UTech, Ja. Voices

5 January – April 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica U Tech, Jamaica has forged a partnership with the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting to explore avenues of collaborative research, academic programme enrichment and student exchange. Rector, Dr. VadimA. Kosyanov was accompanied by Mrs. Anastasia Mashkova, Deputy Rector on International Activities and Regional Cooperation, Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting and Mr. Vladislav Kurbatskiy, Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in Jamaica, who was instrumental in facilitating the partnership forged between both universities. Professor. Dr. Kosyanov in his remarks thanked the University of Technology, Jamaica for welcoming collaborative discussions between both universities. He informed the gathering that modern Russia and its universities welcome such cooperation. He noted that the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and has international students from 56 different countries; but lamented that there were currently no Jamaican students enrolled. The Rector pointed out that there are various options and opportunities for students to study in Russia. He welcomed the new partnership with UTech, Jamaica for paving the way for realising such opportunities. Mr. Vladislav Kurbatskiy, Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in Jamaica informed that his country and the Government of Jamaica have in place bilateral agreements for cooperation in the areas of Science, Education, Sports and Culture. He explained that action plans within these frameworks will facilitate cooperation with the University of Technology, Jamaica in areas of mutual interest. Distinguished Lecture During the delegation’s visit, Professor. Dr. Kosyanov delivered a lecture on the topic “Mineral Resources of the Caribbean Region: New Opportunities for Scientific and Educational Cooperation in Geological Exploration of Subsoil Riches of Jamaica.” Prof. Dr. Kosyanov, a leader in the field of applied geology and mining, pointed out that the Caribbean, and specifically Jamaica, are rich in natural deposits of bauxite, cobalt, nickel, oil and molybdenum, with Jamaica having a significant amount of the bauxite that contributes to the production of aluminum across the world. He also pointed out that while there are estimations available, a compilation of complete quantitative research data of mineral deposits in the country has not been undertaken, advising that this should be seen as important step for Jamaica. “The economic situation of developing countries in the 21st century is largely determined by the development of mining and the mining of strategic minerals in particular,” he emphasized. Prof. Dr. Kosyanov told the gathering of attentive students, academics and members of Government, that there are many opportunities for collaboration between Russia and Jamaica in expanding employment and creating innovation in the bauxite industry, and also in tapping into the wealth of unexplored and undocumented minerals that are in the country. Dr. Vadim A. Kosyanov (4th from left) and Professor Stephen Vasciannie (centre) exchanged gifts of books and publications from their respective universities ahead of posing for a group photograph. Others from left are Mr Barry Thomas, Deputy Registrar, Mr. Vladislav Kurbatskiy, Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in Jamaica, Professor Anastasia Mashkova, Deputy Rector on International Activities and Regional Cooperation, , Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting, Dr. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport, Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President, Dr. Therese Chambers, Head, School of Engineering, Dr. Paul Ivey, AVP, School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Haldane Johnson, AVP, Teaching and Learning and Dr. Garfield Young, Dean, Faculty of The Built Environment. UTech, Jamaica Collaborates with Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting Prof. Dr. Vadim A. Kosyanov, Rector, Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting