On 26th-27th of September Germany holds IV International ‘Penza-Flensburg’ Congress. Penza State University is attending the Congress. It is represented by Aleksandr Gulyakov (Rector of Penza State University), Sergey Vasin (Vice-Rector for International Affairs), Aleksandr Mitroshin (Director of the Medical Institute), Olga Sukhova (Dean of the Faculty of History, Languages and Literature), Tatyana Razuvaeva (Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office), Konstantin Korolev (Head of International Projects Department).

The first day began in Flensburg City Hall, where Svetlana Krätzschmar, Flensburg President, opened the Congress. She marked in her speech that ‘The Penza-Flensburg Congress is a meeting of friends. We will talk about education, science, economy. I am sure that in a rather complicated atmosphere of West-East dialogue we will define our future perspectives of cooperation.’

Stefan Musiolik from the Ministry of Law, Culture and European Cooperation of Schleswig-Holstein noted that Russia and Germany are united by the ties of kinship that originated as far back as the Romanov dynasty rule. It is important not to break these ties and contacts in present difficult times.

Aleksandr Gulyakov made a greeting speech in German. He overviewed the history of development of relations between Penza State University and Europa-Universität Flensburg, marked the results that had been achieved since 2011 over the years of friendly cooperation. ‘This is the fourth time that the congress takes place. This is the proof that the links between our cities are becoming closer with each year. Each congress does not only show the positive results but gives an impetus to further growth of cooperation. Today we see the colleagues who are ready to discuss the possibilities of future joint work. We hope that Hochschule Flensburg and DIAKO clinic will become our reliable partners,’ noted the rector.

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Schwier, Vice-Rector of Europa-Universität Flensburg, delineated the new scheme of university development, that encompasses integration with European universities, including universities in Russia. Cooperation with Penza State University has a separate place in that new scheme. It includes the academic mobility of students and staff, joint research projects, and joint educational programmes.

Prof. Dr. Holger Watter, President of Hochschule Flensburg discussed new challenges in development that will deal with the widening the scope of research in engineering. He also expressed his hope that joint work with Penza State University will make the solution to these challenges more possible. The president also noted that ‘the structure of offered education of specialists is similar in our universities’.

The highly honoured guest was present at the meeting of old and new friends. Her Highness Princess of Ysenburg and Büdingen, born Princess of Schleswig-Holstein joined the Congress. Her presence stressed the importance attached to that meeting by participants of Congress in Germany.

Erik Lauritzen, the Mayor of Sønderborg (Danemark) also took part in the Congress.

The symbolic apple tree was planted by the respected participants of the Congress on the territory of the university in Flensburg.

The four students from Penza State University, who are currently studying in Europa-Universität Flensburg as part of the academic mobility programme, also helped in the work of the Congress.

Sergey Vasin spoke on Penza and Penza State University, internationalization development of the university at the congress workshop ‘Germany and Russia: Friends and Partners over Generations’ in Europa-Universität Flensburg.  Tatyana Razuvaeva talked about the academic mobility and the realization of joint educational programmes. It was offered to discuss the opportunity of organizing joint Master’s degree programme in foreign languages with the diplomas of two universities – Penza and Flensburg – awarded to its graduates.

Konstantin Korolev presented new application forms for international grants and programmes contests, talked on the funding opportunities of research. A range of prospective research projects was offered for review with the aim of international integration in specific research fields.

Flensburg participants - Julia Ricart Brede, Ulrike Bischoff-Parker, Maik Friedrichsen - talked about the internationalization and research results.

The workshop resulted in defining the range of common interests, action plan in developing new projects in education and research.

The second congress day is expected to be less eventful. Meetings will cover possible cooperation in history studies, medicine, and IT. The congress will take place in Europa-Universität Flensburg, Hochschule Flensburg, DIAKO clinic.