The Lempert Readings – XXVIII have begun at PSU.

On May 14–15, Pyatigorsk State University is hosting the Lempert Readings – XXVIII, a scientific and methodological symposium with international participation, bringing together specialists in the field of linguodidactics, foreign language faculty from universities, and teachers from educational institutions across Russia.

The 2026 symposium will focus on studying and summarizing best practices in foreign language teaching.

Professor O.A. Alimuradov, Vice-Rector for Research and Intellectual Development, and Associate Professor Z.A. Zavrumov, Advisor to the Rector for Research, Analysis, and Editorial and Publishing Policy, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks.

The Lempert Readings will include plenary and breakout sessions, as well as discussion platforms.

This year's in-person symposium participants included 13 doctors of science, 19 candidates of science, and two teachers. Among them were renowned scholars: Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor Z.N. Nikitenko, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor N.D. Galskova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor N.F. Koryakovtseva, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor P.V. Sysoev, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor G.V. Sorokovykh, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor A.A. Kolesnikov, and I.P. Tverdokhlebova, Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Foreign Languages ​​at School."

For many years, the symposium has remained one of the most significant scientific and educational platforms at PSU, uniting the professional community around current issues in foreign language teaching and the development of humanities education.

At Pyatigorsk State University, a lecturer from the "Knowledge" Society spoke about the war and the power of national unity.

Stavropol Krai joined the nationwide educational campaign "Great Victory Day." Students, government officials, and senior citizens participated in three meetings organized by the Russian "Knowledge" Society.

One of the most poignant lectures was held at Pyatigorsk State University and was titled "Operation Unthinkable – the Failed Blitzkrieg after Victory."

The lecturer discussed Western countries' plans to attack the Soviet Army immediately after Germany's surrender. Ivan Khudyakov, a lecturer from the Russian "Knowledge" Society and a history and social studies teacher at the "Debut-UNI" Gymnasium at PSU, addressed the students, reviewing documents that had long remained classified and explaining why this scenario never came to fruition.

The lecturer also gave a talk at PSU on the topic: "Strength in Unity: National Consolidation as a Key Factor in Victory." Here, the expert emphasized that the war was won not only by the front-line soldiers, but also by those who worked in the rear, who evacuated factories, and who treated the wounded in hospitals.

An instructional and methodological training session was held at the Mashuk children's camp in Pyatigorsk for over 100 candidates for the student pedagogical units of the "Novichok 2026" Caucasian Mineral Waters zone.

The event was aimed at providing practical training for teacher-organizers (councilors) to work in children's health facilities, as well as developing their creative abilities.

The students learned how to stage evening events, prepare props, and develop performance structures. They also tried their hand at being creative counselors, bringing energy and inspiration to the stage.

Students from the Higher School of Design and Architecture at PSU participated in an international workshop with Indian professors Surabhi Gadkari and Pooja Ghorpade.

Members of the "Spiritual Heritage" club held a patriotic memorial event, "Sometimes It Seems to Me Like Soldiers," as part of the municipal stage of the All-Russian campaign "We Are Citizens of Russia."

An English-language tour of Lermontov's Pyatigorsk for high school students is a project by IPRIM students as part of the Service-Learning program.

The Institute of Translation, Russian Studies, and Multilingualism at PSU is completing work on a socially significant project under the federal program "Service-Learning." At the request of Georgievsk Gymnasium No. 2, Translation and Translation Studies students Alina Barabash and Angelina Askerova created an English-language tour of Lermontov-related sites in Pyatigorsk.

The project began with extensive research: the team studied the historical and cultural context of the city, analyzed existing tours, collected student suggestions, and compiled cartographic and photographic materials. This resulted in a route through key points in the novel "A Hero of Our Time," juxtaposing literary descriptions with contemporary urban spaces.

As a result, a comprehensive tourist route was developed and a tour text was prepared in English using the Easy to Read and Plain Language approaches. The materials have already been approved by teachers and tested by a focus group, and the first tour will soon be available to schoolchildren.

The project has already received a third-place award in the "Innovative Potential of University Youth" competition—and very soon, high school students will be able to explore Pyatigorsk through Lermontov's eyes.

Daria Khazhikarova, Chair of the Student and Graduate Council of Pyatigorsk State University and student representative of the Stavropol Krai, participated in the 11th meeting of the Youth Parliament under the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Representatives of the State Duma and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs delivered welcoming remarks. Key agenda items focused on the role of youth in the electoral process, the Youth Parliament's priority areas for 2026, and the development of legislative activity.

Participants focused on the implementation of socially significant initiatives, nationwide monitoring, information policy, the development of artificial intelligence technologies, and the preservation of the linguistic culture of the Russian Federation.

The meeting was held in an open dialogue format, including presentations, discussions, and debates with representatives of various public and student associations.

