On June, 26 General Counsel of Germany in Saint Petersburg Benedict Haller paid a visit to Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
During the meeting which conducted by the rector of the university Evgeny I. Rybnov Mr. Haller was introduced to the history of the university, its faculties, fields of scientific researches and peculiarities of the academic process.
Sergey V. Sementsov, dean of the Faculty of Architecture, reported about the contribution of the higher educational institution's alumni to the historical and modern development of Saint Petersburg while dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering Tamara A. Datsyuk talked about the activity in the field of energy efficient technologies.
Particular attention in the course of the meeting was paid to the report of the head of the Department of international education and cooperation Irina V. Ishchenko about collaboration of SPSUACE with the higher educational institutions of Germany. The university has over 10 cooperation agreements with the German partner universities within the frame of which various seminars, workshops, and student and teacher exchanges are being implemented.
First vice-rector Sergey A. Evtyukov reported about the work of the university in the sphere of traffic safety, design and construction of motorways.
Mr. Haller also got acquainted with the Museum of history of the university and fundamental library.  Training centre “KNAUF” located at the university attracted much attention and interest of the counsel. Director Andrey F. Sharapenko introduced the centre and talked about its activity.
There are only five similar centres in Russia. New employees of the “KNAUF” company undergo training there, studying materials, and technologies of the company. Students of the second course of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of SPSUACE also have such an opportunity. During two weeks they undergo theoretical and practical training in the centre studying dry building mixes and technologies of their usage, equipment and facilities in order to improve the quality of works, go to “KNAUF GIPSUM KOLPINO” factory to get acquainted with the production processes.
SPSUACE and “KNAUF” company have been practicing partner relationships within the frame of which auditorium 410-C will be repaired and provided with modern equipment for the 180-year anniversary of the university.
As a result of the meeting SPSUACE was invite to take part in the events held by the Consulate General in Saint Petersburg, in particular in the seminar which will take place in April 2012 within the Week of Germany in Saint Petersburg.