Senator of the Russian Federation, member of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy Vladimir Kravchenko held an open meeting with the students of Tomsk State University where the participants discussed the development of Tomsk Region, examined the role of political science and workforce challenges, and noted the extensive social opportunities for youth.

As Vladimir Kravchenko emphasized, Tomsk is a scientific and educational center of the country, therefore, local students have a wide range of advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The university provides students with the required knowledge and competencies and trains sought-after specialists. –

– Tomsk is a unique area and a scientific and educational center of the country. It is no wonder that 20 years ago the first Special Economic Zone beyond the Urals was established here since it integrates science, education and innovative business. The demand for personnel in Tomsk Region is immense, there are many options for further development in various fields depending on the degree you pursue at the university, – stated Vladimir Kravchenko.

Vladimir Kravchenko also visited the unmanned aerial system testing site of the TSU Faculty of Innovative Technologies. It is worthwhile to recall that in 2024 TSU set up and equipped one of the largest enclosed testing sites in Russia, featuring the unique system for conducting trials, which substantially expands the research capabilities of scientists. TSU is a participant of the federal program “Workforce for UAS” within the national project “Unmanned Aerial Systems”.

Career Success Begins at the University

One of the questions that the students are concerned with is a workplace choice after graduation, when they come to Tomsk to obtain higher education, but frequently move to other cities after receiving diplomas. Vladimir Kravchenko responded that nowadays many companies are experiencing a shortage of specialists. The senator mentioned one of the successful examples of young professionals’ development – The Engineering Chemical Technology Center at TSU.

– Low-tonnage chemistry forms a distinct industry sector. It is no coincidence that TSU was entrusted with the strategy of chemical industry development. Everything connected with electronics, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems is clustered in Tomsk. The only Research and Production Center of unmanned aerial systems beyond the Urals is located in Tomsk. It was established last year, and is scaling up now.

Vladimir Kravchenko also highlighted that the most progressive approach is to engage students in teamwork aimed at solving practical tasks. “That is, you have studied for 5 years, have built relationships with the team, have already gained knowledge and understanding, and then you are suggested with employment prospects. Consequently, it is crucial to explore, study, cultivate an interest, negotiate and conduct site visits.”

Tomsk State University is one of the six participants of the pilot project dedicated to the transformation of Russian higher education system under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. In 2025 TSU is implementing 46 pilot programs with over 300 Russian companies including PRC Polyus, Geoscan Group of Companies, TASS and others. The key feature of the new programs is their practice-oriented approach and close collaboration with employers.

TSU is the University of Opportunities

Moreover, the participants of the meeting discussed social opportunities for youth, specifically volunteer organizations, Russian Student Brigades and the Tomsk Youth Parliament.

– At present there is broad spectrum of programs for youth to fulfil their potential through. For instance, it is Student Brigades, volunteer movements to help the participants of the Special Military Operation, Yunarmiya focused on the military patriotic track, the Youth Parliament. This segment offers numerous social lifts. It is beneficial to demonstrate an initiative, allocate time, set goals and progress in a preferred direction.

Tomsk State University hosts more than 50 student associations in various fields: art, science, voluntary work, entrepreneurship, ecology, self-governance, patriotism, media. Students have access to the SKIF Cyberia supercomputer and can engage in 32 types of sports in university sports clubs and sections.

One of the largest associations is the TSU University Headquarter of Student Brigades. Now it comprises 15 different student unions: construction work, pedagogical, service-oriented, agricultural, Attendants Brigades and Snow Landing Force. Throughout the academic year brigade members participate in creative and educational events and competitions, while during the summer period they deploy to the third labor semester. In 2025 the Oksyumoron Service Brigade and the Golubaya Strela Brigade of Attendants brought banners to Tomsk as the best brigades in Nationwide projects.

Social Science Forms a Foundation of Society

Vladimir Kravchenko emphasized that social science plays a vital role in maintaining social order, contributes to sustaining a positive mindset. Specialists in this sphere influence the social public welfare as they maintain constant dialogue with citizens.

According to him, there is a lot of criticism due to the misunderstanding why the urban center is better designed in some regions, while others have a greater number of sports and youth facilities. Political scientists, historians, representatives of other spheres who interact with the public help address these issues.

– There are federal programs that enable citizens to participate and make decisions regarding the choice of spaces that primarily require enhancement whether it is the Buff Garden or the Tom River embankment. Thereby, people start to experience a sense of significance. In such cases specialists of social science are expected to increase their importance and relevance in society.

The Role of a Political Scientist Today

As stated by the Senator of the Russian Federation, political science is highly promising and essential in the modern world. This is likewise connected with electoral procedures, among other factors.