On 2 June, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the Union of Restorers of Saint Petersburg signed a cooperation agreement. The document was signed by Evgeny Korolev, Vice-Rector for Research, and Aleksandra Komissarova, Deputy Director General of the Union of Restorers of Saint Petersburg.

The activities of the Union of Restorers of St Petersburg are aimed at preserving and restoring the architectural heritage of the Northern capital. It unites professionals in the field of complex restoration, suppliers of materials, and design organizations.

The parties intend to cooperate in the field of science and education, popularization of cultural heritage sites, protection, preservation and popularization of historical sites and buildings, historical and cultural monuments; promote the development of the restoration industry as a complex of exclusive types of work to preserve architectural and cultural heritage; develop volunteerism.

Following the signing ceremony, the parties outlined further steps aimed at training highly qualified professionals. Together with Evgeny Korolev and Aleksandra Komissarova, the constructive dialogue was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Ekaterina Vozniak, Advisor to the General Director of the Union of Restorers of St Petersburg Lidiya Vernik, Associate Professor at the Department of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage Nadezhda Akulova.

"We can tell about the possibilities of the SPbGASU educational programs to the members of the Union of Restorers so that they can send their employees to relevant training programs in order to improve their qualifications and develop the restoration industry of St Petersburg. It also seems interesting to cooperate in the formation of educational programs aimed at improving the training of professional personnel involved in organizing and carrying out work on the preservation of architectural monuments. Organizations that are part of the Union of Restorers have extensive experience in restoration work, they are also valuable and interesting from the point of view of opportunities to replenish the teaching staff. Thus, we will act as a coordinator and accumulator of information on the joint activities of our organizations," said Aleksandra Komissarova.

"The University is ready for joint activities. Those who are engaged in practical restoration and those who develop restoration science and teach future professionals must cooperate," emphasized Evgeny Korolev.

"The agreement was signed within the framework of the general strategy for the development of the university in the field of architectural restoration, as well as the activities of the Scientific and Educational Laboratory for the Restoration and Renovation of Architectural Heritage. Our university and the Department of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage closely interact with the union, and now this interaction will reach a new level," said Nadezhda Akulova, Associate Professor at the Department of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage.