Moscow, June 19th, 2017. – ROSATOM America Latina and the Higher University of San Andres (UMSA, from its acronyms in Spanish) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the framework of the IX International Forum "ATOMEXPO 2017" held in Russia.
The President of ROSATOM America Latina, Ivan Dybov, and the Rector of the Higher University of San Andres, Dr. Waldo Albarracín, appended their signatures under the document, which provides opportunities for the developing of mutually beneficial cooperation. The signing ceremony was held at the IX International Forum "ATOMEXPO 2017" that is taking place from June 19th till June 21st in Moscow.
The Memorandum provides opportunities for establishing parameters for interaction between the parties in the implementation of future joint projects in both scientific and educational domains. Due to the fact that Bolivia is gradually developing non-energy applications of nuclear technologies, the signing of the document will open up diverse opportunities for Bolivian students to gain extensive experience in the field of peaceful non-energy applications of nuclear energy and to communicate the benefits of modern nuclear technologies for the needs of the Bolivian population in agriculture, medicine, industry and etc.
"Thanks to this signing, we will be able to develop bilateral actions in cooperation programs that include exchange of specialists, development and realization of joint projects on public acceptance and human resources, student bursaries, bilateral/joint seminars, joint educational materials etc.", explained the rector of the University, Dr. Albarracín. For Mr. Dybov, education is the key for public acceptance. "There is no better alternative than education in terms of public acceptance. That is why Rosatom pays special attention to this field. The signing of this MoU with UMSA, our second with a Bolivian university, will contribute not only for the elevation of the scientific and educational level of the major university of the country, but also for a better knowledge about nuclear technologies and its benefits for society in Bolivia", – noted Ivan Dybov, President of ROSATOM America Latina.
The document was signed in furtherance of two Memoranda: one on education and personnel training in nuclear energy and related sectors and the other on cooperation in public acceptance of peaceful use of nuclear energy, both signed on July 8, 2016 by ROSATOM and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
UMSA is the second university in Bolivia applying for a higher level of education and science through a transparent and mutually beneficial cooperation with ROSATOM. On August 1, 2016 Rosatom America Latina and the Public University of El Alto signed a similar document. After those signings, Bolivia has already experienced successful implementation of projects in the field of public acceptability of peaceful use of nuclear technologies, such as presentations of lectures of Russian specialists dedicated to non-energy applications of nuclear technologies and its benefits for medicine, agriculture, industry and so on. Last lectures were held in April 2016 and gathered more than 700 attendees, students and academic community representatives.
Moreover, on the same day, June 19th, UMSA signed an agreement with the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, one of the most prestigious in Russia, which is an important milestone for Bolivia in the nuclear field.