On June 18, a meeting of the Council for Science, Science-Intensive Technologies and Innovative Development under the Altai Krai Legislative Assembly was held on the issue of "Biotechnology and New Areas of Development of Promising Markets of the Altai Krai to Achieve Technological Leadership". Of the four reports on the agenda, two were made by representatives of Altai State University. Our university is the only university in the region participating in the federal academic leadership program "Priority 2030" and three strategic projects of Altai State University are aimed at developing agrobiotechnology, agroecosystems, developing effective technologies and products in the medical and health-improving and resort sectors, and preserving the health of the population.
The Council for Science, Science-Intensive Technologies and Innovative Development under the Altai Krai Legislative Assembly includes rectors and vice-rectors for science, leading scientists of universities in Altai Krai, heads and researchers of research institutes and scientific organizations, representatives of the ministries of the regional government, and deputies of the Altai Krai Legislative Assembly. Let us recall that Rector of Altai State University, Professor, Doctor of Economic Sciences Sergei Bocharov is Deputy Chairman of the Council.
Opening the event, Alexander Molotov, Chairman of the Altai Krai Legislative Assembly Committee on Education and Science, Chairman of the Council, emphasized:
"Biotechnology is one of the key drivers in the economic growth of Altai Krai. Today, Altai State University acts as the flagship of science." Rector Sergei Bocharov outlined ASU’s focus on various innovative fields, including chemical and digital technologies, GIS technologies, space monitoring, humanitarian research, tourism, unmanned aerial systems, and creative industries.
The university has established mechanisms to foster partnerships with businesses – the R&D Development Center, although challenges remain in engaging qualified customers and managing market risks.
Alexey Vaganov, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovative Development, reported that life sciences dominate publication activity at ASU, contributing to 20.1% of scientific articles. Key research areas include bioengineering and molecular genetics, industrial, food and agricultural biotechnology, and bioresource collections. Recent notable projects involve the development of hop varieties for the Baltika company, recombinant phospholipase C for Sibbiopharm LLC, portable DNA devices and reagents for Sovtech, and others.
Alexey Vaganov proposed the establishment of a regional consortium in the field of biotechnology transfer based on Altai State University to enhance collaboration between science, education, and industry in the region. These initiatives will be included in the final resolution, which will be prepared following the Council meeting.