Head of HSE University Laboratory Evgeny Knyazev Participates in Strategic Module of Management Talent Pool Program in St. Petersburg

The third module of the strategic-level Management Talent Pool Development Program in Science, Technology, and Higher Education concluded at the Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. Among the participants was Evgeny Knyazev, Head of the Molecular Physiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University

The program, implemented by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin through Sirius University of Science and Technology and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), brought together 85 leaders from 28 Russian regions. Participants included directors of research-education centers, heads of laboratories and departments, and senior staff from leading universities and technology companies.

Strategic Priorities and Challenges in Science
The module opened with a speech by Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of St. Petersburg Mining University, who emphasized the role of universities in advancing Russia’s technological sovereignty. During his lecture on global scientific trends, he highlighted the need to integrate fundamental research and applied development, particularly within the framework of the national project Science and Universities.

A keynote lecture by Evgeny Shlyakhto, General Director of the Almazov National Medical Research Center, focused on managing scientific projects amid high uncertainty. "Modern science requires not only deep expertise but also cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. Solving complex challenges, such as developing personalized medical technologies, demands teams capable of rapid adaptation to change," Shlyakhto noted.

Evgeny Knyazev shared insights from managing his laboratory during a period of shifting scientific policies: "Today, it is critical to balance research with project management. This program allows us to adopt best practices and build interregional collaborations."

Educational Innovations and Cultural Context
Maxim Pratusevich, Director of Presidential Lyceum No. 239, analyzed contemporary educational challenges: "Digitalization and neurotechnologies are reshaping students’ cognitive patterns. To maintain leadership in talent development, universities must redesign educational trajectories with a focus on interdisciplinarity."

During the module, participants toured the Mining University’s laboratory complex, exploring projects in biotechnology and environmental engineering. Additionally, Knyazev presented the potential of microfluidic technologies in diagnosing socially significant diseases during a strategic session with students and graduate researchers.

Outcomes and Future Steps
The program comprises four modules combining lectures, project work, and internships. The final stage, scheduled for June 2025, will involve defending management projects before an expert commission including representatives from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and industry partners.

"The program’s model aims not only to enhance qualifications but also to create a network of leaders capable of disseminating best practices within their institutions," stated Elena Shmeleva, Head of the Talent and Success Educational Foundation.

For Evgeny Knyazev, participation aligns with his laboratory’s development strategy, which includes implementing artificial intelligence for molecular-genetic data analysis. "The acquired competencies in scientific project management will accelerate the translation of our research into clinical practice," he concluded.