A delegation headed by Interim President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov visited Dublin on June 28th - 30th.

The delegation was joined by government officials, members of parliament, higher education managers. Among the latter was Vice-Rector for Education Dmitry Tayursky.

Tatarstan's leadership was eager to learn more about Emerald Isle's innovation policies and to expand cooperation. Rustam Minnikhanov mentioned that Tatarstan's officials studied Ireland's economic policies and found them to be very interesting. He added that there is definitely much to learn from.

This was in many respects the continuation of the talks started during Irish business delegation's visit to Tatarstan in April this year. The group was headed by the Russian-Irish Joint Economic Commission Coordinator Gerard MacCarthy. The guests also visited KFU on April 24th.

Naturally, KFU is very much interested in establishing ties with Irish higher education and research institutions.

Dmitry Tayursky joined the delegation in visiting the esteemed Trinity College, one of the top universities in the world.

The guests from Tatarstan toured the university and visited CRANN Nanotechnology Center. Director Stephano Sanvito told that the staff currently comprises 200 postgraduates, 150 researchers, 15 engineers and lab technicians. The Center specializes in photonics, 2D materials, nanocomposites, artificial bones and tissue. Moreover, the Center can boast a 10-year long partnership with Intel.

Prof. Sanvino showed some of the projects, namely "Distance monitoring of electric distribution substations" and medical equipment manufacturing for Cellix.

Of course, there was a sightseeing tour, the guests saw the treasured Book of Kells and The Long Room.

The delegation also visited NDRC and the facilities of Google Europe. There are many topics of particular interest that can become the future fields of cooperation between KFU and Irish researchers, businesspersons, and education professionals.