HSE University and Northern Caucasus Resorts Open Registration for ‘Rediscovering Russia’ Expeditions

© Northern Caucasus Resorts / Vkontakte

HSE University together with Northern Caucasus Resorts with the support of the ‘Russia – Land of Opportunity’ platform have launched a series of research and practical expeditions in the North Caucasus as part of the All-Russian project ‘Rediscovering Russia’. They aim to attract young researchers to find solutions to some of the urgent problems hindering the region’s economic development.

Students of any Russian university can take part in the expeditions. Registration is open on the website until September 23rd, 2022.

‘Northern Caucasus Resorts’ was established by the Government of the Russian Federation to manage tourist and recreational special economic zones (SEZs) as part of the North Caucasian Federal District tourist cluster. The company manages six tourist and recreational SEZs. Arkhyz, Elbrus and Veduchi are the first active resorts of this tourist cluster. The development of these territories is supervised by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

In October 2022, following the results of a selection process, three groups of students supervised by curators, will go to the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District. Together they will develop a brand concept for Dagestan carpets and a comprehensive tourist route through North Ossetia to Alania, as well as preparing videos about the traditions and customs of the republics of the North Caucasus.

Dmitry Zemtsov, HSE University Vice Rector, Chairman of the ‘Rediscovering Russia’ platform council

‘We are glad to partner with the ‘Northern Caucasus Resorts’ and to launch three expeditions to various regions of the North Caucasus Federal District this season. A direct customer and his support in further implementation is exactly what we would like to see in our expeditions on a permanent basis.’

 ‘Rediscovering Russia’ is the all—Russian interuniversity programme of student expeditions. It is being run by HSE University and the ‘Russia – Land of Opportunity’ platform. Students from some of the best universities in the country have the opportunity to demonstrate their professional skills by going on an expedition to work on the development of Russian regions, while regional teams can count on the support of the best young specialists in Russia. ‘Rediscovering Russia’ has been running at HSE University since 2017. Since then, more than 300 expeditions have been organised, with more than 3,500 students and teachers taking part. In 2022, the programme has expanded to the interuniversity level, with 50 expeditions planned.

Hassan Timizhev, Managing Director of NCR

‘The project is particularly inspiring because it doesn’t only generates innovative ideas, but is also implementing them. In addition, it is mutually beneficial for all parties. The regions and our organisation receive ready-made products: videos for promoting republics, a roadmap for brand development, and an expert look at tour routes. Students get experience working in the field and solving pressing regional problems and while actively discovering Russia.’

Ivan Shulyupin, head of development ‘Russia – Land of Opportunity’

‘Such trips are a superb opportunity for students to apply their competencies and knowledge to real regional cases. It's also a great chance for the North Caucasus Federal District to get assistance from the best young specialists to solve urgent problems. This district has excellent potential, which, I am sure, the participants will explore with interest.’

During their expeditions, students will be supervised by curators from leading universities, experts from HSE University and Northern Caucasus Resorts, and regional specialists. While working on the projects, the participants will learn about the culture, traditions and features of the economy of the North Caucasus.

‘Russia – Land of Opportunity’ was created on the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who heads its supervisory board. The organization focuses on creating conditions for increasing social mobility, and ensuring residents’ personal and professional fulfilment, as well as creating effective social lifts in Russia.

Over the four years of the platform's work, more than 15 million people from all regions of Russia and 150 countries of the world have participated in its projects, and more than 1,500 companies, universities, state and public organizations have become partners of the platform.