N. Toosi University of Technology and Saint Petersburg State University Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Academic, Educational and Research Cooperation
Tehran – 25 August 2026 — A significant step has been taken toward strengthening institutional and academic cooperation between Iran and Russia with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Academic, Educational and Research Cooperation between K. N. Toosi University of Technology (KNTU) and Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU).
The Memorandum was signed on 25 August 2026 by Prof. Sergey Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of Saint Petersburg State University, and Dr. Mahmoud Hadizadeh Yazdi, Vice President for Education of K. N. Toosi University of Technology.
The agreement establishes a framework for the development and expansion of academic, educational and research relations between the two universities and provides a foundation for pursuing long-term and mutually beneficial institutional cooperation.
Joint PhD Dual Degree Programs as a Key Area of Cooperation
One of the important areas identified within the framework of the cooperation is the development and implementation of Joint PhD Dual Degree Programs in selected engineering disciplines.
The initial areas under consideration include:
- Computer Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Electrical Engineering – Control Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – Energy Conversion
- Civil Engineering – Structural Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Industrial Engineering – Operations Research and Systems
- and other fields to be mutually agreed upon by the two universities.
The proposed Dual PhD Degree framework is intended to bring together the academic and research capacities of KNTU and SPbU through coordinated doctoral education, joint supervision, research collaboration, academic mobility and scientific exchange.
Subject to the academic, institutional and regulatory requirements of both universities, eligible doctoral students participating in the approved programs may have the opportunity to fulfill the requirements of both institutions and obtain two independent PhD degrees, one from each Partner University.
Expanding Joint Research and Academic Mobility
The cooperation is also expected to create new opportunities for joint research projects, scientific publications, faculty and student mobility, joint academic events, seminars and workshops, and broader collaboration between research groups and academic departments.
Through closer interaction between researchers and academic units, the partnership can contribute to the development of sustainable research networks and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and scientific resources in areas of mutual interest.
The KNTU–SPbU initiative therefore represents not only an educational cooperation framework, but also a broader platform for strengthening institutional links between two major higher education communities in Iran and Russia.
A Foundation for Future Institutional Cooperation
The signing of the MoU provides an important institutional basis for further discussions concerning specific implementation mechanisms and joint academic programs.
The next stage of cooperation will focus on the development and review of appropriate implementation agreements, academic structures, admission and supervision procedures, quality assurance mechanisms and other institutional requirements necessary for the effective implementation of the proposed Joint PhD Dual Degree Programs.
As the cooperation develops, the two universities may also explore additional areas of academic and research collaboration based on their respective capacities, strategic priorities and mutual interests.
Supporting Role of IISCC
The Iranian International Scientific Cooperation Center (IISCC) has supported the identification of academic capacities, communication, follow-up and coordination in the development of this institutional cooperation. IISCC is expected to continue supporting the coordination and facilitation of the next stages of cooperation, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of joint academic initiatives, including Joint PhD Dual Degree Programs, as well as the identification of further opportunities for cooperation between SPbU, KNTU and other higher education and research institutions. The development of this partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening international academic engagement, promoting research collaboration and creating sustainable institutional mechanisms for cooperation between Iran and Russia. The KNTU–SPbU partnership marks an important milestone in advancing international higher education cooperation and establishing new pathways for joint doctoral education, research collaboration, academic mobility and scientific exchange.
KNTU × SPbU
Strengthening Academic Cooperation • Advancing Joint Research • Connecting Higher Education Communities
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