Sechenov University held a meeting of the International Advisory Council (IAC) on May 22, 2018. 

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Opening the meeting, Prof. Petr V. Glybochko, University Rector, introduced the new members of the IAC: Prof. Trevor Gibbs, AMEE International Development Officer,           Prof. David Neal, member of the British Academy of Sciences, Surgical Oncology Department, University of Oxford. 

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Prof. Glybochko noted that rich experience in science and innovation of the new IAC experts will allow the University to obtain a unique expertise in the main areas of development, primarily in publication activitity. The meeting agenda was discussion of the publication strategy of Sechenov University. 

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Prof Andrey A. Svistunov, First Vice-Rector, presented a report focused on plans for improvement publication activity within the next 5 years. Priority research areas are concentrated on Regenerative Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Personalized Medicine, Translational Medicine & Biotechnology, Bionic Technologies & Engineering. He emphasized the key criteria for journals selection and some motivation tools. The strategy provides financial support for participants in international conferences (particularly for young scientists, postgraduates and students) to engage them in global research. Each of IAC members analyzed the University's publication strategy, shared their experience and proposals for its development at Sechenov University.
Dr. John Green, a life member of the scientific society of Queen's College, Cambridge University, was a special guest of the meeting. Dr. Green, together with the colleagues from the University of Leeds and the Royal University of Belfast, visited Sechenov University to conduct an audit of the research management system in October 2017. And then he shared audit results with the IAC meeting participants. He stressed necessity of creation University culture that should support research and attract talented scientists. He also recommended to develop a 5-year research plan for growth of the scientific portfolio of Sechenov University.
All IAC members noted that improvement of publication activity need consistent efforts. Prof. Rudolf Valenta, Director of the Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna stressed that we need to set real goals and build a strong platform, then to set new goals and grow further. 

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By the end of the meeting, Prof. Svistunov, noted that this time IAC meeting is characterized by a specific contribution of its participants to development of Sechenov University. IAC has highly appreciated the first steps in building the research system of the University. Recommendations of IAC members will definitely fulfill our strategy for improvement of publication activity.

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