific and educational processes at universities.
Mr. Zhao Changlin, rector of Dezhou University, also extended his thanks to the organisers during his welcoming address. He emphasised the longstanding cooperation between Dezhou University and BelSU. In discussing theVIIInternationalSymposium “Innovations in Life Sciences,” Mr. Changlin noted that the event provides a valuable platform for scientists to exchange pioneering ideas and explore new technologies within the field of life sciences.
The plenary session proceeded with presentations from leading scientists hailing from various countries.
Dr. Ravil Fakhrullin, Chief Researcher at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology at Kazan Federal University, delivered a compelling report on his research at the intersection of biology and chemistry.
Vera Vil, Head of the Laboratory of Chemistry of Industrially Useful Products at the N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, presented her findings on peroxyl, N-oxyl, alkyl and sulfonyl radicals in oxidative coupling reactions.
Sang-Hyun Kim, a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Kyungpook National University in South Korea, contributed an online presentation discussing biosafety, biocompatibility, and the application of medical nanomaterials.
In-person, Dr. Alexey Solovchenko from the Biological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University shared insights on microalgae and waste-free use of phosphorus, showcasing his research in biology and biotechnology.
Dr. Yuri Nikolaev, Head of the Laboratory of Microorganism Survival at the A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry within the Federal Research Centre of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, presented an innovative method aimed at extending the shelf life and enhancing the properties of live bacterial preparations, drawing on his expertise in microbiology.
Professor Praskovya Mizina, an Advisor to the Director of VILAR and Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, emphasised the significance of incorporating medicinal plants into modern health-preserving technologies in her address.
Dr. Kirill Tkachenko, a Senior Researcher and Acting Head of the Seed Science Laboratory at Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, discussed essential oil plants and essential oils in regard of their prospects for study and use, displaying his findings in botany and chemistry.
The Symposium’s key topic was the training of personnel for the pharmaceutical industry. As one of Russia’s leading sectors for public investment, the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding. However, studies indicate that drug manufacturers across various regions are facing a shortage of skilled personnel. The competition for talent in the job market remains high, a challenge that is also prevalent internationally.
To address this issue, a new model of pharmaceutical education is being introduced, shifting focus from traditional training methods to fostering students’ skills in solving real-world production challenges. In their reports, Dr.IrinaKaukhova, Professor in the Department of Industrial Technology of Medicines named after Yu.K. Sander at Belgorod State University, and Dr.ElenaZhilyakova, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biology, discussed strategies for overcoming these challenges.
The second day of the scientific forum was dedicated to sectional sessions. During a panel discussion organised by the Professional Schools of Belgorod National Research University on the topic “Technological Solutions for Bioeconomy: From Laboratory to Market,” leading specialists and business representatives explored strategies for integrating scientific developments into the commercial sector.
The primary aim of the discussion was to identify the key barriers faced by researchers and entrepreneurs, as well as to propose practical solutions to overcome these challenges. The industrial partners involved in the discussion included Tekhnologii i Audit, LLC, Agrosnab, LLC, Polisintez, LLC, Taksifolia, LLC, and individual entrepreneur Yu.A. Myakushin.
Ulyana Krut, head of the Natural Science Professional School, emphasised the importance of a smooth transition from the laboratory to the market. She highlighted the mechanisms of collaboration between universities, businesses, and government agencies that can facilitate successful technology transfer. As a successful example of integrating scientific research into production, Krut shared the experience of Ivan Nikulin, director of BelSU’s Engineering Centre, LLC at.
Viktor Alferov, a top manager at Technologies and Audit, LLC underscored the key criteria that investors consider when selecting projects. He noted that factors such as product uniqueness, capital intensity, market size, production profitability, and effective management play a crucial role in investment decisions.
"To successfully market a technology, it is essential to thoroughly address all aspects of the potential business, including economic calculations and an analysis of the competitive landscape," Alferov added.
The discussion also delved into the civil-legal aspects of technology implementation. Lyudmila Turshuk, a representative from the Social and Humanitarian Professional School, outlined the main challenges that researchers and entrepreneurs encounter during the technology implementation phase.
As a result of the discussion, the Technology Transfer Centre prepared proposals for collaboration and outlined potential roadmaps for future interactions. A significant outcome of the event was the approval of a framework agreement between MUNAGOLDIP, a manufacturer of professional cosmetics represented by Yu.A. Myakushin, and National Research University "BelSU" to foster scientific and practical collaboration.
Overall, the discussion served as an important platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, promoting the development of the bioeconomy, and strengthening ties between science and business. For the first time during the symposium, participants also had the opportunity to undergo advanced training in the programme "Methodology of Scientific Research and Experimental Design Development."
For the record: The symposium was organized in a collaborative effort by Belgorod State National Research University, Dezhou University (China), and Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute (Uzbekistan).
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