In the period from 11.05 to 18.05.2017 the employees of the department " Automobiles": Associate Professor S.A. Sidorov, senior lecturer N.R. Mikhaltsevich, headed by the head of the department, Yu.D. Karpievich visited the Technical University of Dresden (TUD). The trip was envisaged by the program of cooperation between BNTU and TUD - Erasmus+. In autumn 2016, a delegation of teachers from the TUD was in BNTU, in 2017 a planned return trip to Dresden, employees of the Department of Automobiles, was realized.

The Technical University of Dresden is one of the largest higher educational institutions in Dresden and Saxony. In terms of the number of students, the Dresden Technical University ranks first among the technical universities in Germany.

It has about 37,000 students and more than 8,000 employees. The University was founded in 1828.

At the Dresden technical University training is conducted in following faculties:

• Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
• Faculty of Philosophy,
• Faculty of Philology, Literature and Culture,
• Faculty of Pedagogical Sciences,
• Faculty of Law,
• Faculty of Economics,
• Faculty of Informatics,
• Faculty of Electrical and Information Technology,
• Machine-building faculty,
• Civil Engineering Faculty,
• Architecture faculty,
• Transport faculty named after Friedrich List,
• Faculty of Forestry, Land and Water Management (Forestry in Tarandt),
• Faculty of Medicine named after Karl Gustav Carus.

Employees of BNTU visited the Faculty of Transport named after Friedrich List. Training and research at this faculty are conducted in 3 main directions (areas):

• - Automotive mechatronics, headed by Professor Bernard Baker,
• - Internal combustion engines, under the supervision of Professor Hans Zellbeck,
• - Chassis and vehicle systems, Professor Gunter Prokop.

The laboratories of the university and the department are equipped with a large number of test equipment that are used for the learning process and for research purposes.

Laboratory for studying the electrical equipment of cars

Much attention in the training process is paid to modern control systems, the department has a laboratory in which students study modern data buses CAN, FLEX.

Stand for the study of CAN-buses

Much attention is paid to the development of control systems for electric vehicles, the properties and capabilities of the arrangement of batteries in cars. The University has in its park a large number of electric vehicles and a station for their charging. Also, the University has developed and operates a hybrid electric bus for the city.

BMW I3 and Smart-Electric on the territory of the charging station in front of the faculty building

Employees of the University take an active part in the development of electric vehicles of the leading German manufacturers BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes.

The new building of the faculty is equipped with stands for studying and modeling the processes that occur when the car moves. Particular attention is paid to the study of the work of car suspensions, as well as research on the durability of individual suspension elements.

Stand for testing of car suspensions

Stand for the determination of the characteristics of automobile tires

Stand for modeling the work of shock absorbers

During the visit to the University of Dresden, the staff of the Department "Automobiles" conducted lecture classes for university students. Professor Yu.D. Karpievich spoke about the automotive industry of the Republic of Belarus, manufactured equipment and scientific developments, associate professor SA Sidorov made a report on BNTU and scientific research conducted at the university, senior lecturer N.R. Mikhaltsevich gave a lecture on the simulation of vehicle braking with the help of modern computer programs and semi-natural stands (HILLS stands).

Professor Yu. D. Karpievich discusses the design of an aircraft engine with a university employee

Speech by Associate Professor S.A. Sidorov

The lecture is conducted by the senior teacher N. R. Mikhaltsevich

During the visit to the university, the staff of the Automobiles department held negotiations on further deeper cooperation between BNTU and TUD, both within the framework of the Erasmus + project (with the head of FMS Dagmar Krause), and within the framework of other programs, with professors Department of Automobiles - Bernard Baker and Professor Hans Zellbeck. Preliminary arrangements were made for the exchange of students of the departments " Automobiles" of both universities in the framework of the Erasmus + project in the 2017/2018 school year.

From 15/05/2017 to 24/05/2017 an internship of the joint group of teachers of BNTU and BSUIR took place in Vienna, Austria. A total of 15 university staff members, 7 BSUIR teachers and 8 BNTU teachers who took part in the training of students for the first Belarusian NPP took part in the training.

The internship was conducted by the Regional Network for Education and Training in Nuclear Technology STAR-NET, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Knowledge Management Institute (NKMI).

The purpose of the training was to upgrade the skills in international cooperation for the development and safe use of nuclear power, the management of nuclear knowledge and the organization of training for the first Belarusian nuclear power plant.

In the process of preparation, a program for its implementation was developed and agreed upon, which included the theoretical part, seminars (practical exercises) and technical visits.

Within the theoretical part, the participants of the internship listened to lectures presented by outstanding experts in the field of nuclear energy - by IAEA staff and experts.

