Tomsk Polytechnic University

Being the oldest engineering higher school in the Asian part of Russia, Tomsk Polytechnic University has become an alma mater for generations of graduates, brilliant researchers, inspiring political and public figures, gifted teacher, and excellent engineers. Today TPU is a national research university which places special emphasis on advanced engineering education, creation of resource-efficient technologies, internationalization, and integration of research and academic activities. Tomsk Polytechnic University was founded in 1896 as Tomsk Technological Institute of Emperor Nicholas II. The first technical higher educational institution in the Asian part of Russia was led by Professor Efim Zubashev who laid the foundation for the development of the best traditions of TPU as a large Siberian center for education and research. Tomsk Technological Institute (TTI) ensured education and training of highly qualified engineers, which strengthened the industry and economy in Siberia, the Far East and the CIS countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kirghizia, and etc.). TTI established remarkable schools in the field of chemistry, mechanical engineering and materials science, physics and mathematics, electrical and power engineering, mining and geology, and building and architecture.

The university became the winner of innovative educational programmes competition in the framework of Priority National Project “Education”. The objective of TPU Innovative Programme included education of elite specialists and professional teams of the world class in priority areas of science, engineering and technology. In 2007-2008 approximately 1 bln. rubles was allocated for its implementation. Within two years of Innovative Educational Programme implementation TPU purchased modern specialised facilities for 660 mln.rub., ensured mass transition to licensed software, modernized 155 class rooms, developed 678 items of innovative educational methodical resources, provided professional development to 1043 staff members, including 393 in foreign universities and research centres.

Tomsk Polytechnic University was among the winners of the 1st round of the competition for the award of the status of national research university (NRU) organised by the RF Ministry of Education and Science. 1.8 bln. rubles were allocated by the RF Ministry of Education and Science for the implementation of university development programme until 2018. Tomsk Polytechnic University as a research center and one of leaders in the field of resource-efficient technology, whose achievements will be used for solving global problems of the humankind on the way to its sustainable development. System of Goals:

• World-class science and research in the field of resource efficiency;
• Globally competitive engineering education;
• Dissemination of the best academic and engineering practices;
• Close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders towards innovation;
• Training and engagement of the distinguished students, scientists and teachers;
• Positioning Tomsk as a unique world-class research and educational center;
• Transition into a university focusing on graduate and postgraduate education;
• Efficient resource management;
• Social accountability and responsibility at the regional, national and global level.

The Mission of National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University is to enhance competitiveness of the country by providing internationalization and integration of research, education and training applied in the process of educating engineering elite, generating new knowledge and innovative ideas, developing resource efficient technologies (adopted by the University Academic Board on 05.04.2011). The University values are as follows:

• Freedom and enthusiasm in expanding knowledge in the priority fields of science for the benefit of the humankind and wellbeing while observing professional ethics;
• Innovations in science and education in striving for excellence in the profession areas;
• Independent thinking and creativity in addressing challenges, faced by the University, the country and the whole world;
• Social responsibility for the results of the University activity;
• Staff involvement into all fields of the University activities that allows the teachers, other employees and students, both the present and future ones, to fulfill their full potential;
• Unity of the University alumni, students and employees, based on century-long traditions established throughout our history;
• Corporate culture that provides open atmosphere and comfortable university environment;
• Freedom of personality that is manifested in elimination of any racial, ethnic, religious, gender, political or other form of discrimination.