Solemn Opening of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Qilu Normal University Held in China

From September 21 to 24, a delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno led by Rector Iryna Kiturka is on a visit to the People's Republic of China. The main purpose of the trip was the opening of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering with Qilu Normal University.

The delegation of Kupala University included Rector Iryna Kiturka, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Liavontsi Paulau, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology Volha Yanchurevich, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics Tatsiana Vankova, and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Translation and Intercultural Communication Wang Tao.

The stay of the representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno began with an introduction to the cultural heritage of the region.

The main part of the programme took place on September 23. On that day, the solemn opening ceremony of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering was held. At the beginning of the event, the partner universities presented demonstration videos telling about their institutions and key achievements. Within the framework of the ceremony, welcoming speeches were delivered by the leadership of Qilu Normal University, Rector of Kupala University Iryna Kiturka, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology Volha Yanchurevich.

In addition, Iryna Kiturka and Vice-President of Qilu Normal University Sun Hongzhao met with students in an open dialogue format.

An important stage of the visit was the meeting of the Joint Management Committee of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering of YKSUG and Qilu Normal University. During the meeting, the parties heard reports on the Institute's activities, the work on the joint educational programme "Biology" and the development of cooperation. The participants discussed mechanisms for academic exchange of lecturers and students, interaction in the fields of research and culture, and the opening of new specializations for implementation at the Joint Institute.

The visit of the delegation of YKSUG to the People's Republic of China became an important step in the development of the university's international activities and strengthened partnership ties with one of China's leading universities.

For reference: Qilu Normal University is a full-time university under the jurisdiction of the People's Government of Shandong Province and subordinate to the Provincial Department of Education. The institution was formerly known as the Pedagogical Faculty of East China University (founded in 1948), renamed Shandong Pedagogical College in 1960, and transformed into Qilu Normal University in 2010.

Over the past five years, Qilu Normal University has won two national and nine provincial awards for achievements in teaching, as well as 25 awards at competitions for young teachers at the provincial level and above. The university received approval for the implementation of 30 teaching reform projects at the provincial level and 18 first-class courses, and also published 27 textbooks. In terms of the overall results of the professional skills competition for students of regular schools in Shandong Province, the university has been among the best universities in the province for five consecutive years.

Development of International Dialogue: Lecturers of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Implement a Joint Educational Programme in China

Lecturers of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology of Kupala University – Elizaveta Uzlova, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, and Anastasia Sakovich, Associate Professor of the Department of Systems Biology – are conducting classes at Qilu Normal University (People's Republic of China). The visit was organized within the framework of the implementation of the experimental joint educational programme "Biology 4+0" and is aimed at strengthening academic ties between the partner universities.

The educational process for Chinese second-year students is organized in lecture and laboratory formats. The lecturers of YKSUG teach the specialized disciplines "Microbiology" and "Plant Ecology," successfully combining the transmission of fundamental theoretical knowledge with intensive practical work.

Particular interest among international students is aroused by laboratory workshops, where theoretical material finds direct practical application. Under the guidance of Belarusian specialists, the students work with biological objects, master modern research methods and learn to analyze the results in detail. This format allows Chinese students not only to assimilate the academic modules more deeply, but also to clearly see the integration of biological science into research and professional activity.

The joint educational programme "Biology 4+0" serves as an effective platform for professional, scientific and cultural interaction between representatives of the two universities. For the teaching staff of YKSUG, this is an excellent opportunity to share advanced domestic experience and get acquainted with the specifics of the organization of higher education in China. In turn, for Chinese students, this is a unique chance to learn from leading specialists from a different educational environment and significantly expand their understanding of modern biological science.

The successful implementation and development of this programme serve as another confirmation of the systematic strengthening of the international academic ties of Kupala University and the expansion of the horizons of scientific and educational cooperation.

Meeting with the Secretary-General of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman Held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On September 17, a meeting with a delegation from the Sultanate of Oman was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. During the visit, the international guests spoke with staff and students of Kupala University and discussed prospects for cooperation with the university administration.

The Sultanate of Oman was represented at the event by Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum; Badr Amur Al Harusi, Head of the Secretary-General's Office; and Anastasiia Dusheiko, Projects Coordinator. Also present as accompanying persons were Veronika Shishkovskaya, Consultant of the Department of Culture and Folk Art of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, and Oksana Kokhanova, Chief Specialist of the Department of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by Aleksandr Karevskiy, First Vice-Rector; Vasiliy Sianko, Vice-Rector for Ideological and Educational Affairs; Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Aksana Kotava, Head of the Department for Ideological and Educational Work; Anna Solovyova, Head of the Public Relations Centre; Sviatlana Mardzechka, Head of the Museum of the History of YKSUG; Alena Belakoz, Head of the Internationalization Education Centre and Volha Minava, Head of the International Cooperation Department.