The theoretical part was divided into two large sections: “The role of international cooperation in the development and safe use of nuclear power. IAEA: goals, objectives, programs” and “The current issues of nuclear power development”.

Section “The role of international cooperation in the development and safe use of nuclear power. IAEA: goals, objectives, programs” included such issues as The role of international cooperation in the development and safe use of nuclear power, IAEA: goals, objectives, programs, The IAEA Safety Standards System, Non-proliferation issues and the role of the IAEA, The INPRO program, Software for modeling the flow of nuclear materials in various fuel cycles, International cooperation in nuclear education.

The section "Topical issues of nuclear energy development" included such issues as Establishment of a national nuclear infrastructure for the first nuclear power plant, Energy and socio-political development: the role of nuclear energy, The economy of the nuclear industry and the models of energy planning, Information systems and knowledge management in nuclear industry organisations, Integrated approach to the management of nuclear facilities, Configuration management of nuclear power plants, Assessment of the operation level of nuclear power plants, Applications of research nuclear reactors, Modern approaches, structure and requirements for the creation of automated control systems for nuclear power plants, Basic principles and systems for radioactive waste management, NPP management system, Operation programs, Small modular reactors.

Within the framework of practical exercises, topics were presented, such as Work with information systems and NPP information models. Experts in this field A. Kosilov and A.Tolstenkov present practical classes were held to work with the CLP4NET platform, where each participant of the internship mastered the basics of creating e-learning courses, keeping them up-to-date, interacting with trainees, and conducting student assessment. It should be noted that this educational system (based on the open MOODLE platform) is widely distributed, applied and supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency as universal for wider dissemination of knowledge in the nuclear field. Due to the openness of this platform, it is also widely supported by universities around the world, in particular the National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI".

Due to this, it was adopted as the base platform for the Regional Network for Education and Training in Nuclear Technology STAR-NET (launch was launched in April 2017). Currently, its test operation is being conducted, and the network member universities have the opportunity to use it both to host their courses and to use training courses provided by other member universities of the STAR-NET network.

One of the most memorable parts of the internship was technical visits. During the course of this training, four technical visits were held, namely a technical visit to a hydroelectric station in the city of Vienna, Kraftwerk Freudenau, a visit to the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre, a technical visit to the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant, and Technical visit to the nuclear research reactor TU Vienna / Atominstitut.

The hydroelectric power plant " Freudenau", located in the city limits of Vienna, is the world's first large hydro power plant built within the city limits. It is the most powerful of 10 hydroelectric power plants, located in the cascade in Austria on the Danube, and was launched in 1998. The total capacity of 6 turbines of the HPP is 172 MW, annually the station produces over 1000 GWh of electricity. A distinctive feature of the HPP is that its power does not depend on the water level in the Danube.

In addition to power generation, the station performs important functions in the sphere of town planning and ecology, including, to improve the navigation conditions on the Danube and normalize the groundwater table.

The second technical visit was the visit to the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Center, where the staff of the center told the interns about its functions and tasks, the receipt and flow of information flows, and the role of the center in dealing with emergencies in the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, as well as other contingencies with nuclear facilities, in particular, with the lost source of ionizing radiation in Chile.

The third technical visit was a visit to the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant. It is the first and only nuclear power plant in Austria. Her construction began in April 1972 and was completed in 1976. The boiling water-water reactor had to provide a power of about 700 megawatts.

Of special value in terms of technical visit is the fact that this nuclear power plant has never been put into operation, nuclear fuel has not been loaded into the reactor and, accordingly, all equipment of the nuclear power plant is radiation safe and open for free access.

This represents a unique opportunity to inspect and study reactor equipment, which is impossible at existing nuclear power plants.

At present, the reactor of the nuclear power plant is used as a source of spare parts for the German NPP Isar 1, Brunsbüttel and Philippsburg 1. Teams of specialists are trained to conduct planned maintenance operations on it, in addition, equipment for nuclear power plants is being processed there.

The last technical visit to the internship program was held at the Vienna Technical University, the Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics.

TRIGA MARK II research reactor is located on the site of this institute.

At the beginning of the visit, the project manager, prof. Helmuth Böck showed in detail and told the trainees about the practical application of the TRIGA research reactor, its operating modes, the features of nuclear reaction management, as well as its fuel cycle, radiation and physical safety. The trainees were actively interested in the details and asked various questions.

In the second part of the technical visit, the trainees were presented with a review lecture on the topic "Application of research nuclear reactors", which was presented by the staff of the Research Nuclear Reactors Section, International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria.

At the end of the internship, its results were summed up and certificates were awarded.

