On June 23, 2026, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov was visited on a working visit by a representative delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation Dauren Abayev. The delegation also included Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazan Yerlan Iskakov, Akim of the West Kazakhstan region Nariman Turegaliyev, heads of relevant departments of the region, as well as representatives of the Akimat of Uralsk and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken".
Saratov region was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Nikitin, Minister of Economic Development Andrey Razborov, Deputy Minister of Education - Head of the Department for the Development of Vocational Education and Organizational Work Lyudmila Grigoryeva, Deputy Minister of Internal Regional and Municipal Policy Timofey Leshchenko, as well as vice-rectors of leading universities in the region.
The event was also attended by Andrey Denisov, a member of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation from the executive body of the Saratov Region, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.
The program of the visit began at the university's iconic sculptural composition "Bread to everything's Head" in front of the building of the educational complex No. 2, which celebrates the hard work and continuity of generations of agricultural workers in the Saratov region. Then the guests were given an overview of the university's innovative projects, including a visit to a product exhibition and a demonstration of joint developments in agrometeorological monitoring with InfoBiS, Er-Telecom, and Yandex.Weather" ("Agrometeocenter") and the Centres of Innovative technologies.
Rector Dmitry Solovyov conducted an introductory tour of the Educational complex 2 of Vavilov University.
The central event of the day was a round table meeting on international cooperation in higher education, held at the Quantorium Technopark. The event was moderated by Anna Shadrina, Director of the Institute of International Relations at Vavilov University.
Lyudmila Grigoriyeva, Deputy Minister of Education of the region, Head of the Department for the Development of Vocational Education and Organizational Work, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech. She stressed the strategic importance of developing partnership relations with the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In his speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dauren Abayev outlined the key priorities of bilateral cooperation in the scientific and educational sphere and expressed readiness to support joint projects.
Dmitry Solovyov, Rector of Vavilov University, presented a detailed report on the university's potential in the field of genetics, biotechnology and engineering, as well as on the prospects for cooperation with Kazakh colleagues in the field of agriculture.
"Today, our countries face similar challenges in ensuring food security and technological renewal of agriculture. We see great potential in cooperation with Kazakhstan in the field of agro—industrial complex and biotechnologies," said the rector. — Vavilov University is ready to offer partners not only academic knowledge, but also applied solutions: from breeding and genetics to digital services for farmers. I am confident that joint scientific research, the launch of online educational programs and internships for students will become a solid foundation for our long-term cooperation."
Representatives of the leading universities of the region also spoke about the opportunities for international cooperation: Saratov National Research State University named after N. G. Chernyshevsky, Saratov State Technical University named after Yuri Gagarin, Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky, Saratov State Law Academy, P.A. Stolypin Volga Institute of Management, a branch of the RANHiGS under the President of the Russian Federation.
During the meeting, the participants confirmed their mutual interest in launching joint educational programs, academic exchanges and scientific research to further expand the partnership between Saratov Region and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
