YANKA KUPALA STATE UNIVERSITY OF GRODNO PLANS TO LAUNCH A JOINT CYBERSECURITY LABORATORY WITH A LEADING RUSSIAN DEVELOPER IN THE FIELD
On October 16, a delegation from UserGate, a Russian developer of software and microelectronics for information security, visited YKSUG. The highlight of the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement under the "UserGate Educational Partnership" academic program.
A key topic of discussion was the establishment of a training and practical laboratory for monitoring and preventing cyberattacks at YKSUG. The project includes a complete renovation of the facility and the procurement of cutting-edge equipment, fully funded by UserGate. A similar, successful center was launched at the Belarusian State University this September.
"For us, collaborating with universities that host specialized departments in information security and cybersecurity is of paramount importance. The next step in our partnership with Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will be the opening of a laboratory where students can hone their practical skills," said Margarita Zaitseva, Director of the UserGate Academy, regarding the plans for the new university-based lab.
Margarita Zaitseva also emphasized that this collaboration is mutually beneficial: the company requires young professionals who are familiar with digital solutions, know how to work with them effectively, and are prepared to contribute to real-world projects immediately upon graduation.
"We are committed to investing in the future—by training faculty and students, and by providing comprehensive support for academic olympiads and professional skills competitions."
Integrating UserGate’s expertise into the educational process will significantly strengthen the practical training of future IT specialists. The partnership includes the establishment of a laboratory fully equipped with modern software, comprehensive educational and methodological materials, and ongoing technical support from the vendor. It also entails masterclasses, workshops, and lectures led by the company’s top industry experts; the creation of a UserGate Academy scholarship for high-achieving students; sponsorship of university-level cybersecurity competitions; and the provision of specialized internships for promising students, with the potential for future employment and the development of a talent pipeline.
Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, noted that Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and the UserGate Academy already share a history of successful collaboration—most recently, the signing of a license agreement in June for the provision of software and educational materials.
"Today, we are taking the next step. Our university has adopted a practice-oriented educational model, and we recognize that without collaboration with organizations and enterprises operating directly in the field, we cannot produce the kind of specialists that employers expect. Access to modern software, educational materials, and equipment is therefore vital for us. The scope of this cooperation is very broad, and we are, of course, very pleased about that," emphasized Liavontsi Paulau.
The laboratory will serve as a foundation for integrating real-world industry case studies into courses focused on the protection of networks and information systems. The updated curricula will benefit students in the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, specifically those enrolled in programs such as Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, and Information Resource Management.
These new opportunities will also be available to students from other faculties. Students will be able to build a strong portfolio while still pursuing their studies, while faculty members will be able to update course content and boost research activities.
Similar laboratories have been established at leading Russian universities, including the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Russian Technological University MIREA, Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications named after Bonch-Bruevich, Novosibirsk State Technical University, and others.
