Dear friends!
On behalf of the Ministry of science and higher education of the Russian Federation and myself, I congratulate you on the start of the new academic year!
Knowledge day is the main holiday for students, postgraduates and teachers of Russian universities, for all who develop the system of national education. Each academic year is special, it brings new discoveries, new ideas and opportunities.
Today, the state has high hopes for higher education. It is the current generation of students and teachers that can provide an innovative breakthrough that will lead Russia to the number of countries-leaders in scientific and technological development. To do this, in the coming years, Russian universities will have to seriously change: teaching methods, approaches to the organization of the educational process, qualification work – everything will be more focused on practical scientific and professional activities. Russian universities will become more open in terms of international cooperation, and their graduates – competitive in the Russian and foreign labor markets. As a result, Russia should be among the top ten countries in terms of the presence of national universities in the global ranking of the top 500 best universities in the world.  
Each student and teacher can contribute to the development and modernization of Russian higher education. From your support, courage and initiative, creativity and responsibility depends on the success of the reforms that will provide Russia a worthy place in the global system of knowledge and innovation!
I wish you brilliant success in all your endeavors in the new academic year!
Mihail Kotyukov,
The Minister of science and higher education of the Russian Federation