Students from the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism at PSU made a strong showing at the 2026 Caucasus Investment Forum.

The "Orientir-26" team won prizes in the "Tourism" track, and the "KAVKAZ.BOOST" project received a special award from Sberbank at the "Growth Point of the Caucasus" startup competition.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Viktorovna Petrova met with students at PSU.

The meeting was attended by representatives of all institutes and higher schools, the Student Council of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the student scientific society, and the society of young scientists, as well as activists from the PSU Student and Graduate Student Council, the PSU Primary Trade Union of Students and Graduate Students of PSU, the Primary Branch of the "Movement of the First," the Pyatigorsk Eagles student sports club, the KMV student pedagogical team at PSU, the PROFI-SOCI-LINGVA volunteer center, and the "Spiritual Heritage" club.

They discussed the development of the student movement and the role of young people at the university, and Olga Petrova spoke about her life and shared highlights from her professional and student life. The Deputy Minister noted the students' activism, involvement, and desire to change their lives for the better.

Meetings like these confirm that a university isn't just classrooms and lectures, but, above all, people who are ready to take responsibility for the future, propose, and create.

PSU held its annual "Parade of Champions 2026," honoring the university's top students who excelled in one of 25 sports.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the university's rector and vice-rectors awarded the most active athletes, not only students but also university staff, and also recognized the coordinators of sports and recreation activities at the Institutes and Higher Schools.

A prototype Multifunctional Center has been created at Pyatigorsk State University.

PSU became one of the first universities in the country to participate in the Federal Project "Labor Productivity," part of the national project "Efficient Competitive Economy." The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. Its goal is to improve the university's internal processes, increase efficiency, and reallocate resources to development programs.

The pilot project focused on student documentation—issuing certificates of enrollment, duration of study, and income. These services marked the beginning of the service's transformation and transition to more modern and convenient interaction formats.

The project's implementation marked an important step toward the further development of digital services for students.

The International Interuniversity Spring School "Psychology and Semantics of the Spatial Space of a North Caucasus Resort City" has opened at PSU.

The project, initiated by the Higher School of Economics, brought together researchers and students from three universities—HSE, PSU, and Samarkand State University named after Sh. Rashidov.

Ekaterina Vladimirovna Efimova, Vice-Rector for Strategic Management of Development and Innovative Project Activities, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of joint interdisciplinary research and strategic interuniversity partnerships in developing effective academic polylogue. Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shulzhenko, Professor of the Department of Russian Philology and Literary Creativity, and Almira Magometovna Kazieva, Professor of the Department of Literature and Pedagogical Technologies in Philological Education at the Institute of Translation Studies, Russian Studies, and Multilingualism, spoke about the key areas of work of the Center for North Caucasian Languages ​​and Cultures at PSU.

The school is dedicated to exploring business and psychological tools for analyzing urban environments. Participants will work on assessing the potential of resort towns in the North Caucasus, mastering methods for creating a psychological map of space, and developing practical recommendations for the development of tourism, business, and a comfortable urban environment.

The school will culminate in an applied project on creating unique urban spaces, integrating science, culture, and modern approaches to urban development.

Key events of the 13th International Congress on Cognitive Linguistics took place at PSU.

At the invitation of the organizing committee and PSU Rector Alexander Pavlovich Gorbunov, Julio César Madera Quintana, Rector of the University of Camagüey, participated in the congress. During the plenary session, he delivered a paper titled "Can Machines Think? Linguistics Facing the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence," dedicated to the challenges of artificial intelligence for modern linguistics.

An official meeting was also held with PSU Rector and Professor Alexander Pavlovich Gorbunov; Vice-Rector for the Development of Spiritual and Ideological Strategic Guidelines and Human Resources, State-Confessional and Intercultural Interaction Ibrahim Dzhavparovich Ibragimov; Head of the Department of International Relations and Educational Programs Viktor Evgenievich Mishin; Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism Irina Mikhailovna Akopyants; and Coordinator of International Cooperation Programs Natalia Vladimirovna Khomovich.

Prospects for developing international cooperation between universities were discussed during the meeting.

PSU hosted a district seminar on the prevention of destructive behavior among young people.

The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the North Caucasus Federal District initiated and organized the seminar-meeting. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, law enforcement agencies, ministries, religious denominations, and public organizations from the North Caucasus Federal District.

Participants discussed the rise in juvenile delinquency, crime prevention mechanisms, and the need for interagency cooperation to create a safe and supportive environment for young people.

During the discussions, special attention was paid to the role of educational organizations, spiritual and moral values, and the joint work of state and public institutions. Following the meeting, several participants received departmental awards.

The plenary session of the regional interuniversity scientific and practical conference "Young Science – 2026" was held at PSU. The opening session featured presentations by the winners of the annual competition of scientific and innovative projects, "Innovative Potential of University Youth."

