Sechenov University presented its innovative approach to training specialists for biomedical engineering at the X Round Table “Sino-Russian Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Training in High‑Tech Development” in Harbin. Dmitry Telyshev, Director of the Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering at Sechenov University, shared the University’s experience and outlined the challenges and prospects for workforce development in this area.

The event, focused on Sino-Russian scientific and technical cooperation and training for high‑tech development, brought together representatives from leading universities, government bodies, and expert communities from both countries.

Sechenov University offers a full educational vertical from pre‑university classes to postgraduate programmes. The Advanced Engineering School provides secondary vocational education, specialist degrees, 4 bachelor’s and 4 master’s programmes, as well as continuing professional education for industry partners.

“We train specialists in three core areas: medical devices, medical materials, and information technologies in medicine,” explained Telyshev. “Unlike classical or technical universities, we do not offer mass‑scale engineering education – our focus is on training tailored to specific industry needs.”

A key feature of the programme is early involvement of students in real projects alongside industrial partners, ensuring that graduates’ skills are immediately applicable. A prime example is collaboration with Rosatom: the first domestically produced haemodialysis machine and a laser system developed under joint programmes are now entering clinical practice. A similar partnership is being established with Rostec in cardiology, oncology, and laboratory diagnostics. For international students, the University has opened a Centre for Laboratory Practice, where they train on cutting‑edge Russian medical equipment.

In response to industry demand, Sechenov has launched one‑of‑a‑kind master’s programmes, including Additive Technologies in Medicine – the first in Russia, where students go through the full cycle of creating personalised implants – and Medical Device Architect, developed jointly with Rostec, covering the entire lifecycle of a medical device with a strong focus on industrial design.

“Our training model produces graduate leaders,” emphasised Telyshev. For the past three years, Sechenov graduates have won the prestigious All‑Russian Engineering Competition, judged by top industry experts.

The X Round Table “Sino-Russian Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Training in High‑Tech Development” was held at the International Campus of Harbin Institute of Technology. It was organised by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the International Union of Instrument Engineers and IT Specialists, and the Department of Science and Technology of Heilongjiang Province.