Siberian Institute of the Future (TSSW SIF)

I. Outline of the creation and development of the SAU

The University’s transition to this targeted model involving the development of the TSSW SIF focuses on deepening our understanding of the technological revolution, its development rate and multilateral consequences. Appendix I includes context for the University’s transformation and its role in the changing approach to the division of labour and the broader economic system.

1. The purpose of creating and developing the SAU.

International involvement in Siberia’s development, determining Siberia’s role in the global division of labour during the transition to a new technological model. Enhancing TSU’s image and international academic reputation.

2. Description of the SAU’s key areas of activity, plans for their creation and development.

The Siberian region features a particular combination of geological, geographical and climate factors that mean it is of particular interest for fundamental scientific research and can be viewed as a unique geospheric polygon. Complex research carried out into the Siberian region over many years provides a unique nature “mega-system” for meaningful research into the carbon cycle and the planet’s broader climate, which is accessible to scientists on an unprecedented scale and appeals to the global scientific community. One such centre developed in West Siberia (as part of activities carried out by the TSU BioClimLand Centre of Excellence) for landscape and ecological research, all-season environmental monitoring and biochemical samples selection, over a territory that is 2,500 km in length, and extends from the mountains of South Siberia to the Arctic north.

During this new stage, a more extended trans-meridian mega-profile will be established stretching from east to west (about 7,000 km) from the North Dvina basin to the Lena basin in Yakutia, including basins of the largest rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean: the Pechora, the Ob and the Yenisei. This will lend a radical new dimension to the Trans-Siberian Scientific Way project and will expand the framework of the research carried out in the area. Experts from different fields will be involved in the TSSW SIF will enable it to become the core of a network working on a mega-project to: create a life-support system, model sustainable economic activity under conditions of climate instability and forecast natural and man-made disasters. The core research field includes:

• Biota, landscape and geo-resources studied in the context of the changing climate, and materials and technologies performance under extreme conditions;
• Siberia as a socio-cultural phenomenon (transformation as a unique geocultural territory).
• SAU’s educational activities will be focused on training specialists who will be able to model the fundamental principles behind the territory’s development during the third industrial revolution.  

3. SAU’s main tasks in the context of global educational and research agenda and its contribution to solving these problems.

TSSW SIFTSSW SIF RI’s main tasks are aimed at training specialists and carrying out research to solve topical problems of mankindresolve the problems that humankind faces: climate change and water supply; struggle for resources, the problems of territory development in extreme conditions, and using materials formaterials use in extreme conditions; migration and transmigration problems under conditions ofamid globaliszation; conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

To transform the educational system and establish a new landscape for professional and transferrable education based on unique systemic interdisciplinary packages of knowledge.

Develop and implement research policy aiming to solve the problem of “enhancing the quality of life for people living in a territory with a particular ecosystem, economic landscape and socio-cultural environment” on the basis of an inter- and inter-disciplinary approach that incorporates the natural megastructure, the 4M method of complex research (Monitoring, Manipulating, Modelling and Management) and the development of a full technological package.

Set up a research, cultural and educational hub at TSU based at TSSW SIF that will involve the international, Russian, and Siberian scientific communities in the study of the Siberian region.

4. Brief description of SAU’s role and contribution to the University’s development.
  
TSSW SIF is becoming a scientific and educational brand for the university. TSU gains:

• Reputational growth and a clear position in the global scientific, educational and informational fields. Publications per member of academic staff in the Web of Science database will rise from 2.58 in 2016 to 12 in 2020. Increased academic appeal – the number of international students will rise from 300 in 2016 to 1,500 in 2020.
• Delivering the opportunity to build international and inner-Siberian communication networks for effective interaction in scientific, educational and innovative endeavours, as well as in commercial activity, and the attendant attraction of human capital. In 2016 – 20, in 2020 – 60 networks with TSU participation.
• Number of references in mass media – 6,000 references a year.
• Improved positions in the QS World Rankings by Subject will serve as an indicator of the growth in the University’s academic reputation. From 12 focus areas in 2015, 4 are supported by the TSSW SIF: Modern Languages (TOP-251-350), Art & Design, Environmental Science, Earth & Marine Sciences.
• New areas of study will appear in the rankings in 2016: History, Geography, Agriculture & Forestry. By 2020 the expected results are: Modern Languages, Art & Design (TOP-51-100); Geography, Earth & Marine Sciences (TOP-101-150); History, Agriculture & Forestry, Environmental Science (TOP-151-200).

5. General expected results of project implementation.

• Unique educational programmes to train specialists in territorial studies and development who will be able to model principles of territorial development during the third industrial revolution;
• Active recruitment of talented individuals. Creation of an international e-learning portal about the Russian language and culture – attracting at least 2,000 students each year;
• Stakeholders will also be interested in results. Income by 2020 is predicted to rise to 400 million RUB;
• Databases of analytical reports on Siberia needed to carry out research by the scientific community, at least 10 analytical reports a year;
• Research activities will be supported by the necessary equipment and support from the local research communities (at least 80 researchers a year);
• Technological solutions for industrial and other tasks developed by regional enterprises (methodology, technologies, substances, apparatus, etc.), 5 solutions annually;
• Services accompanying intellectual, creative and investment tourism in Siberia with scientific aims (up to 1,000 people a year).

Plans to 2020:

• At least 20 educational programmes (including 10 in English), 1,500 international students.
• 5D territorial model making it possible to assess the impact of environmental changes on humankind, the development of new technological solutions and materials for use in the development of society and to forecast future changes.
• Full technological packages providing environmentally friendly products, materials and constructions that operate under extreme conditions.
• Single integrated resource about Siberia: 530,000 views a year
• New international networks and collaborations led by TSU (3 networks/collaborations).
• Development of a system of expert and analytical activities: developing strategies for the regional transition to new technological and social realities, developing approaches to studying Siberia as a human and natural site and individual soci-cultural sites (50 million RUB a year).
• Branding Siberia and its constituent regions as territories that boast high intellectual potential and a special ecosystem. Annual reports delivered at leading international forums – at least 15 each year. Annual organisation of a large international forum in Siberia.

II. Passport of the university’s strategic academic unit (SAU TSSW SIF)

1. General information about the TSSW SIF

1.1. List of structural subdivisions: Bioclimland Centre of Excellence, Biological Institute (programmes and departments of ecological and nature conservation complex); Faculty of Geology and Geography; Faculty of History; Institute of Art and Culture; Institute of Modern Language and Literature; Chemical materials science scientific educational centre; Historical and cultural heritage of Siberian peoples scientific educational centre.

1.2. Supervisor – Professor Terence Vincent Callaghan, h-index 61, Head, Bioclimland Centre, born 11.03.1945.

1.3. Description of key educational programmes. Branches of training – Biological Sciences, Geographical Sciences, Historical Studies, Philological Studies, Cultural Studies, including Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes.

Total number of students – 2,112. The most important programmes are: Innovation technologies in agro-industrial complex (Master’s programme), Ecology and nature management (Master’s programme), Geoecology and water and climate resources (Master’s programme), Historical and regional geology (Master’s programme), Earth Sciences (Postgraduate programme), The Siberian region in Russia and the world (Master’s programme), Siberian researches: history and modern times (Master’s programme), Historical studies and archaeology (PhD programme), Russian as a foreign language (Master programme), Cultural studies (PhD programme).

Partners: Humboldt University, Berlin (Germany), University of Naples L'Orientale (Italy), Sapienza University, Rome (Italy), RF Academy of Sciences, leading Russian and regional universities.

The main companies employing graduates: Rosneft, Gazprom, Norilsk Nickel, Rosgeology, Tomskgeomonitoring, and others.

