Invitation to participate: X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC" opens application period

This autumn, a landmark event in the world of media and cinema will take place – the jubilee X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC." Directors, journalists, and multimedia content creators aged 16 to 35 are invited to participate in the youth competition "Eurasia.DOC: 4 Minutes." Applications are accepted until July 20.

The festival is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, and the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus. The festival's geography will traditionally unite two venues: the Union route will begin in Smolensk (September 28–30) and conclude in Minsk (October 1–2).

Authors of documentary films on themes reflecting the lives of people in the Eurasian space and beyond are invited to participate in the main festival. The application deadline is July 10. At a recent press conference, the organizing committee presented the main thematic directions: "85th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Genocide of the Soviet People," "Women's World," "Greater Eurasia," "Small Homeland," and "The Nerve of Time. Overcoming." Additionally, a special prize "For the Best Film on a Historical Theme" has been established within the festival.

The youth competition accepts works with a running time of no more than 4 minutes. The organizers deliberately do not limit participants' creative freedom in choosing stories, seeking to see which themes and heroes concern the new generation of authors today.

Winners of the youth competition will receive cash prizes, diplomas, and special awards. A pleasant bonus will be gifts from sponsors, including professional filming and editing equipment.

Invitation to participate: X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC" opens application period

This autumn, a landmark event in the world of media and cinema will take place – the jubilee X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC." Directors, journalists, and multimedia content creators aged 16 to 35 are invited to participate in the youth competition "Eurasia.DOC: 4 Minutes." Applications are accepted until July 20.

The festival is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, and the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus. The festival's geography will traditionally unite two venues: the Union route will begin in Smolensk (September 28–30) and conclude in Minsk (October 1–2).

Authors of documentary films on themes reflecting the lives of people in the Eurasian space and beyond are invited to participate in the main festival. The application deadline is July 10. At a recent press conference, the organizing committee presented the main thematic directions: "85th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Genocide of the Soviet People," "Women's World," "Greater Eurasia," "Small Homeland," and "The Nerve of Time. Overcoming." Additionally, a special prize "For the Best Film on a Historical Theme" has been established within the festival.

The youth competition accepts works with a running time of no more than 4 minutes. The organizers deliberately do not limit participants' creative freedom in choosing stories, seeking to see which themes and heroes concern the new generation of authors today.

Winners of the youth competition will receive cash prizes, diplomas, and special awards. A pleasant bonus will be gifts from sponsors, including professional filming and editing equipment.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno successfully showcased at the International Environmental Olympiad

The team of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in the 15th International Environmental Olympiad for Universities of the CIS Countries. The event brought together 44 teams from Commonwealth states and was held in a remote format.

YKSUG team included representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology: 4th-year students Ihar Matveev and Palina Kashley, 3rd-year students Nikita Galagan and Daria Krotova, and 2nd-year student Maria Tolkach. The team was supervised by Volha Kremlyova, Associate Professor of the Department of Ecology.

The first challenge of the Olympiad was the "Team Business Card," in which the students presented the features of training ecologists at YKSUG, spoke about research activities, participation in environmental projects, as well as their professional interests and achievements.

In the creative competition, participants were asked to prepare an essay on the topical theme "Electric Transport: An Environmental Solution or a New Problem?" The YKSUG team considered this issue comprehensively, analyzing both the environmental advantages of electric transport and the challenges associated with battery production, resource consumption, and disposal issues.

A particularly serious test of knowledge was the theoretical round of the Olympiad. Its tasks included a wide range of issues in modern ecology: environmental and radiation safety, environmental monitoring, the concept of sustainable development, anthropogenic factors impacting the biosphere, conservation of biological diversity, rational use of natural resources, energy security, the impact of the environment on human health, demographic processes, and urbanization. The high level of training allowed the Kupala University team to take an honorable third place in this round.

The practical round, dedicated to finding environmentally sound solutions in urban planning and the construction of residential complexes, proved to be equally interesting. Our students presented their own project, in which they proposed modern approaches to shaping a comfortable urban environment taking into account the principles of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and rational resource use. The presented work was highly appreciated by the Olympiad experts and brought the team second place in the practical round.

The successful performance was the result of serious preparation, deep knowledge, and cohesive teamwork. Following the Olympiad, the students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno confirmed the high level of environmental education, the competitiveness of environmental specialist training on an international platform, and also demonstrated their creative potential, research competencies, and ability to work in a team.

We congratulate the YKSUG team and wish them further success!

Joint Institute with Qilu Normal University to start operating at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Cooperation between Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Qilu Normal University is gaining new momentum. The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China has officially approved the establishment of a Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering between the two universities. The institute will begin its work in September 2026.

Joint work with Qilu Normal University began with the design of a joint 4+0 bachelor's educational program in "Biology" in 2023. An agreement on its implementation for training bachelors between YKSUG and Qilu Normal University in Jinan was signed in 2024. Currently, 108 Chinese students are studying under this program in China.