The internship was held at a high level and became useful both in terms of expanding and deepening the special knowledge of university professors in the field of nuclear energy, and their practical application in the educational process during the preparation of students for the Department of Thermal Power Plants, who study in the specialty "Steam Turbine Installations of Nuclear Power Plants". Special gratitude for the organization of the internship, the selection of high-quality specialists and IAEA experts, the organization of technical visits is to be expressed to the executive director of the Regional Network for Education and Training in Nuclear Technology STAR-NET A.Kosilov.

The training program in Lublin University of Technology (LUT) consisted of two parts: providing classes on Theory of Mechanisms and Machinesfor students of Mechanical Faculty and discussing the partnership development between Mechanical Faculty of LUT and Mechanical Engineering Faculty of BNTU.

The lectures were attended by a group of first-year students. A separate course of Theory of Mechanisms and Machines is not included in the syllabus of Lublin University of Technology. On the first day of the classes I chose to present Structural Analysis of Mechanisms which was further proceeded by Kinematics of Mechanisms and Dynamic Analysis of Mechanisms. Having been investigated by Russian researchers of 19-20^th centuries, theses topics have been traditionally introduced in the syllabus of higher educational establishments in the post-Soviet countries but have remained neglected abroad. I managed to present the material in concise form with the focus on practical application. On the second day of the classes I introduced the topics related to the recent research of our department:  Study of Irregular Wear in Kinematic Pairs and Study of Energy Efficiency of Machines, both of which being based on the results of dynamic analysis of mechanisms. The material aroused interest among the students. Dr. Jaroslav Zubrzycky who was assisting me acknowledged importance of the presented material for forming engineering outlook of future experts in mechanics. I gained valuable experience in presenting material in English.

The second component of the tour was to expand existing contacts between our faculties. I obtained essential information on new reciprocal internship programs for teachers and students of our universities from International Cooperation Office of Lublin Polytechnic which has been coordinator of this cooperation. In June 2017 they expect the decision on funding to be made by Head Office of Erasmus+ program. We were also provided with training materials for making Erasmus+ program projects for the consortium of universities.

With representatives of Mechanical Faculty we discussed ways to expand further cooperation, revealed related topics of research and agreed on joint publications. Moreover, we outlined topics for Erasmus+ program joint projects.

Pedro Lima, Professor of Higher Technical University of Lisbon (Portugal), has visited FITR, BNTU within the framework of the Tempus project "Applied Computer Data Processing in Engineering and Science".  The program of his visit has included:

– familiarity with organization of educational process for undergraduates of BNTU;

– participation in work of commission, as an independent expert, in defense of master's theses of the specialty "Applied Computer Data Analysis", which has been opened at FITR within the framework of the project;

– participation in the preparation of the electronic educational and methodical complex "Algorithmic implementation of numerical methods" for undergraduates of the specialty "Applied computer data analysis".

During the visit Pedro was having discussions with teachers of the CAD department and members of the project's working group. These discussions have focused on the introduction of modern teaching methods, the development and the updating of teaching materials for the master program, the improvement of forms and methods of teaching, taking into account the latest achievements in applied computing.

12–14 June 2017 the Coordinative final conference of the study project ТEMPUS NETCENG “New model of the third cycle in engineering education due to Bologna Process in BY, RU, UA” was held in Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU).

Project Objectives are:

- To develop, implement and accredit new core and transferable curricula including ECTS;

 - To establish new structured Doctoral Programmes in target area according to requirements of Labour Market;

- Develop innovative teaching/learning environment for Doctoral Programmes;

- Bring the Higher Education Institutions of PCs closer to the Labour Market.

Consortuim of the project includes 3 universitites from Western European countries and 11 partner universities from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.

List of Partners NETCENG

P1 - Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, LT (VGTU) (Coordinator)

P2 - Technische Universität  Berlin, Berlin, DE (TUB)

P3 - Brunel University London, UK (BUL)

P4 - ECM (Engineering Consulting and Management) Office, Berlin, DE (ECM)

P5 - Belarusian National Technical University, Minsk, BY (BNTU)

P6 - Belarusian State University, Minsk, BY (BSU)

P7 - Polotsk State University, Novopolotsk, BY (PSU)

P8 - Kazan National Research Technical University n.a.Tupolev (KAI) RU

P9 - Omsk State Technical University», Omsk, RU (OmSTU)

P10 - Ryazan State Radio Engineering University”, Ryazan, RU (RSREU)

P11 - Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, RU (FEFU)

P12 - Cherkassy State Technological University,Cherkassy, UA (CHSTU)

P13 - National Aviation University, Kyiv, UA (NAU)

P14 - National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, UA (KPI)

P15 - Enterprise "Kamerton", Minsk, (KMT) BY

P16 - State Research and Production Space Center (SamSpace), Samara, RU

P17 - Yuzhnoye State Design Office, Dnepropetrovsk, UA (YSDO)

P18 - Technical Universities Association, Moscow, (TUA) RU

P19 - Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, (MINHE-BY)

P20 - Ministry of education and science of Russia, Moscow, (MINHE-RU)

P21 - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Kiew, (MINHE-UA)

The purpose of the conference was to discuss reports of the participating universities and outcomes of the project. Coordinator of the project from BNTU Prof. Kuleshov N.V., head of the department of Laser Devices and Technology, participated in the conference and made presentation about NETCENG project actitvity and outcomes at BNTU.