PSU Rector A.P. Gorbunov, Vice-Rector for Strategic Management, Development, and Innovative Project Activities E.V. Efimova, and Senior Analyst of the Information and Analysis Department A.V. Razduev addressed the participants with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of supporting young researchers and developing scientific initiatives.

The conference brought together young scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates, serving as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the presentation of promising research projects.

The Institute of Law and Engineering at PSU held a history dictation for first-year students majoring in Jurisprudence.

Participants tested their knowledge of old and new toponyms of Pyatigorsk as part of the all-Russian competition "History of the Country – History of the Regions," dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

The students not only immersed themselves in the history of their hometown but also saw how the names of streets and squares reflect the region's development, its cultural heritage, and its legal context. Experts noted the participants' high level of preparation and their genuine interest in the past of their region.

Portuguese without Borders – a new international course has launched at PSU.

The Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism at PSU has launched an online course, "Portuguese as an Additional Language," for levels A1 and B1. Classes are taught by faculty from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil, ensuring complete immersion in the language, pronunciation, and cultural nuances.

The three-month course consists of 48 academic hours, and upon completion, participants will receive international certificates.

The new course opens up even more opportunities for students to network internationally and grow professionally.

An open lecture by a guest speaker from Yerevan State University was held.

Emma Davidovna Sargsyan addressed students and faculty on the topic "Language as a Cognitive and Social System: A Psychological Perspective."

Emma Davidovna is a lecturer in the Department of English Philology at Yerevan State University's Faculty of European Languages ​​and Communication and a graduate student in the Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology.

During her lecture, she examined the relationship between linguistic structures, cognitive processes, and social context, sparking a lively discussion.

Such meetings allow for comparison of academic schools, enriching the educational process with new approaches, and establishing strong interuniversity ties.

The intra-university Olympiad "Artificial Intelligence in Economics" has concluded at PSU.

The Olympiad was organized by the Department of Economics, Management, and Finance. Participants solved tests and a case study, and used neural networks to complete a professional and creative assignment. Over 40 students competed, 25 passed all stages, and 8 became prize winners and nominees!

Winners:

1st place – Adelina Tavasieva (Institute of Translation Studies, Russian Studies, and Multilingualism);

2nd place – Alina Dzhioeva (Institute of Romano-Germanic Languages, Information and Humanitarian Technologies);

3rd place – Arman Melik-Tangiev (Institute of International Relations) and Ellada Allahverdova (Department of Public and Private Law Disciplines).

The nominees were: Elizaveta Bushueva (Institute of Romano-Germanic Languages, Information and Humanitarian Technologies), Edvin Tuniyants (Institute of International Relations), Regina Petryaeva (Institute of Romano-Germanic Languages, Information and Humanitarian Technologies), Angelina Artamonova (Higher School of Management).

New students from Colombia arrived at PSU's Center for International Education to begin studying Russian as a foreign language.

During their first few days, the students became familiar with the university environment, took a sightseeing tour of Pyatigorsk, and explored the modern classrooms and laboratories. They were introduced to the faculties and key academic programs—from linguistics and international relations to economics, law, and IT—and were also told about the university's history, admissions opportunities, and prospects for academic and professional development. Special attention was paid to the university's international activities and programs for international students.

The students' arrival marked another step in developing international cooperation and strengthening cultural exchange.

A methodology for understanding verbal art was discussed at PSU.

Seda Gasparyan, a Doctor of Philology and Professor in the Department of English Philology at the Faculty of European Languages ​​and Communications at Yerevan State University, addressed the audience on the topic "Concerning the Methodology of Understanding Verbal Art."

Professor Seda Gasparyan not only presented her own perspective on the methodology but also engaged the audience in dialogue, emphasizing that understanding verbal art is the foundation of successful intercultural communication.

Cooperation between PSU and YSU opens new horizons for academic exchange and enriches educational programs with relevant international practices.

A working meeting with a delegation from Yerevan State University was held at Pyatigorsk State University. The Armenian university was represented by leading experts in philology and intercultural communication, including members of the Department of English Philology, European Languages, and Communication: Department Head A.T. Knyazyan, Department Professor S.K. Gasparyan, and Department Lecturer E.D. Sargsyan.

Pyatigorsk University was represented by PSU Rector A.P. Gorbunov; PSU Vice-Rector for the Development of Spiritual and Ideological Strategic Guidelines and Human Resources, State-Interfaith and Intercultural Interaction, Associate Professor I.D. Ibragimov; Head of the Department of International Relations and Educational Programs, Associate Professor V.E. Mishin; Assistant to the Rector for Relations with International Organizations D.G. Kaplin; and Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism, Professor A.M. Akopyants, and E.E. Avanesova, coordinator of internationalization and international cooperation at the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism.

During the constructive dialogue, the parties not only confirmed their intention to develop the partnership but also outlined specific areas for joint work.