A delegation from Shandong University (SDU) visited Russia from Aug 27 to 31, attending the 5th Kazan Global Youth Summit and visiting universities in Kazan. The trip also advanced preparations for the establishment of China-Russia University of Advanced Technologies (CRUTech), part of the China-Russia Years of Education initiative, which lasts from 2026 to 2027.

During the summit, the delegation held talks with representatives from more than 10 universities, including MGIMO University in Russia and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Kazakhstan. Discussions focused on talent cultivation, cooperation in areas with academic strength and international Chinese language education.

Preliminary agreements were reached on student exchanges, faculty visits and collaborative research. The delegation also attended the summit's opening ceremony and a university presidents' forum.

At Kazan Federal University (KFU), the two sides discussed integrated bachelor's-to-master's programs, dual-degree programs and joint applications for China-Russia intergovernmental science, technology and innovation projects.

CRUTech is a collaborative higher education project led by SDU and KFU to foster advanced technology education and research. The two sides are making progress toward establishing the institute, which is intended to serve as a prominent platform for China-Russia cooperation, with planned joint efforts in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and pharmacology.

At Kazan State Power Engineering University, the two sides explored cooperation in energy engineering, materials science and mechanical engineering, as well as joint research projects and international academic conferences.