The Fourth International Olympiad on Management among youth was held on May – June 2017 within the Framework of the Global Project “Youth Creative Movement “QUALITY RELAY RACE”.

The organizer of the Olympiad is an International Guild of Quality Professionals.   In Olympiad took part representatives of 10 countries: Russia, Israel, Italy, Slovenia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Belarus, Bangladesh and Ukraine.

The Republic of Belarus was represented by 15 members, 11 of whom are students and undergraduates of BNTU Instrumentation Engineering Faculty specialty 1-54 01 01 – 01 “Metrology, Standardization and Certification” (the Department of Standardization, Metrology and Information Systems). All 11 of our students are winners of the Republican round of the Olympiad.

The competition was held in two nominations: “Quality Management Systems” and “Practices and methods of management”.

As a result, ALL OUR MEMBERS once again achieved a spectacular result at the Olympiad:

• 10 diplomas of the winner: V. Kazanskaya, S. Malinovskaya, A. Famichenka, A. Rudzich, D. Androsava, K. Voinich, A. Satsukevich, A. Haldovich, V. Aheyeva, K. Boyarovskaya

• 3 diplomas of the laureate:T. Hutsko, V. Aheyeva, A. Satsukevich.

• 6 diplomas of the finalist: T. Hutsko, V. Kazanskaya, S. Malinovskaya, A. Famichenka, A. Rudzich, D. Androsava.

• 3 certificates of the participant:K. Boyarovskaya, K. Voinich, A. Haldovich.

NOTE. In the year 2017 Olympiad was held for the fourth time and students and undergraduates of the specialty 1-54 01 01 – 01 “Metrology, Standardization and Certification” once again do not remain without awards. This confirms the fact that the Belarusian School of Quality Management remains one of the best.

From July 23, 2017 to August 2, 2017 the Summer School “Belt of Friendship” has been held at the Belarusian National Technical University. The Event has been organized by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, the BNTU, BSU and MSLU. The BNTU has hosted over 30 students from 5 universities, including Dalian University of Technology, Northeastern University (Shenyang City), Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Beijing International Studies University, and East China Normal University (Shanghai City). This intensive 10-day summer school has offered an interactive introduction to the history and culture of Belarus, has given an opportunity to gain experience of learning the Russian language, get acquainted with Belarusian students and have a good rest at Agricultural touristic complex “NANOSY”. This Summer School “Belt of Friendship” is considered as a return visit - last year 100 Belarusian university students have been invited to attend education exchange programs in China.

On July 25, 2017 the Grand Opening of the Summer School “Belt of Friendship” has been held. Vladimir L. Shapurov, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Li Weng Hua, First Secretary of Education of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Belarus, administration of the BNTU, BSU and MSLU, administration of Confucius Institute of the BNTU, BSU and MSLU, have given welcome speeches stressing the importance of the Event. Vladimir L. Shapurov emphasized that one month ago Belarusian-Chinese Commission took a decision that the Summer School “Belt of Friendship” will be held annually.

Chinese guests have had a marvelous opportunity within the framework of the Summer School Program to learn about the distinctive culture of Belarus, attend workshops on Belarusian cuisine, traditional crafts of Belarus. Chinese students have visited the leading Belarusian enterprises - JSC "Amkodor" and OJSC “Kommunarka”. The Participants have also got a chance to broaden their cultural horizons visiting the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War and Museum of Ancient Belarusian Culture of the NAS of Belarus. The Participants of the Summer School have visited an impressive memorial complex “Khatyn” to revere the memory of Belarusians who died during the Great Patriotic War.  On July 29, 2017 Chinese Guests have attended National Children's educational and health-improving center "Zubrenok" to get acquainted with the history and services of the center.

The students have had an opportunity to broaden their cultural horizons and enjoy artistic and historical treasuries of Belarus at Agricultural touristic complex “NANOSY” located near Lake Naroch. They have discovered the wonderful natural landscape, walked along shore of Lake Naroch, watched the beauty of a sunset. They have visited the windmills and watermills, museums of samovars, coins, and Soviet cars. Chinese students have learnt how to bake bread and had a great opportunity to taste Belarusian cuisine. During the workshop on traditional crafts, Chinese students have woven a belt of “Friendship”, which became not only a memorable gift, but a symbol of friendship between China and Belarus.

