Vyacheslav Romanov, Deputy Chairman of the Samara Regional Government, visited the Engineering Center of Samara University and reviewed the progress of the 2026 Admissions Campaign. During the visit, he highly praised the center's unique ecosystem, which seamlessly integrates science, education, and manufacturing, and noted the exceptionally high level of interest from prospective students.
Engineering Center: A Digital Proving Ground for Engine Building
Accompanied by University Rector Vladimir Bogatyrev, Vyacheslav Romanov toured the production lines of the Engineering Center. This facility serves as a key entry point for developing new technological processes aimed at creating complex products in the field of engine building.
Rector Vladimir Bogatyrev emphasized that the Engineering Center is not just an experimental production site, but a fully-fledged ecosystem:
"Every product undergoes market research, demonstrators are manufactured, and rigorous tests are conducted. Only after that do we approach the customer with a proposal for serial production."
Special attention at the center is given to personnel training. A multi-level training system is being implemented under the "Wings of Rostec" program, aimed at preparing a new generation of engineers. Starting from their third year of undergraduate studies, and continuing through master's and postgraduate programs, students participate in the full cycle of engine creation—from thermodynamic calculations to test bench trials, right down to the destructive testing of parts to analyze failure causes.
Robotization and Automation
Automation is being actively implemented in the production segment: robots equipped with object recognition systems are in use, and proprietary software is being developed for a "dark," unmanned workshop (lights-out manufacturing). Currently, scientists are teaching robots to perform warehouse logistics tasks and even the morning warm-up of machine tools, effectively creating a "school for robots."
"The Engineering Center is a place where students and young scientists can get involved in design and prototype creation. It is the vital link between manufacturing plants and the university. Enterprises commission the development of technologies here, primarily additive manufacturing technologies. We see close cooperation and are confident that it must be further developed," Vyacheslav Romanov concluded, summarizing his visit to the center.
Admissions Campaign 2026: Record Interest and Support for SMO Participants
The visit continued at the university's indoor sports arena (manege), where the Admissions Office is currently operating. Vyacheslav Romanov was accompanied by Mark Shleenkov, Acting Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Samara Region, and Rector Vladimir Bogatyrev.
Although 90% of applications are submitted digitally via the "Gosuslugi" (State Services) portal, the Admissions Office remains highly active, providing in-person consultations, laboratory tours, and hands-on assistance with document submission. Andrey Gavrilov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, reported that approximately 15,000 applicants have submitted their applications to date.
Key Admissions Figures:
- One-third of the applicants represent other regions of Russia and foreign countries.
- Nearly 200 applicants with perfect exam scores (100-point scorers) and Olympiad winners are competing for spots.
- 590 individuals have applied under the special quota for participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO) and their children.
- 228 applicants are seeking targeted (contractual) education, while the number of international applicants stands at 262.
Vyacheslav Romanov highlighted the high level of trust in the university:
"The fact that one-third of all applicants are from other regions indicates that they trust the quality of education at this university. This is a successful confirmation that higher education here is of the highest caliber."
It is worth noting that the final competition ratios will be known after August 1, when the deadline for submitting enrollment consents for priority admission to state-funded (budget) bachelor's and specialist programs concludes. The final day for submitting consents during the main enrollment stage is August 5.
Photo: Andrey Pavlov