1.4. Main branches of scientific research projects.

1. Biogeochemical cycles in the arctic swamp and lake landscapes of West Siberia as an indicator of global climate change and as a basis for rational nature management in the region (BIO-GEO-CLIM). Mega-grant from the Russian Government under Resolution No.220. Amount of financing in 2013-2016: 118 million RUB: Oleg Pokrovsky, born 1972, Administrator, TSU laboratory, Leading Research Fellow, Midi-Pyrénées Observatory, Coordinator, European Associated Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (LEA LEAGE).
2. Developing technology and manufacturing low-toxic carbamide-formaldehyde resin for environmentally friendly wooden panels. Mega-grant from the Russian Government under Resolution No. 218. Funds provided: 176.6 million RUB. Viktor Sergeevich Malkov, Associate Professor, Faculty of Chemistry, TSU, born 1981. Industrial partner: Tomlesdrev LLC.
3. Developing prototypes for technological solutions in the synthesis of additional nanostructural alloys and their use in the production of light alloys with enhanced operating properties. Government funds provided under the Federal Targeted Programme Research and Development on Priority Directions for Russia’s Scientific-Technological Complex 2014-2020. Funds provided: 25 million RUB. Alexander Borisovich Vorozhtsov, Professor, TSU, born 1953.
4. Humankind in a changing world: Problems of identity and social integration in history and contemporary society. Mega-grant from the Russian Government under Resolution No. 220. Funds provided: 114 million RUB: Dmitriy Anatolyevich Funk, Chief Research Fellow. TSU, Department Chair. MSU, born 1962.

1.5. Current TSSW SIF personnel and members of its structural subdivisions.

The number of academic staff - 184.
Average age of the academic staff is 43.

1. Lindroth Anders, born 1948, h-index 49 Professor, Institute of Biology,
2. Oleg Sergeevich Pokrovsky, born 06.07.1972, h-index 35, Laboratory Head, Institute of Biology,
3. Vladimir E. Romanovsky, born 1953, h-index 34, Professor, Institute of Biology,
4. Richard Everett Ernst, born 1955, h-index 25, Professor, Faculty of Geology and Geography,
5. Dmitry Georgievich Eskin, born 1963, h-index 21, Professor, Faculty of Physics and Technology
6. David Nicolas, born 1947, h-index 21, Professor, Faculty of History,
7. Sergey Nikolaevich Kirpotin, born 1964, Professor, Institute of Biology,
8. Vasiliy V. Vryblevsii, born 1956, leading research fellow, Faculty of Geology and Geography,
9. Liudmila Pavlovna Borilo, born 1963, Professor, Faculty of Chemistry,
10. Dmitry Anatolievich Funk, born 1962, Chief Research Fellow, Faculty of History

1.6. The current main extra-University beneficiaries of TSSW SIF activities – 104 organisations.
  
International: INTERACT; international network of the University of the Arctic; NEON; Pan-Eurasian Experiment, PEEX. Russian: Russian Railways, West Siberian Railway, Gazprom, Rosneftegaz, Norilskgeology, Tomskneft, EVRAZ, Federal Scientific and Production Centre Altai, Siberian Business Union Azot.

1.7. Records on infrastructure support for TSSW SIF.

1. Field research stations and bases (4) – remote infrastructure aimed at the continuous monitoring of the environmental conditions. (Total value is 54 million RUB).
2. Equipment provided includes 115 types and 171 facility units and comprises unique, high-value facilities. (Total value - 252 million RUB.).
3. Siberian Botanical Garden covers an area of 120 hectares.
4. TSU Herbarium. 
5. TSU Museum Complex. 
6. Computing cluster T-platform (Total value is 214 million RUB).
7. Tomsk interregional TSU Teleport (Total value is 62 million RUB).

2. Plans on SAU educational activities development

The main educational process within the TSSW SIF will involve unique intersecting Master’s and PhD programmes, characterised by interdisciplinarity aimed at training people who are able to combine scientific research abilities with the talents needed to work in the knowledge economy and compete on that market. These programmes use a problem-based and project-based approach to learning, and meet the demands of today’s employers, who are actively involved in designing and implementing the programmes.