On August 1, 2017 the Closing Ceremony of the Summer School “Belt of Friendship” has been held at the Belarusian National Technical University. At the Closing Ceremony, Dmitry A. Smolyakov, Chief Executive Officer of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, has awarded Certificates to the Participants. The Chinese Guests have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Organizing Committee. The students have prepared dances and songs, which have deeply impressed all the spectators.

Currently, Belarus and China are developing dynamic and comprehensive relationship. The countries have already established fruitful cooperation in the fields of education, science, technology and culture. Taking part in the Summer School “Belt of Friendship” is a genuinely priceless experience. Chinese students had a marvelous chance to acquire knowledge, broaden their horizons and make new friends. The Summer School “Belt of Friendship” laid a strong foundation for fruitful relationship between China and Belarus.

 Please, click on the following link to view the participants’ impressions: http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ZcQoc8Ybi7szscmREuaGcQ

On August 10, 2017 Ecuadorians celebrate the 208th Independence Day of the Republic of Ecuador.

The Grand Ceremony dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Ecuador took place at Simon Bolivar Garden. The Participants laid wreaths at the memorial plaque of the national hero Simon Bolivar on Memorial Day. The Event has been attended by Fernando Guzman, Charge d’Affaires of Ecuador to Belarus, government representatives, diplomats, officials, and representatives of higher education institutions. Fernando Guzman has given welcome speech stressing the importance of the Event and emphasized that this date marks the beginning of a new era for Latin Americans, when they commenced the fight for independence.

On August 10, 2017 successful negotiations on cooperation in the sphere of education have been conducted with Pedro Valdivieso, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Belarus.

We wholeheartedly congratulate the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in the Republic of Belarus, Ecuadorian students and all Ecuadorians on a national holiday of Ecuador - the Independence Day!

According to the republican plan of events for the Year of Science 2017, on August 3, 2017 the BNTU S&T Park "Polytechnik" has held the Grand Opening Ceremony to launch the Innovation Center in the new office building (37 Surganova Str., Minsk). The Opening Ceremony has gathered a number of high-ranking Belarusian officials: Alexander G. Shumilin, Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology; Aleksei A. Kubrin, Vice-Secretary of the Union; Vadim A. Bogush, First Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus; Igor G. Lositsky, Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus; Yuri A. Chebotar, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Belarus; Pyotr A. Vityaz, Academician of the NAS of Belarus, Chief of Staff of the NAS. The Ceremony has also been attended by  government representatives, partners, professors, business leaders, and industry representatives.

After the ceremonial red ribbon cutting, the BNTU innovative products have been presented to the Guests of the Event. Yury G. Aliakseyeu, General Director – Vice-Rector for Production Activity of "Polytechnic", has delivered a speech about the activity, results and prospects of the Technopark. He has told in details about the BNTU policy to establish innovative activities, about the products and equipment in the sphere of surface engineering, which has been produced by the Park's residents.

The Guests have also visited the exhibition featuring technical developments by the BNTU Technopark. The Guests have taken a genuine interest in magnetic-abrasive machining of precision parts, gamma 3D Printer, innovative projects for industrial gas cleaning - biochemical absorption systems.

Alexander G. Shumilin, Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus, has expressed wishes to the BNTU Technopark employees to assert their leadership in further groundbreaking discoveries, innovative projects and professional achievements.

In the period from 10.07 to 22. 07.2017 seven students from BNTU faculties of POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FACULTY and MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND HUMANITARIZATION FACULTY, also six students from ISEI of  BSU and a graduate student from the National Academy of Sciences in Belarus were on the summer training practice at HTW Berlin. The practice was organized and financial supported in the frame of special project by the German Academic Exchange Service to the (DAAD).
The subject of the training practice: "Renewable energy: economic and environmental aspects". It included listening to the lecture course one of the leading specialists in the field of bioenergy in Germany - Professor Mirko Barz, performing laboratory works on the above topics and visiting specialized research centers: German Research Center for Research Biomass in Leipzig and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Economics in Potsdam.

Opening ceremony in HTW

At the lecture of prof. Mirko Bartz

In laboratories of HTW

During the staying in Berlin cultural program was organized: acquaintance with the sights of Berlin, the German Technical Museum, the Reichstag - the building of the state assembly and many other objects.

Acquaintance with the HTW training and industrial equipment for renewable energy

During visiting of the  German Research Center for Research Biomass in Leipzig

During visiting of the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Economics in Potsdam

Thanks to this practice we were able to get acquainted with new developments in the field of bioenergy, the organization of the educational process at the Berlin Higher School of Engineering and Economics, get acquainted with the history and culture of Germany, get up-to -date information in this important energy area for Belarus, improve our knowledge in technical English language vocabulary specialties.

