On 22 April 2021, a meeting of representatives of the JINR leadership headed by JINR Director Grigory Trubnikov with a delegation of the Irkutsk State University (ISU) was held. The ISU delegation was represented by Rector of the University Alexander Schmidt, Dean of Faculty of Physics Nikolay Budnev, and Director of the NRI of Applied Physics Andrey Tanaev. The delegation came to JINR earlier this week to take part in the 16th international training programme for decision-makers in science «JINR Expertise for Member States and Partner Countries» (JEMS-16).

At the meeting in the JINR Directorate, the parties discussed opportunities for the cooperation development and mutual strengthening of its potentials by the launch of new joint scientific and educational projects. In particular, participants discussed in detail the organization of a joint JINR-ISU astrophysical laboratory to conduct experimental and theoretical studies in the fields of particle astrophysics on the basis of the Baikal-GVD and TAIGA projects. It was generally agreed that such a laboratory could be a magnet for talented young people from the Irkutsk region, as well as a place to train highly qualified scientific staff. At the same time, participants highlighted the high educational potential of the laboratory and its opportunities for increasing the engagement of scientists from the JINR Member States in the JINR flagship project Baikal-GVD, the neutrino telescope on lake Baikal, as well as the TAIGA gamma observatory in which JINR is aparticipant of the international collaboration. Moreover, the ISU representatives noted that their participation in the JEMS training programme was practically useful. It helped them not only get acquainted with JINR in detail, but it also became a platform for discussion of practical opportunities for opening a JINR Information Centre in ISU.

As one of the practical steps to implement the reached agreements, the parties noted preparations for the signing of a framework agreement on cooperation and provisions on the establishment of a joint laboratory.

Photos by Elena Puzynina