TSSW SIF generates a portfolio of projects and supervises their implementation by the relevant undergraduate students. TSSW SIF students will receive basic education in expansive bachelor’s programmes. To realise individual educational trajectories for TSU students providing a modular structure for the basic educational programme, as well as additional educational programmes, additional professional training programmes, campus courses and elective courses. At the core of new and upgraded educational programmes lie problem-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches. Many programmes are built around the principle of networking, including with international partners.

The development of educational activity (Appendix 6) involves four key directions: research, business, project, and teacher.

The interdisciplinary approach and PBL learning form the core of these new and updated educational programmes. Many educational programmes are developed based on network principles including collaboration with international partners. An obligatory element of all TSSW SIF educational programmes is international research and educational events. Educational events ensure the development of a regional vision as a basic semantic context for the programmes, as well as the involvement of international experts in educational communication activities.

2.1. Siberian and Arctic Studies (a new Master’s Degree Programme) is available in Russian and English.

European and Eurasian Integration: Comparative Study (Master’s Degree Programme) is available in Russian and English.
The Double Degree Programme with the Free University of Brussels, FIBAA accredited in 2015 for 5 years. Russian Studies: Siberia is available in Russian and English.

2.2. Personnel development.
 
Annually: attract leading scientists to TSSW – 30, Academic staff training sessions - 70, students and postgraduate students on network programmes (including Global Education) – 150. An agreement for collaboration has been received from: Zur Hauzen (Nobel laureate) - h-index 72; B. Smith – h-index 42; V. Vincent – h-index 28; S. Nuzhdin – h-index 33.

3. The list of the highest priority scientific-research areas/significant engineering TSSW SIF projects:

1. Biota, landscapes and georesources under the conditions of climate change. Project implementation includes: research into the contemporary and modern changes to land ecosystems and identifying their origins; research into physical, chemical, and biological parameters, georesouces and landscapes of Siberia throughout the mega-profile (vertical and horizontal). TSU is a network coordinator.
2. Environmentally friendly resource-saving manufacturing and recycling of agricultural materials including: technologies for turf conversion and sea ooze, technologies for water purification from benthal deposits, water and oil.
3. Special materials, systems and technologies in extreme conditions: learning about rail metal exploitation in Siberian conditions; the influence of welded seam and steel predisposition to fragile brittleness at low temperatures.
4. Siberia as a socio-cultural phenomenon: learning about the conceptual transformation in a territory that boasts special geocultural features.

4. Data on SAU effectiveness.

Funds attracted for scientific activity in 2020.

1. Research networks, station rent – 40 million RUB.
2. Scientific funds, international and Russian – 200 million RUB.
3. Working contracts – 200 million RUB.
4. Commercial educational services: Russian as a foreign language, Master’s programmes, post-graduate studies, further vocational education – 20 million RUB.
5. Other services: electronic recourses (library, museums, herbarium), holding excursions, exhibitions, cultural events, etc. – 40 million RUB.

Growth in QS subject rankings to 2017 and in the global ranking of universities by 100 positions by enhancing academic reputation and recognition of TSU.

5. The structure and the system of SAU oversight.

TSSW SIF’s management (pic.1) is identified by the Coordination Council as including personnel, research, and educational policy. It organises the process of scientific and educational network collaboration, monitors organisations and societies, and oversees the creation of partnership agreements. The expert panel conducts research and provides consulting services to global and strategic branches; helps attract co-workers and students from the international market to the University (T.V. Callaghan, H. Zur Hauzen, D. Jarvis, H. Loescher, R. Sakwa, R.E. Ernst, D. Nicholas, P.G. Shchedrovitsky, O.B. Alexeyev, and others). The General Assembly, comprising representatives of partner organisations, forms the conception and defines basic future areas of network activity (INTERACT, NEON, Europeana, Russian World, International Society of Biourbanism and others). The administrative office is in charge of infrastructure management, educational programmes, etc. A coordinator regulates the flow of information among the participants, implements direct management, and is responsible for disseminating network participants’ activities results among a wide audience; a coordinator prepares analytical materials for stakeholders.