At the ceremony of awarding certificates for the passage of training practice

All the participants expressed great gratitude to DAAD representation services in Minsk and personally to the office manager, Ms. Kerstin Muller, project coordinator from the HTW, prof. Mirko Barz, project coordinators from BNTU, and BSU Professors Semjon Kundas and Sergei Poznyak, accompanying  teacher Elena Kresova, and also to Dr. Jürgen Schenk from Berlin for their great work in organizing the implementation of all the project activities in Belarus and in Germany. I should also express special gratitude to Professor Semjon Kundas for delivering of the course "Renewable energy sources" in English (lectures and practical exercises) to students from BNTU in the autumn semester in 2017 year, which is largely determined by the success in the perception of educational information and all events in Berlin.
Natalia Kolchenko (Project manager from  BNTU).

During the period from June 28^th 2017 till August 01^st  2017Galina Morzak and Halina Belskaya, associate Professors of the Department of Ecology, were in secondments at University of Zagreb (Croatia) within the frame of the international project of the program of European union Horizon 2020, MSCA-RISE «People for the European Bio-energy Mix», (PHOENIX). This secondment is related to the following Phoenix project work plan parts: WP2 Advanced Bio-refinery Systems based on Under-utilized Biomass, Task 2.2: Non-conventional bio-refinery systems or Deliverable D2.2 Progress report on non-conventional bio-resources based bio-refineries.

Seconders Galina Morzak and Halina Belskaya were became members of research team on the project “Sustainable production of bioethanol and biochemicals from agricultural waste lignocellulosic raw materials” (Croatian Science Foundation No 9158) and they takes active part in the research. The aim of this project is the development of sustainable bioprocesses for the production of bioethanol and biochemicals from agricultural waste lignocellulosic raw materials. Studies of bioethanol and biochemicals production has been performed by the semi-solid or solid state fermentation in the new constructed horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB). Integration between production and separation bioprocess stages will be also examined in order to improve ecological and economical aspects of these bioprocesses. The sustainability of bioprocesses will be evaluated through the realization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).  The most efficient and sustainable bioprocess configuration will be determined and consequently scale-up procedure will be proposed. The scale-up procedure will be based on the developed integral bioprocess model and other scale-up criteria. Project outcomes will be new integrated bioprocesses for the transformation of agricultural waste lignocellulosic raw materials into high added value products.

G. Morzak and H. Belskaya have opportunity to work with different analytical equipment (GC, HPLC etc.) and different bioreactors for submerged or semi-solid (or solid) bioprocess conduction. Personal research objectives for secondment of G. Morzak and H. Belskaya were to examine the bio-refinery systems for biofuels production from different bio-resources and exploitation of biofuel resources for different purposes. On the other side she has also opportunity to learn about teaching organization at the Bachelor Course of “Biotechnology” as well as Master Course of “Bioprocess Engineering” at Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology University of Zagreb.

The main results of the Secondments of Galina Morzak and Halina Belskaya are two scientific papers that are prepared for submission in scientific journal “Food Technology and Biotechnology”. These articles deal renewable biomass application for biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas) production.

The head of ecology department Aleh Rodzkin have visited University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Department of Energy, Power Engineering and Environment in Zagreb for a period of 32 days from 25th July 2017 to 26th August 2017. The visit have been held in the frame of cooperation between Belarus National Technical University and University of Zagreb in the European Union Programmer Horizon 2020, MSCA-RISE «People for the European Bio-energy Mix», (PHOENIX).

During the visit research programmer was fulfilled so as an investigation of Zagreb University experience in educational process, especially concerning Bologna programmer. The main research purpose was to investigate modern directions of management and logistic concerning with bio-resources production and using for energy purpose.

The University of Zagreb is the largest and most important research and higher education institute in Croatia, and the University is in the top 3% of best ranked universities in the world, which means it is in the top 500 universities in the world and top 200 in Europe and top l0 in the region.

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG-FSB) University of Zagreb has of 2200 students and 120 lecturers.

The studies in mechanical engineering at the University are based on a successful synthesis of general and expert knowledge in the following four fields: design, materials, production and organization. The study programmes and contents of courses make the Faculty, UNIZAG-FSB comparable with the curricula of similar faculties of leading European Universities.

The main research fields of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture are engineering design, materials, new technologies, manufacturing processes and engineering, maintenance and tribology, transport systems (land. sea and air) and offshore engineering.