In 2025, the Chinese side proposed the creation of a joint institute. The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Faculty of Biology and Ecology, and Education Internationalization Centre of YKSUG, together with foreign colleagues, carried out fruitful work on the design of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering. The project includes training in three specializations: "Applied Mathematics," "Artificial Intelligence," and "Biochemistry."

In early 2026, the Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Iryna Kiturka, and the Rector of Qilu Normal University, Zheng Xiuwen, signed an agreement to establish the institute. Subsequently, in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in an online defense of the project to obtain approval for its implementation in China.

A few days ago, information appeared on the website of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China that the Joint Institute has been officially approved and will begin its work in September 2026.

Celebration of the anniversary Festival of National Cultures to be held in Grodno

On June 5 and 6, the main international festival – the XV Republican Festival of National Cultures – will take place in Grodno, during which representatives of every nationality will showcase their unique cultural flavor to all comers.

The organizers promise a rich program. On June 5, the celebration will begin with an official ceremony. New trees will be planted on the "Alley of Friendship" in Kolozhsky Park, followed by an official flower-laying ceremony at the mass grave of Soviet soldiers and partisans in Zhiliber Park. After that, prayer services are planned at churches in the region, a time capsule with a message to future generations will be sealed, and a monumental-decorative sculpture "Symbol of Grodno" will be unveiled.

Over the course of two days, festival guests can expect a theatrical procession and themed pavilions representing the nationalities living in the Grodno region, as well as pavilions from the regions of Belarus. Concert programs featuring ensembles from the Republic of Belarus and international students of Grodno universities, craft fairs and exhibitions, an outdoor cinema courtyard, a performance based on Pushkin's poem "The Gypsies," and photo exhibitions by the Honored Amateur Collective of the Republic of Belarus – the "Grodno" Folk Photo Art Studio – have been prepared for visitors. Highlights of the festival will include a performance by the band "Fabrika," a laser-light show, and a festive fireworks display.

We invite all members of the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno community to become part of this vibrant celebration of the friendship of peoples!

Celebration of the anniversary Festival of National Cultures to be held in Grodno

On June 5 and 6, the main international festival – the XV Republican Festival of National Cultures – will take place in Grodno, during which representatives of every nationality will showcase their unique cultural flavor to all comers.

The organizers promise a rich program. On June 5, the celebration will begin with an official ceremony. New trees will be planted on the "Alley of Friendship" in Kolozhsky Park, followed by an official flower-laying ceremony at the mass grave of Soviet soldiers and partisans in Zhiliber Park. After that, prayer services are planned at churches in the region, a time capsule with a message to future generations will be sealed, and a monumental-decorative sculpture "Symbol of Grodno" will be unveiled.

Over the course of two days, festival guests can expect a theatrical procession and themed pavilions representing the nationalities living in the Grodno region, as well as pavilions from the regions of Belarus. Concert programs featuring ensembles from the Republic of Belarus and international students of Grodno universities, craft fairs and exhibitions, an outdoor cinema courtyard, a performance based on Pushkin's poem "The Gypsies," and photo exhibitions by the Honored Amateur Collective of the Republic of Belarus – the "Grodno" Folk Photo Art Studio – have been prepared for visitors. Highlights of the festival will include a performance by the band "Fabrika," a laser-light show, and a festive fireworks display.

We invite all members of the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno community to become part of this vibrant celebration of the friendship of peoples!

Young scientist of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Artem Syty visited the People's Republic of China as part of a belarusian delegation

As part of strengthening Belarusian-Chinese scientific and educational cooperation, a delegation of young scientists from Belarus paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China. Belarusian researchers visited key educational, scientific-industrial and cultural sites in Gansu Province. Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by Artem Syty, an electronics engineer of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics and a master's student of the Department of General Physics.

The visit program was packed. At Gansu Normal University for Nationalities, young scientists took part in a specialized meeting where they discussed the prospects of inter-university partnership, and also got acquainted with the scientific and industrial base of the region in the ecological industrial park of Hezuo City. At Lanzhou University, during working meetings, the parties outlined joint research projects. A special place in the schedule was occupied by a visit to Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics. The delegation visited the Belarus Institute operating on its basis, which serves as an important and authoritative platform for strengthening intercultural and scientific dialogue between the two countries.

The official outcome of the academic track was a meeting with the leadership of Gansu Province, during which the parties confirmed their mutual readiness to develop scientific and technical cooperation and comprehensively support promising initiatives of young scientists.

Of particular practical interest to young researchers was the study of the socio-economic and industrial potential of the region. The delegation visited the "Ganwei" agricultural products exhibition center and the Yuanguidu Village. Here, scientists thoroughly familiarized themselves with the processes of rural revitalization and industrial development based on the pharmaceutical company "Longshen Chinese Medicine", a deer farm, and an advanced base for the production of original potato seeds. In addition, in the Anding District, the delegation visited Futai Primary School, where they took part in an event called "Presentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage at School."

