In pursuit of expanding international academic and scientific cooperation, the University of Kurdistan hosted a distinguished delegation from Ural Federal University (UrFU), Russia. The visit, which took place on October 26-27, 2025, was organized by the university's International Affairs Office to facilitate the implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
University of Kurdistan Hosts Delegation from Ural Federal University, Russia
The Russian delegation comprised Dr. Pavel Smirnov, Advisor for International Relations and Coordinator of Scientific and Industrial Collaborations; Dr. Lev Krekoten, Advisor to the President of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Dr. Mohsen Beigi, Coordinator for Scientific Cooperation with Russian universities.
Upon their arrival, the delegation engaged in a formal meeting with the President and the Executive Board of the University of Kurdistan. Faculty members with academic backgrounds from Russian universities also attended, contributing proposals for joint research projects to enhance bilateral academic relations. The visit included tours of the Faculties of Engineering, Science, Language and Literature, and Agriculture, as well as the Research Center for Kurdish Studies, to explore existing capacities and identify mutual areas for collaboration.
At the conclusion of the two-day visit, both universities affirmed their commitment to fostering long-term cooperation. Key areas of agreement include:
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Establishing a Russian Language and Literature Center at the University of Kurdistan and a Persian Language Center at Ural Federal University, with online instruction provided by faculty from the University of Kurdistan.
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Organizing a series of online academic lectures for University of Kurdistan students, delivered by faculty from UrFU's Department of Oriental Studies in Persian and English.
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Implementing joint research projects in Persian and Kurdish languages and literature, as well as Kurdish studies.
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Co-hosting international scientific conferences.
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Creating sabbatical and research opportunities for faculty and doctoral students, with complimentary accommodation and meals provided by the host institution.
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Launching Joint Degree Programs.
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Developing a trilateral cooperation model involving the Iranian industrial sector, the University of Kurdistan, and Ural Federal University to bridge academia and industry in key fields such as advanced metallurgy, digital machinery, power generation, information technology, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and biotechnology.
This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening the scientific and cultural ties between Iran and Russia and advancing the University of Kurdistan's strategic goal of internationalizing higher education.
The Russian delegation comprised Dr. Pavel Smirnov, Advisor for International Relations and Coordinator of Scientific and Industrial Collaborations; Dr. Lev Krekoten, Advisor to the President of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Dr. Mohsen Beigi, Coordinator for Scientific Cooperation with Russian universities.
Upon their arrival, the delegation engaged in a formal meeting with the President and the Executive Board of the University of Kurdistan. Faculty members with academic backgrounds from Russian universities also attended, contributing proposals for joint research projects to enhance bilateral academic relations. The visit included tours of the Faculties of Engineering, Science, Language and Literature, and Agriculture, as well as the Research Center for Kurdish Studies, to explore existing capacities and identify mutual areas for collaboration.
At the conclusion of the two-day visit, both universities affirmed their commitment to fostering long-term cooperation. Key areas of agreement include:
-
Establishing a Russian Language and Literature Center at the University of Kurdistan and a Persian Language Center at Ural Federal University, with online instruction provided by faculty from the University of Kurdistan.
-
Organizing a series of online academic lectures for University of Kurdistan students, delivered by faculty from UrFU's Department of Oriental Studies in Persian and English.
-
Implementing joint research projects in Persian and Kurdish languages and literature, as well as Kurdish studies.
-
Co-hosting international scientific conferences.
-
Creating sabbatical and research opportunities for faculty and doctoral students, with complimentary accommodation and meals provided by the host institution.
-
Launching Joint Degree Programs.
-
Developing a trilateral cooperation model involving the Iranian industrial sector, the University of Kurdistan, and Ural Federal University to bridge academia and industry in key fields such as advanced metallurgy, digital machinery, power generation, information technology, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and biotechnology.
This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening the scientific and cultural ties between Iran and Russia and advancing the University of Kurdistan's strategic goal of internationalizing higher education.