Before the official talks with the university leadership, the delegation met with students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Mr. Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi told the students about the Sultanate of Oman, its geography, history of formation, culture and international relations. The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue. The students listened to the guest with interest, asked questions and offered ideas for promoting Oman. The delegation was then given a tour of Kupala University.

Afterwards, the meeting with the leadership of YKSUG began. Following an exchange of greetings, the international guests were presented with a presentation about Kupala University, its history, achievements and international activities. The parties then proceeded to discuss opportunities for cooperation.

Representatives of YKSUG requested assistance in establishing contractual relations with Sultan Qaboos University and other higher education institutions of the Sultanate of Oman interested in cooperation with Kupala University. The following were identified as priority areas: the development and implementation of joint scientific and educational projects; the participation of university representatives in each other's events; the exchange of staff for internships, professional development and lecturing; and the development of academic mobility of students for studying in their specialization for 1–2 semesters.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Aleksandr Karevskiy thanked the international guests for the visit and the productive dialogue.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Derzhavin Tambov State University Develop Scientific Cooperation

On September 17–18, a visit of the delegation from Derzhavin Tambov State University is taking place at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The delegation includes Alexander Gusev, Vice-Rector for Research, and Alexei Abramov, Director of the Centre for Advanced Chemical Technologies.

The working meeting was held on September 17. Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by Natalia Bashun, Vice-Rector for Research; Dzmitry Linnik, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Volha Yanchurevich, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology; Aleksandr Varantsou, Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Technology; Sviatlana Hanchar, Dean of the Faculty of Philology; Anton Glazeu, Head of the Research Division; and Aleksandr Vasilevich, Director of the University's Science and Technology Park.

The participants discussed promising areas of joint work in the scientific, scientific-technical and innovation spheres. Special attention was paid to conducting joint research, preparing scientific publications and forming project initiatives for participation in competitions.

A separate area of interaction could be the joint solution of technological tasks of enterprises and organizations in the real sector of the economy of Belarus and Russia. The implementation of such initiatives presupposes the use of the human resources and material potential of the two universities.

The parties also considered the possibilities of publishing the results of joint research in the scientific journals of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Derzhavin Tambov State University.

Representatives of the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Physics and Technology, as well as the Faculty of Biology and Ecology of YKSUG presented the key areas of scientific work of the faculties and identified possible growth points for further cooperation.

The current meeting continues the established partnership between the universities. Currently, the Roadmap for Scientific and Educational Cooperation for 2025–2026 is being implemented, as well as the international cooperation programmes of the Faculty of Philology of YKSUG and the Faculty of Philology and Linguistics of the Institute of Social Sciences of Derzhavin Tambov State University for 2025–2027, and the Faculty of Economics and Management of YKSUG with Derzhavin Tambov State University for 2025–2026.

In addition, the universities are working on a joint project dedicated to the study and analysis of the demographic situation among students.

Strengthening Cooperation: Delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Took Part in a Business Trip to China

From September 1 to 5, representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, as part of a national delegation, visited Lanzhou and Longnan Universities in Gansu Province.

The delegation from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno included Volha Budzenis, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Faculty of Philology, and Sniazhana Semernik, Head of the Department of Philosophy of the Faculty of Pedagogy.

During the visit to Gansu Province, the scholars of YKSUG took part in a number of meetings with representatives of the academic and university community of the People's Republic of China, visited the Tianshui Huatian Technology Park and leading local enterprises. During the events, an exchange of experience took place on research in the field of humanitarian knowledge, in particular the socio-economic development of Belarusian and Chinese societies, ideological education of youth, as well as promising trends in the development of modern education.

The parties discussed issues of expanding the potential for scientific collaboration between young scholars and students of Lanzhou University, Longnan Pedagogical Institute of China, and YKSUG. A draft cooperation programme in the field of scientific, academic and educational work was also proposed. Representatives of the two countries agreed to hold joint conferences, prepare publications, and train students and Master's students. In addition, joint celebration of significant dates is planned: the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of Belarus, as well as Victory Day over German and Japanese fascism.

PHOTO FACT: International students of the Russian Language Summer School continue their studies at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

From August 3 to 22, the Russian Language Summer School is being held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The training is in full swing: half of the programme has already been successfully completed by participants from China and Germany.

Yesterday, at the "Learning from Each Other" meeting, student volunteers organized a creative skills exchange: they taught the international guests how to knit, and also introduced them to Belarusian folk crafts. In addition, the participants visited the Museum of the History of YKSUG, where they learned about the university's rich heritage and its origins.

Sightseeing tours of Grodno have also been organized for the international guests, allowing them to explore the architecture of the ancient city and take part in cultural and entertainment events.

It is worth noting that the Russian Language Summer School is becoming not only an educational platform for international students, but also a true bridge of friendship between cultures. In addition to classes and creative meetings, each day brings the participants new discoveries, bright emotions and unforgettable impressions, and the warm atmosphere of our hospitality will long remain in the hearts of the guests from China and Germany.