The cultural and historical part of the visit allowed for a deeper understanding of China's traditions and heritage. Young scientists visited the office of the large publishing group "Reader," the "Longyuan Qiaoshou" folk crafts center, explored the picturesque embankment of the Yellow River, and the memorial pavilion dedicated to the air battle for Lanzhou. The program continued with excursions to the scenic area "Sources of the Weihe River," the historical and cultural district "Eight Districts – Thirteen Alleys" in Linxia City, Tangwang Town, the Bulungou Village History Museum, as well as studying the rich exhibition of the Gansu Provincial Museum.

The participation of a representative of YKSUG in an international visit of such a high level opens up new prospects for expanding the scientific contacts of our university, exchanging experience in the field of high technologies, and implementing joint Belarusian-Chinese projects.

PHOTO FACT: Representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in the Baby stroller parade

Today, May 29, on the eve of Children's Day, which will be held on June 1, students and staff of YKSUG took part in the annual city baby stroller parade. This year, international students took part: Merden Guvanjov, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Philology, and Enesh Kakamyradova, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology, with her child Jennet Guvanjova.

Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Iryna Kiturka takes part in the Third Forum of the League of Rectors of Universities of Belarus, Brazil and Russia and the Sixth Forum of the Association of Universities of Russia and Belarus

For two days, Minsk has brought together leading universities from three countries to discuss international educational cooperation. From May 27 to 28, two large-scale international events are taking place simultaneously here – the Third Forum of the League of Rectors of Universities of Belarus, Brazil and Russia and the Sixth Forum of the Association of Universities of Russia and Belarus.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss international cooperation, strengthen partnership ties and exchange current scientific and educational practices. Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is represented at the event by Rector Iryna Kiturka.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Ivanets, addressed all those present with a welcoming speech. Within the framework of the forum today, May 27, Iryna Kiturka met with the Rector of Kuban State University, Mikhail Astapov. The result of the meeting was the signing of a Cooperation Agreement, the main direction of which is interaction in the scientific and educational spheres. Also today, Iryna Kiturka met with the Rector of Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University named after N.A. Dobrolyubov, Nikita Avralev.

The first day ended on a scientific note. The Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in the section "Dialogue of Cultures and Knowledge Diplomacy: Partnership Strategies in a Changing World" with a report on "Strategic Development of Educational Diplomacy: The Experience of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno."

Delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and delegation of Leshan Normal University discussed cooperation strategy

On May 26, a meeting between representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and representatives of Leshan Normal University took place in Minsk. The parties discussed interaction in the areas of education and specific specializations.

The delegation of Leshan Normal University included: Vice-Rector Wang Tianfei, Dean of the Faculty of Special Education Zhang Mei, Acting Deputy Head of the Educational and Methodological Management Office Liu Yaoyao, Deputy Dean of the Music Faculty Wu Yang, Lecturer of the Faculty of Philology and History Zhang Xiaocheng, and Head of the International Relations Department Deng Xin. The delegation was accompanied by Wang Peiyi, Associate Professor of the Department of Choral Music at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented at the meeting by Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Alesia Belko, Acting Head of the Education Internationalization Centre; and Wang Tao, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Translation and Intercultural Communication, interpreter.

The main topic of the meeting was the development of interaction between the universities in the fields of pedagogy, inclusive education, biology, artistic design, mathematics and computer science, tourism services, economics and management. For the specializations presented, the parties discussed areas of cooperation, including online and offline teacher exchanges and academic visits, joint training of personnel in pedagogy, biology and other disciplines, joint supervision of master's students, and mutual appointment of scientific supervisors.

The universities also discussed the academic exchange program, GPA requirements for participation in the exchange, language of instruction and required language proficiency level, tuition fees, and curricula. Representatives of Leshan Normal University noted that they are ready to accept students from YKSUG on a priority basis. The topic of study programs at YKSUG for obtaining master's and doctoral degrees was raised, and discussions covered academic and credit requirements, language of instruction and proficiency level, curriculum, and support with document processing for admission.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that, under favorable conditions, the educational institutions will facilitate the establishment of inter-university partnership relations.

For reference: Leshan Normal University began its work in 1940 as the Leshan Provincial Normal School. In 1978, the educational institution was transformed into a college, and in 2000, it became one of the first in Sichuan Province to receive official university status. Its educational structure is organized through 17 specialized institutes.

In the QS Asian University Rankings, Leshan Normal University is in the group #1301–1400 of the best universities in Asia and ranks 604th in the East Asia region, while in the EduRank (world) ranking, it ranks 6651st among more than 14,000 assessed world institutions (2541st in Asia).

The international activity of Leshan Normal University is focused on the active integration of the university into the global educational and scientific space. Since 2001, the university has officially accepted foreign citizens, offering them both short-term Chinese language and culture courses and full-fledged English-language bachelor's programs. To date, the university has established strong partnerships with more than 42 foreign universities and research institutes around the world. This cooperation is expressed in regular teacher exchanges, internships, and joint research projects. A striking example of scientific cooperation is the Sino-French Wildlife and Ecosystem Health Management Laboratory (WiMEH), where Chinese and European scientists jointly study the unique ecology of the Mount Emei region.