ROSDORNII and the University of Pretoria (RSA) have finalized Memorandum of Understanding

06.03.2023 Views: 121

On 6 March 2023, a business meeting was held between the management of ROSDORNII and the University of Pretoria (UP, Republic of South Africa). The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will strengthen cooperation between the institutions. The event took place via videoconference.

The Russian Institute was represented by Artur Romanenko, Deputy Director General, while the UP Delegation was led by Professor Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education.

“The memorandum we have entered today is aimed at developing joint R&D activities and designing methods of introducing innovations into the road infrastructure of the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa," emphasized Artur Romanenko.

Sunil Maharaj noted that ROSDORNII and the University of Pretoria enjoy exceptional competencies to improve the quality of roads and built environment through cutting-edge technologies. The UP institution recently established a Department that focuses its research on the future of transport, especially the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI).

In turn, the Russian institute is developing the concept of a national ITS network - an important component of the digital transformation of Russia's transport complex, enhancing the efficient use of the road system. ROSDORNII is also involved in the implementation of a project to create Russia's first pilot ITS zone in the Republic of Tatarstan on the territory of “Alabuga”, special economic zone of the industrial and production type.

The signed accord provides for sharing experience on implementing smart projects and for joint activities to improve the professional development of road infrastructure professionals.

Delivering on the reached agreements will be ensured via a joint task force to be comprised of representatives of the ROSDORNII directorate and the University of Pretoria administration.

Background Information

The University of Pretoria (UP) is a state-run higher education institution in the Republic of South Africa, established and chartered in 1908.

The university has about 38,000 students and over three thousand research staff. Instruction is conducted in a wide range of languages spoken in South Africa. The university has an extensive international exchange programme.