MPEI students took part in the Global Summer School of Harbin Institute of Technology

July 13-31, 2026, 15 MPEI  students from the departments of CMSN (IITCS), FRE, RES (IREE), APRL (IHAS), IHPES (IEEHT), ET, TBHE, NPP (ITNPE), ESHTI (IHRE), TFEE (IEPE), SIT, EPEI (EEI) participated in the Global Summer School of Harbin Institute of Technology (HITGSS 2026), one of China’s largest international educational projects. This year, the school brought together over 1,000 students from 50 countries, including representatives from leading universities in Russia, China, Singapore, and others.

The HITGSS program featured 18 thematic tracks covering cutting‑edge fields of science and technology. MPEI students selected programs aligned with their specializations, including: “Next‑Generation Intelligent Information and Communication Technologies”, “Physics and the Future of Technology”, “Arctic Environment and Ecosystem”, “Training Camp: Developing Personnel for International Organizations”, “Digital Economy and Smart Solutions”, “Intelligent Civil Engineering”, and “Architectural Design”.

Anna Lukina, a student of the FRE Department (IREE): “The curriculum was very intensive. We attended a series of lectures on supply and demand, logistics and supply chains, and artificial intelligence. After each thematic block, we had to prepare a report. We could choose which lectures to base our reports on (three in total). At the end of the program, all participants received certificates. The lecture on Bitcoin stood out the most. It was very engaging and offered a fresh perspective on modern digital technologies. Our trip wasn’t just about studying. We tried to explore Harbin as much as possible, getting to know the city and its landmarks. The tiger park was truly amazing: we took a bus tour around the vast territory and saw these majestic animals up close. We also visited a Harry Potter‑themed café, tried many local dishes. For example, the mangosteens and the famous Zubarev dumplings were particularly impressive. Moreover, the most valuable part was the new connections we made: during the program, we managed to become friends with students from all over the world. Trips like this give you not only knowledge but also unforgettable emotions that stay with you for a long time”.

As part of the educational component, participants attended lectures by leading professors from China, Russia and other countries, including talks by academicians and invited experts. Special emphasis was placed on practical training. Students carried out laboratory work, used simulators of energy systems, as well as developed and defended group projects on current scientific issues ranging from ecological processes in the Arctic to modeling hybrid power systems.

The program also included an introduction to the scientific infrastructure of Harbin Institute of Technology: participants visited the Cosmonautics Museum, the University History Museum, as well as major scientific and engineering experimental facilities, where they learned about modern equipment for fundamental and applied research. The program allowed students to explore China’s history, traditions and strengthen international professional ties.

Upon completion of the program, all participants received certificates and official academic transcripts from the HIT. Students highlighted the significant progress they made in understanding current technological trends, gaining experience working in international teams and developing intercultural communication skills.

Olga Morozova, a student at the CMSN Department (IITCS): “Returning to the summer school in the same place has its own charm. There are plenty of new acquaintances, but you also need to find time to catch up with all the old ones. You already know where to find good food and beautiful spots for a walk, yet there are still many places to discover for the first time. You’re familiar with some local features and keep uncovering new ones! This year, Harbin also delighted us with great weather that is perfect for watching sunsets from the Dragon Tower or from the streets of the Baroque Quarter. The summer school itself offered a wealth of international connections, new knowledge. Giving a speech at the closing ceremony felt almost routine as I did the same thing last year!”

Taisiya Gornostaeva, a student at the EPEI Department (EEI): “Participating in the summer school was a great opportunity not only to rediscover China but also to immerse myself in its culture and educational environment for several weeks. I especially appreciated that the entire program was conducted in English and that the classes were led by truly outstanding professionals. I’d also like to highlight the constant international interaction with students from different countries. The chance to exchange experiences, communicate, and make new friends is truly invaluable.

I value the opportunity to see China with my own eyes again and gain a completely new experience. During the trip, I became more confident navigating a foreign country, learned a lot about Chinese culture, and met people I would unlikely have encountered in everyday life. Overall, it was a very intense and interesting experience that will definitely remain one of the most memorable moments of my student years.”

Alina Vislova, an undergraduate student at the NPP Department (ITNPE): “The summer school trip was the most exciting and valuable event of my summer. The chance to visit China, contribute to an intellectual project, and immerse myself in a new culture was an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Harbin impressed me with its beauty and modernity. Over the two weeks, we absorbed the local atmosphere, explored the city, and tried Chinese cuisine. But the most valuable part was the international interaction: every day we practiced English by listening to lectures, sharing academic experiences, and learning to work as a team. This gave us a huge boost of new knowledge and motivation.

This amazing trip made me genuinely fall in love with the country. Now I know for sure that this is just the beginning. I will definitely return to continue exploring China”.

Reference:

Harbin Institute of Technology was founded in 1920 and is a member of the elite C9 League that is a consortium of China’s top universities. HIT is one of the country’s leading engineering and technical universities, renowned for its achievements in robotics, information technology, and materials science.

Cooperation between MPEI and Harbin Institute of Technology is developing within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation University (SCO University) and ATURC, and includes joint educational programs, academic exchanges, and research projects. The annual participation of MPEI students in HIT summer schools is an important part of the international collaboration between the two universities, contributing to the training of highly qualified specialists and strengthening scientific ties between Russia and China.

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