Learning and growing: cultural programme for international students of the Russian Language Summer School

Russian Language Summer School at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is gaining momentum. Participants from Xinjiang Normal University (China) and Germany are enthusiastically immersing themselves in the study of the Russian language: mastering grammar, working on pronunciation and practicing conversational skills. Alongside their classes, the students are actively getting to know Belarus – its history, traditions and cultural heritage.

A rich extracurricular programme has been organized for the guests. The participants have already attended an interactive lecture on the history and culture of Belarus, taken part in an evening of introductions, and attended a meeting with volunteers. A special place in the programme is occupied by walks around Grodno: the students study urban sculpture, get acquainted with architectural monuments, and explore ancient structures with great interest. Among the excursions already held are a walk to Kolozhsky Park and a visit to the Kalozha Church, one of the oldest churches on Belarusian soil. The students also visited the Grodno castles, which made a vivid impression on them.

Let us remind you that the school is running from August 3 to 22, 2026. All three weeks of study are dynamic: each day the students combine intensive language classes with new discoveries, excursions and live communication. The introduction to Grodno continues, and many more exciting activities await the participants ahead.

Kupalovtsy, are you ready? The countdown has begun: why this City Day in Grodno will be unforgettable

On September 4 and 5, Grodno will celebrate its 898th birthday. This year, participants of the celebration can expect a rich programme with themed areas and exciting quests that will unfold on the city's central streets.

The festivities will begin on Friday, September 4, with a large-scale eco-race, which will be attended not only by cyclists but also by electric vehicle drivers. On the same day, a commemorative plaque for the film "GDR," which was shot in Grodno in 2022–2023, will be unveiled on Cinema Alley. The first day of the celebration will conclude with an atmospheric Lantern Festival in the Swiss Valley.

The main celebration will take place on September 5 in Zhiliber Park and on Sovetskaya Street. On this day, guests of the celebration will be able to visit interactive theatrical and historical, ethnographic, as well as youth and labour themed areas. Residents and guests of the city will also be able to get acquainted with the achievements of modern Grodno region at a thematic location. A bright part of the celebration will be the traditional Cheese and Flower Festivals "KVETKA-FEST."

The main highlight of this year's celebration will be the "Participant's Passport" – a booklet in which one can get a stamp with the celebration logo at each themed zone. Those who complete all tasks and collect all stamps will receive a commemorative souvenir.

We invite all members of the YKSUG community to become participants in this vibrant celebration!

Kupalovtsy, are you ready? The countdown has begun: why this City Day in Grodno will be unforgettable

On September 4 and 5, Grodno will celebrate its 898th birthday. This year, participants of the celebration can expect a rich programme with themed areas and exciting quests that will unfold on the city's central streets.

The festivities will begin on Friday, September 4, with a large-scale eco-race, which will be attended not only by cyclists but also by electric vehicle drivers. On the same day, a commemorative plaque for the film "GDR," which was shot in Grodno in 2022–2023, will be unveiled on Cinema Alley. The first day of the celebration will conclude with an atmospheric Lantern Festival in the Swiss Valley.

The main celebration will take place on September 5 in Zhiliber Park and on Sovetskaya Street. On this day, guests of the celebration will be able to visit interactive theatrical and historical, ethnographic, as well as youth and labour themed areas. Residents and guests of the city will also be able to get acquainted with the achievements of modern Grodno region at a thematic location. A bright part of the celebration will be the traditional Cheese and Flower Festivals "KVETKA-FEST."

The main highlight of this year's celebration will be the "Participant's Passport" – a booklet in which one can get a stamp with the celebration logo at each themed zone. Those who complete all tasks and collect all stamps will receive a commemorative souvenir.

We invite all members of the YKSUG community to become participants in this vibrant celebration!

Safety and legal literacy: a series of meetings with international students was held at the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism

Timely legal education is a key element in the prevention of offences among students. Insufficient awareness of the legislation of the host country on the part of foreign citizens can lead to a distorted perception of legal norms and, consequently, to the commission of unlawful acts.

At the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, special attention is paid to this work. Throughout the academic year, international students regularly participate in meetings with the university administration, staff of citizenship and migration departments, law enforcement agencies and representatives of city services. Legal information is provided both in the format of curator and information hours, and on dialogue platforms in academic buildings and dormitories.

During the holiday period, this tradition continued with a series of preventive events. On July 2, a meeting was held with Ilya Aleshuk, a state traffic inspector of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee Internal Affairs Department, on the topic "Safe Holidays: Know and Observe."

On July 21, Sviatlana Khudarganava, Internationalization coordinator of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, held an information session on the topic "Ignorance of the Law Does Not Excuse from Responsibility: Prevention of Negative Manifestations in the Youth Environment," analyzing with international students the most common schemes and methods of property theft.

On July 28, Alena Antonchyk, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, discussed with students the topic "Responsible and Safe Behaviour during Summer Holidays."

The main goal of such regular meetings is to form a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities among international students, as well as to ensure their safety and prevent offences during the summer holidays.