On 26-27 June 2017, JINR received a delegation from the MGIMO University of the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by MGIMO Vice-Rector for Human Resources V.M. Morozov and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The guests were acquainted with the main directions of the JINR activities, they visited facilities of the JINR research infrastructure, as well as got an insight about synthesis of superheavy elements at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions and the progress towards construction of the mega-science project NICA at the Veksler and Baldin Laboratory of High Energy Physics.

The highlight of this visit was a Round Table «Scientific diplomacy: opportunities and directions of cooperation between JINR and MGIMO» which was moderated by Head of the JINR International Cooperation Department D.V. Kamanin. The discussion was opened by JINR Director V.A. Matveev, after that directors of a number of JINR Laboratories and the JINR University Centre spoke about scientific research and international cooperation across the whole spectrum of the JINR activities. The programme of the Round Table was composed of three topical sections: experience of JINR, scientific diplomacy and objectives of practical cooperation. Proposals of the guests in this section were presented by Head of the Department of Scientific Policy, Deputy Head of the Department on Work with students and graduates I.S. Aleksandrovsky.

A discussion and exchange of views subsequent to the Round Table allowed the participants to define thematic areas of cooperation which are of mutual interest for JINR and MGIMO. According to the participants of the Round Table, the areas that have cooperation potential are organization of trainings for MGIMO students in JINR, participation of JINR in research and educational activities of MGIMO, joint publication of scientific papers and organization of joint arrangements. In particular, preparation and holding of the JINR-based international conference on scientific diplomacy could be a promising joint project. Wide opportunities for exchange of experience were emphasized. Indeed, the experience of JINR in international cooperation is of interest for scientific investigations of MGIMO, while the experience of MGIMO in establishment of its own system of awarding academic degrees can be useful for JINR which is entering upon this path.

The programme of the Round Table was finished with a festive ceremony of signing a cooperation Agreement on organization of trainings for MGIMO students in JINR.