The Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD, met on 12 May 2026 with the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation of St. Petersburg State University, Prof. Artur Gavrilenko, PhD, to discuss the expansion of cooperation between the two universities, with particular emphasis on the development of online educational platforms and scientific cooperation.

During the meeting held at the Rectorate of the University of Banja Luka, discussions focused on opportunities for the exchange of academic staff and students, the expansion of dual degree programs, internships, scientific cooperation, and joint applications for grants provided by the Russian Federation.

Gavrilenko pointed out that, until 2022, St. Petersburg State University had been among the five leading universities in the world and ranked first in Europe in terms of the number of educational contents available through online platforms, as well as the number of users, which exceeded five million.

Ostojić emphasized that there is mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and noted that, in the coming period, steps will be taken toward its concrete formalization and the creation of conditions for the implementation of joint activities.

The meeting was also attended by Assistant Professor Jelena Starčević, PhD, and Senior Advisor at the Russian House, Georgy Engelhardt.

Photo: A. Vidaković