The focus of Aleh Rodzkin research interest was production and using of biomass. This field is also one of the fields of Chair Power Engineering and Energy Management which is doing research of heat and electricity production from biomass, including following issues:

- Logistic, technological, economic aspects of using biomass;

- Technology, configuration, plant size;

- Stimulation of plant operation;

- SWOT analysis for potential locations;

- Cooperation with utility companies.

As a result of discussion the abstract with a topic devoted to perspective and technological aspects of agricultural residues (straw) using for energy was prepared. Straw as a cereal crop residue has a big potential for bioenergy. As a rule cereal crops occupy the biggest part of arable lands in European countries. For example in Belarus in 2016 they occupied about 2.3 million hectares or 41% of arable lands. The abstract was submitted for l2th SDEWES Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems which will be held from October 4tl' to 8'h , 2017 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Aleh Rodzkin had an opportunity to visit some laboratories at the Faculty. As an example of such visit is the meeting with the researches from the power CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). The Power CFD group presented their work, concerning the development of models for combusting process.

Aleh Rodzkin also had an opportunity to visit the Laboratory for Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Apparatuses. The problems, which may be investigated in the laboratory could be interesting for Belarus. The topics of interests include the assessment of quality of equipment for biofuel combustion, investigation of environmental aspects connected with biofuel combustion and similar.

The Faculty has 9 undergraduate study programmers (Bachelor degree) encompassing 3 years of studies (180 credits), graduate study programmers (Master degree) encompassing 2 years of studies (120 credits) or 5 years of studies (300 credits) and postgraduate study programmers (PhD degree) encompassing 3 years of studies (180 credits). Education is at all levels characterized by teaching and supervision at a high academic level by staff actively involved in research

The Faculty Specialty:

• Mechanical Engineering BS.
• Mechanical Engineering MS.

The education in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG-FSB) University of Zagreb are in Croatian and English.

English courses including:

• - Combustion and Radiation Modelling
• - Production Management
• - Thermal Power Plants Planning
• - Environmental Protection
• - Water, Fuels and Lubricants
• - Design for Sustainability
• - Quality Management и others

Aleh Rodzkin gained knowledge about new biofuel energy planning, economy, logistic, technology and other issues. He may use this experience and knowledge for solving various tasks concerning biofuel production with a special focus on the short rotation coppice on both national and international level. The secondment significantly contributed to his professional development.

Results and experience obtained during the secondment period will be introduced in Belarus.

Forum of the Union State Engineering and Technological Universities

On October 24-27, 2017 the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU) will host the Forum of Union State Draft Programs within the framework of the VI Forum of the Union State Engineering and Technological Universities.

The Forum Theme: “Global Power Engineering: Country Partnership Strategy in the context of Sustainable Development and Preservation of Stability”.

The 6th Forum aims at establishing an interuniversity platform for developing basic directions of Belarus-Russia integrative cooperation for supporting talented youth in the field of Education, Science, and innovative activities. The Event will gather a number of young scientists, undergraduate and graduate students from the Union State Engineering and Technological Universities and foreign universities; the representatives of Belarusian government organizations, research institutions, as well as the leading industrial enterprises of Belarus and Russia.

Young scientists, undergraduate and graduate students, presenting startup projects and innovative developments in the sphere of power engineering are invited to participate in the Forum.

The 6th Forum is organized by:

• Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU);
• National Research University "Moscow Power Engineering Institute" (MPEI).

The Forum is supported by Standing Committee of the Union State, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus.

The Forum online registration and program.

On September 9, 2017 the Belarusian National Technical University has participated in the Festive Event “International Youth Festival at Komary” dedicated to the 950th anniversary of Minsk, which took place at Komarovsky Garden. The Event has been supported by the administration of Minsk Savyetski District. The Festive Event has united 12 countries, including Vietnam, China, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Venezuela, Ecuador and Palestine. The Event has been organized in cooperation with the International Graduates Association of Higher Education Institutions, embassies and communities of foreign countries in the Republic of Belarus.

The guests have had a marvelous opportunity within the framework of the Event to learn about the distinctive culture of different countries around the world, to attend workshops on calligraphy, tea ceremony, Chinese gymnastics and book printing, which have been organized by the BNTU Confucius Institute on Science and Technology. They have also got a chance to taste Iranian national cuisine, Vietnamese pancakes “Nemo”, Tajik pilaf, sweets and biscuits from India, Lebanon and Palestine. The guests got acquainted with the uniqueness of Kazakhstan literature, played football with Ecuadorian students and enjoyed the atmosphere of Tajik dances. The guests have done Palestinian mehendi designs as a memorable gift and had an opportunity to learn Arabic language.

