Vladimir Vasilyev, Rector of ITMO University, in his opening speech, mentioned that Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology includes Biotechnologies and Food Processing, one of the Top Majors of ITMO U. During 85 years it has become the Alma Mater for 50,000 specialists. Furthermore five years ago Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology joined ITMO University. Mr. Vasilyev underlined that modern Russian universities change their structures by launching “branch universities” and regional research centers. That is why it was a reasonable idea to merge these famous St. Petersburg universities.
“We are looking ahead! For the last five years we have solved all problems caused by merging processes, and today our joint work brings us real progresses and achievements. ITMO U is a dynamic system, which is formed by researchers, employers and of course students. Currently university`s labs aspire to make new contacts with each other. I am sure that all ideas of our scientists will be turned into reality,” said Vladimir Vasilyev.
At the annual meeting of International Academy of Refrigeration`s representatves, which took place immediately before the ceremony, experts discussed the main challenges of Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology serving as one of the largest St. Petersburg research centers that deal with this specific field.
Alexander Baranenko, Director of the Institute and Head of Chair of Refrigeration Units, touched on such important problem as increasing of energy efficiency production. The number of refrigeration units increases every year. In 12-15 years they will consume about 25% of electric power produced all round the world annually.
It is not a secret that by 2050 Global Warming will provoke increasing of conditioning systems` number by 10 times. At the same time refrigerant emissions harm climate. That is why modern researchers have to develop safe equipment with reduced emission and high-grade pressurization systems.
Artificial refrigeration technologies are widely used in modern medicine, extractive and food industry. As regards the last one, it has various problems such as food shortages. According to the experts this problem can be solved by using up-to-date biotechnologies. Firstly, the number of farming lands is limited. Secondly, every year dwellers of developing countries consume more and more protein-rich food. Scientists suppose that in 2 decades food prices will double. Scientific discoveries in this field contribute to increasing of yielding capacity as well as help to produce nutritious food and develop new types of protein sources. For example, in the nearest future thanks to microbiological synthesis one will produce protein products that will be cheaper than meat.
“It is necessary to support fundamental and applied research projects focusing on new types of food and refrigeration technologies. To provide these projects one has to train skilled specialists. Graduates and students of Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology have gained many results and constantly develop this field. Currently our strategy is to train more and more Master`s and PhD students who will solve pressing social problems using modern technologies and methods,” noted Mr. Baranenko.
Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology includes five international research centers connected with power economy, refrigeration and climate technologies, food industry, ecology and cryogenics.
The program of celebration includes alumni meeting, which will take place on Friday. More than 200 graduate students who now serve as heads of large food brands and companies will come to ITMO U to share their achievements.
