University Representatives from Six Countries Agree to Create International Research Network
Universities from Russia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Indonesia are creating an international research network. The signing of the Manifesto of the Consortium of Satellite Laboratories for Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability took place in the framework of the International Partners' Week at HSE University-St Petersburg.
The initiator of the idea to create the research network was doctor Magdalena Gaete, head of the Satellite Laboratory for Social Entrepreneurship at HSE University-St Petersburg. The international research unit was established in 2023 together with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and became the first collaboration of HSE University of this kind. The official start of the project took place in November 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, and in May 2024, during the first International Partners' Week, the laboratory opened at HSE University-St Petersburg. Over time, the research topic provoked the interest of representatives from leading universities in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Indonesia, which is why it was decided to create the association of researchers from different countries.
'When researchers unite in an association, it proves our shared interest in reaching a common goal. I believe that such unions are the main result of the International Partners' Week. We are happy that HSE University acts not only as a leader but also as a platform for interaction. This dialogue involves the whole community. This is why I am confident in our success', addressed Anna Tyshetskaya, director of HSE University-St Petersburg, the participants of the signing ceremony.
The Manifesto was signed by the representatives of six universities: HSE University-St Petersburg (Russia), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), University of Guadalajara (Mexico), University of Campinas (Brazil), São Paulo State University (Brazil), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (Indonesia) and Universidad de La Sabana (Colombia).
'We have signed the Manifesto of the Consortium with a group of universities which are already our friends. But it's important to mention that this consortium is open—it is not a private club. The document is a call for action. If you want to join, just address us with your ideas', emphasised doctor Magdalena Gaete.
According to the document, the consortium is meant to become a global network of university laboratories which work on the model tested at HSE University-St Petersburg and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Research centres will be based on culture-specific concepts but will be united by a common goal—the support of socially oriented innovations and sustainable development.
The Manifesto defines the main work areas of the new collaboration—development of joint research, introduction of the programmes for educational and partner exchange, development of socially oriented innovations, and promotion of sustainable development policy at the local and international levels. The participants agreed that the creation of such an international platform would help the universities to respond to the global challenges of our time in a new way and carry out the mission of universities of the 21st century—to be the centres of humanitarian and social development.
The International Partners' Week at HSE University-St Petersburg is one of the main annual events in the life of the university and academic agenda. The forum unites more than a hundred representatives of the leading universities and organisations from dozens of countries, and offers a unique platform for experience exchange, discussions of key tendencies in science and education, presentation of joint projects and signing new cooperation agreements. The Partners' Week features expert discussions, plenary sessions, exhibitions and cultural events, and the event itself contributes to strengthening the status of St Petersburg as one of the world capitals of science and education and expands the opportunities for students and researchers from all over the world.