On the eve of the International exhibition “PulpFor” the annual VI International Scientific and Technical Conference of scientists and specialists of pulp and paper industry “Modern pulp and paper industry. Actual problems and perspective solutions”.


The conference was opened by Prof. Pavel Lukanin, First Vice-Rector of Ƶ, Director of the Graduate School of Technology and Energy of Ƶ. He noted that the event once again confirmed its international status - among the participants and guests are scientists from Uzbekistan and India. The partnership with PulpFor is being strengthened. For the first time the conference materials are presented at the exhibition in the form of an exposition with poster presentations. In addition, the number of participants has expanded. This year, not only students, postgraduates and young specialists, but also established scientists are presenting their research.
At the plenary session an important topic of promising directions of scientific research in pulp and paper industry was raised. Scientists and representatives of enterprises discussed which directions are not sufficiently developed and are waiting for their researchers, in fact, formulating the topics for future scientific works. The following experts shared their vision: Eduard Akim, the industry expert, the head of the department of technology of cellulose and composite materials of SPbSUPTD, Professor Eduard Akim; Gappar Rakhmanberdiev, Professor of the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology; Ilya Vasiliev, Associate Professor of Moscow Polytechnic Institute; Denis Zhirnov, Chief Specialist on system analysis of production technology of MC “United Paper Mills”; Evgenia Moskalyuk, Chief Ecologist of Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill.


In the format of panel discussion with participation of Igor Kichko, HR Director of Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill; Anastasia Konakova, business coach on effective communications, neurocoach, international expert on critical thinking development; Elena Shumeiko, corporate communications specialist of Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill discussed the topic of effective communications in business environment.
“Knowledge, skills and abilities of business communication not only help to interact effectively in the professional environment, but are also important factors of personal and team productivity. Absence of errors in communication helps young professionals more successfully integrate into the team, establish trusting relationships and achieve career success.”
Deputy Dir. Victoria Sokolova.
At the meeting of the Council for Professional Qualifications the issues of cooperation between the university and employers were widely discussed. In the process of discussion the issues of career building, opening of basic departments and improving the quality of training and qualification of young staff were touched upon.


“Successful development of the university-enterprise connection requires the readiness of both parties for mutual understanding, adaptation and joint efforts to overcome existing barriers.”
Olesya Fedorova, vice-rector for distance learning at Ƶ.
On the first day of the conference the organizers prepared a great program for students and young professionals. Anastasia Konakova, a business trainer on effective communications, conducted a training-practice “Networking: how to make useful acquaintances”. The students learned how to make a good impression on the interlocutor, how to benefit their career from any acquaintance and how to strengthen weak ties.
Representatives of Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill conducted a training session, practicing the skill of effective teamwork with the participants.
The business program of the second day traditionally began with the session “How to know yourself through internships and practices and choose a career”. Students shared their impressions of internships at Kondopoga, Svetogorsk and Segezha Combines.


The second day featured presentations by scientists, undergraduate and graduate students. There were 13 sectional reports and 9 poster presentations. At the end of the presentations each participant received many questions from the jury members and the audience in the hall, and students and post-graduates also received suggestions for the finalization of research from more experienced colleagues.
The representative composition of the conference participants and their positive feedback on the relevance of the program topics testify not only to the professionalism of the organizers, but also, first of all, to the growing interest of specialists in communication with colleagues and the important role of science in solving current issues of the industry.

