Mintimer Shaimiev becomes Doctor Honoris Causa of Kazan Federal University

A solemn session of the Academic Council of Kazan Federal University (KFU) dedicated to the foundation of the university was held On November 20. During the session the State Counsellor and first President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev was awarded a honorary title “Doctor Honoris Causa of Kazan Federal University”.  

Due to the initiative of Mintimer Shaimiev the university gained the federal status which subsequently led to its participation in the Project 5-100 and allocation of federal funding for its development program until 2019.

The decision about awarding Mintimer Shaimiev this title was based on his real contribution to the development of traditional and new areas of socio-humanistic studies at the university. These include the participation of researchers in major projects such as the celebration of 100th anniversary of Kazan and Yelabuga, “Great Volga Way” and “Ancient Bolgar and Island Town of Sviyazhsk”, and many others.

In his public lecture Mintimer Shaimiev noted the initiative of KFU rector Ilshat Gafurov of the creation of a Resource center for studying, preservation, restoration and promotion of World cultural heritage. He also expressed his hope that the competence of Kazan scientists will help the center to become one of UNESCO heritage centers one day.

“Russia needs an efficient and consistent cultural and natural heritage policy based on strict scientific recommendations and long-term prospects. Thus, we need adequate vision of modern achievements in this sphere, which we should reveal, estimate and integrate. It means that training of highly skilled personnel in the sphere of conservation of cultural heritage, who will know everything about best world practices and scientific knowledge, is of great importance, ” Dr. Shaimiev said.