The Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation has announced the results of its annual grant competition for master’s program instructors. In the 2025–2026 cycle, 150 educators from 58 universities participating in the Foundation’s scholarship program will receive support.
This year, while maintaining its focus on developing in-demand professional competencies, the Foundation expanded its support measures. Grant recipients will not only implement their projects but also gain access to tailored professional development opportunities, including participation in thematic events and expert-led activities.
The competition was highly selective: out of 513 submitted applications, 493 were shortlisted for expert review. Ultimately, 150 instructors from across Russia were selected as winners. Samara University once again demonstrated the strength of its educational initiatives—four of its associate professors were among the awardees, each proposing innovative transformations of graduate-level curricula:
Alexandra Zhdanova (Department of Software Systems) will transform the course “Neural Networks” into a research-driven AI laboratory.
Valentina Mantulenko (Departments of Pedagogy and Human Resource Management) will redesign the course on Psychological and Pedagogical Support by integrating generative AI technologies.
Vadim Pechenin (Department of Engine Manufacturing Technologies and Advanced Aerospace Engineering School) will redevelop the course “Databases and Knowledge Bases.”
Olga Tolpygina (Department of Sociology of Political and Regional Processes) will modernize the master’s program “Sociology of Politics and Public Administration.”
These projects aim to equip master’s students with future-oriented competencies aligned with the evolving demands of the labor market and rapid technological advancement.