The Festive Concert has been organized by Alyona Meledzhaeva within the framework of the Event. Palestinian dance “Dabka” has deeply impressed our spectators. The wonderful Iranian and Tajik dances have been greeted with a storm of applause. The Latin-American dance performed by Chinese student Shen Xuimin has aroused very warm feelings.

The Festive Event have filled our hearts with joy and happiness, and laid a strong foundation for fruitful relationship between Belarus and a number of countries such as Vietnam, China, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran, India, Nepal, Venezuela, Ecuador, Palestine.

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to The Jubilee XXV Annual International Scientific and Technical Conference "Foundry production and metallurgy 2017. Belarus" on 18 – 19 October, 2017, which will take place in Belarusian National Technical University (Minsk, Belarus).

The Conference will be accompanied by an exhibition. Mr. Andrew Turner, Director General of the World Foundry Association (WFO) plans to participate in the Conference.

Belarusian National Technical University and the Association of foundry men and metallurgists from Republic of Belarus are the organizers of the Conference.

The aim of the Conference is to exchange views on the current and future trends in foundry and metallurgy, modern technologies, ways to optimize production, supply and demand, and further investment. We would like to bring together industry representatives, salesmen, scientists and researchers.

TOPICS OF THE CONFERENCE

1. Foundry production, technology and materials, accessories, equipment, melting and treatment of non-ferrous alloys, control equipment, ecology, labor protection, information technologies.

2. Metallurgical production, pouring, rolling, drawing and pipe productions, refractory materials and ceramics, labor protection, economy.

3. Material science and protective coatings, welding technologies.

4. Training of specialists in foundry production and metallurgy.

5. Four thematic round tables.

We kindly ask you to make a report or presentation. The submitted report can be published in the magazine “Foundry production and Metallurgy”. The publication will be in Russian with the summary in English or in English with the summary in Russian. The magazine is included into DOAJ – Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden). To see the requirements for publications, please, visit website www.limrb.by

You can see the Program of the Conference here.

The results of the Association of foundry men and metallurgists of the Belarus Republic competition in the nominations of the best innovative project implemented on foundry and metallurgy and R&D work of young scientists or engineers will be presented at the Conference.

Venue: Science & Technology Park of BNTU “Polytechnic” (Minsk, Surganova str., 37/1).

Tel. (+375 17) 292-50-60, (+375 17) 331-11-16

E-mail: yuni@bntu.by

We are glad to inform that the admission of foreign students to the 1st stage of higher education (Bachelor’s degree Course)
is extended till 1st of December, 2017.
Foreign students are admitted to the university without entrance examinations.
We would like to bring to the attention of future students the following information:
The admission to Russian languages Courses and Post-graduate Course are realized the whole year!

On 11 October 2017 students of different years as well as teachers from Architectural Faculty of BNTU took part in a cultural event dedicated to Mother’s Day. Having carried out a questionnaire survey, the Trade Union Committee of Students of the faculty found out that people preferred to receive paper letters rather than e-mails. Paper correspondence has lost current importance nowadays. So the students decided to recall the excitement of getting a letter and to revive the feeling of how to enjoy simple things.
The event took place in the hall of Building 5 (Five) of BNTU where everyone could send a postcard with congratulations and love to their mothers and grandmothers. The post will be delivered to all addressees on 14 October.

Workshop "Sustainable urban planning and public participation in the development of the Baltic region countries " was held from 2 to 13 September 2017 on the basis of BelNII Pgradostroitelstva.

It was attended by the head of the Department of Urban Development Potaev G.A. and Candidate of Architecture, Associate Professor of the Department of Urban Development Sysoeva V.A.

Students of 1-4 courses of the following departments:

- TRANSPORT COMMUNICATIONS,

- CIVIL ENGINEERING,

- MINING ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING ECOLOGY,

- POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

are invited to classes on preparation for mathematical Olympiads on Tuesdays at 15-10, room. 309, building 6.

Classes are conducted by Elena I. Fedorako, Senior Lecturer.

The smooth landing on the solid asphalt

25 of August the road section M-4 Minsk – Mogilev was served as a temporary landing strip. The operation and tactics exercise with aviation on the final preparation phase for the “West-2017” maneuver took place there.

In communicating with representatives of mass media Major General Alexander Kapev (deputy commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces) said that “Exercises allow us to work on the take-off of aviation from the airfield area of the highway and help us to see all the opportunity of it in the implement of military tasks.”

The new road around the new landing strip.

There are a plan about removal of the site of a nearby local highway because of a construction of the second landing strip at the National airport. The Project envisage the construct of a new road length in 5.6 km: H-9569 Pecalin – Shemetovo – “Minsk” airport.

The work will start in September 2017. Duration of work is about 7.5 month.

The airport website reports that “Public Discussions will take place from 30 of August to 29 of September.”