On April 10, 2026, the “Russia” Pavilion at the China–SCO International Expo Center “Pearl of China–SCO” in Qingdao hosted a special event titled “Cosmonautics Day within the Framework of the Russian-Chinese Cross-Year of Education,” marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic first human spaceflight. Organized under the presidential decree launching the 2026–2027 Russian-Chinese Years of Educational Cooperation, the gathering aimed to strengthen academic, scientific, and cultural bonds between the two nations.
The program featured screenings of iconic Russian space films—“To Be a Cosmonaut” and “Gagarin: First in Space”—followed by lively discussions that allowed Chinese students, educators, and space enthusiasts to relive the defining moments of humanity’s journey into orbit.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Samara University as Russia’s flagship institution in aerospace education and research.
Andrey Gavrilov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, delivered a keynote address:
“April holds a special place in our hearts—Russia celebrates Cosmonautics Day on April 12, commemorating the day in 1961 when Yuri Gagarin opened the path to the stars. Behind that, flight stood the labor of thousands—and the genius of Sergei Pavlovich Korolev, Chief Designer, whose name our university proudly bears. Samara University has trained generations of scientists and engineers who laid the foundations of global space exploration. We are especially inspired by the deep interest shown by Chinese students and educators in aerospace engineering. To all talented, bold young minds whose hearts burn for space—we welcome you to study with us!”
The event drew attendees from Qingdao’s College of Early Childhood Education, members of the Jiaozhou Russian Club, and local space aficionados.
Organized by Qingdao Golden Trading Co., Ltd., Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Jiaozhou Russian Club, with support from Kristina Buchatskaya, Representative of the Samara Region in China, the gathering underscored the growing synergy between Russian and Chinese academic communities.
“For the Samara Region and Samara University, China is one of our key international priorities,” said Buchatskaya. “We see genuine passion among Chinese students and teachers for both the history of cosmonautics and cutting-edge aerospace innovation. Events like this in Qingdao do more than celebrate the past—they build bridges for future joint projects and inspire talented Chinese youth to pursue their dreams at Russian universities. I’m confident today’s presentation will spark many applications to Samara University—the true forge of global space talent.”
Participants praised the event as a powerful tool for popularizing science and fostering international scientific curiosity.
This celebration is part of Samara University’s ongoing global outreach series marking the 65th anniversary of human spaceflight. Earlier this year, the university also staged the science show “Very Scientific Matters” in Kyrgyzstan.
For international applicants interested in studying at Samara University:
Email: admission@ssau.ru
Phone: +7 (846) 267-48-17
Website: priemsamara.ru
Author: Office of Mobility and Recruitment
