On April 7, KNRTU administration met with the Director of the Fulbright Program in Russia, Ph.D. in Political Science Joel Ericson. The meeting was held in absolutely congenial atmosphere. Dr. Ericson has been visiting our university from long ago and has many acquaintances here. For several years Fulbright summer schools for young scientists in the field of nanotechnology have been being organized at KNRTU, which Joel Ericson considers to be the most successful among the similar projects in Russia. Being the head of the Institute of International Education office in Russia he’s doing his best to improve cooperation between Russian and American universities. Of course, many processes were hindered by the ongoing pandemic, as the borders are closed and international communication is extremely limited, however it is hoped that by the end of this year the situation will improve and it will be possible to organize mutual visits again.

“For which purposes can foreign professors be invited to KNRTU - giving lectures, conducting joint research projects? “– asked the guest acting rector Yury Kazakov. “For any purposes”- answered Dr. Ericson confidently, having added that grant covers health insurance and full cost of transportation. Besides, in the framework of Fulbright Program monthly scholarships are awarded. Vice Rector for Research Aleksandr Kopylov wondered if there are any possibilities for conducting joint research projects in the framework of KNRTU scientific fields with the support of Fulbright Program. He also added that our university has already been searching for potential partner universities in the USA, cooperation with which may contribute to successful implementation of these projects. Joel Ericson affirmed that it’s possible, but noted that joint activities efficiency would be significantly increased in case of Russian private sponsoring companies’ participation. Moreover, additional co-financing can also be provided in the form of "Algarysh" program grants or by means of special state projects. Joel Erickson considers the support of scientific research by private companies to be profitable enough. The experience of our American colleagues shows that the shares of companies that are sponsoring scientific area are much more expensive. In this case social responsibility contributes not only company’s image enhancement, but also its profit.

Continuing on the topic of cooperation, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dilbar Sultanova touched upon “green economy” and circular economy areas. As the Republic of Tatarstan is considered to be a birthplace of petrochemistry and oil refining, ecology here is of utmost importance. It would be great to create together a summer school on sustainable development and involve the petrochemical cluster in this project. The synthesis of huge experience of American colleagues, Tatarstan petrochemists’ capabilities and scientific potential of KNRTU Institute of Polymers can undoubtedly turn any idea into reality. As for the summer school, it could become the center of formation of the strategy on plastics in our region. It seems to be quite reasonable to involve in the project colleagues from Purdue and Lehigh universities, with which KNRTU has established cooperation and where its graduates work. Joel Ericson supported the idea, emphasizing that such schools should be organized not only in Moscow, but also in Kazan, Irkutsk and other Russian cities. However, it was announced that unfortunately the project on organizing summer schools will not be implemented until 2023 due to the ongoing pandemic. "But we will definitely come back to KNRTU," Joel Erickson assured. He also stressed the prospects of working at the college level, saying that today in the United States people want to acquire skills quickly, start working or study at universities under accelerated programs.

After the meeting with the administration the event continued in the Round Hall. Joel Ericson delivered a presentation on Fulbright program’s objects, opportunities and requirements to KNRTU students, faculty and research workers.

Fulbright Program is a scholarship program funded by the USA Government, designed to strengthen cultural and academic ties between citizens of the United States and other countries. The program provides grants for studying in the USA, conducting research projects, giving lectures and participating in internships. Grants are awarded based on the results of an open competition. At the end of the presentation, Joel Erickson answered the students ' questions and gave the floor to Fulbright Program participants and graduates from KNRTU. Artem Bezrukov, a graduate of the program for international departments’ staff, Associate Professor of the Departments of Physical and Colloid Chemistry and Innovation in Chemical Technology, shared his own experience of teaching in the USA. Another Fulbright Program graduate is Associate Professor of Food Biotechnology Department Maria Kharina, who told in details about her life in America and gave advice to the future participants of the program.

As the meeting drew to a close, Zoom videoconference with KNRTU graduate Diana Kuzhakhmetova was organized. Diana is currently obtaining her master's degree at Northeastern University in Boston under Fulbright Program. She spoke with inspiration about her experience as the program participant from submitting application to adapting to life and study abroad and encouraged everyone to take a chance and apply for grant.

"There have always been applicants with great potential at your university, such brilliant graduates of our program work here", noted Mr. Erikson. “When your students and professors come to us, any kind of cooperation is always doomed to success! Today education is definitely changing our world, and our key task is to develop it together".