In a landmark move to enhance higher education opportunities in the field of computer science & engineering to foster academic excellence, Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) of Sri Lanka announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration, highlighted by the introduction of the MSc in Artificial Intelligence programme in Sri Lanka, aims to broaden the educational horizons of students in both countries.

The Ural Federal University: A Century of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1920, the Ural Federal University is one of Russia's premier higher educational institutions. Ranked 516th in the QS World University Rankings and consistently in the top-7 of Russian universities, UrFU has a long history of scientific achievements and produce highly skilled professionals. The university is proud of its notable alumni, including Boris Yeltsin, the first President of Russia, alongside many distinguished politicians, scientists, and industrialists. UrFU offers approximately 400 programmes spanning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in diverse fields such as natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, delivered in both Russian and English.

The university also provides Russian language courses through its Preparatory Department. With over 44,000 students, including 4,600 international students from more than 110 countries, UrFU is a place of diverse cultures and ideas. The university’s faculty comprises 4,000 members, including top-tier Russian academics and 200 international experts. UrFU’s infrastructure includes 13 institutes, 18 dormitories, and 72 research excellence centers, inclusive of 164 research and development labs. Among these are 12 labs led by renowned global researchers like Nobel laureates Jean Jouzel, head of the Climate and Environmental Physics Laboratory, and Rolf Zinkernagel, co-head of the Experimental Immunophysiology & Immunochemistry Key Center of Excellence.

UrFU is recognised as a leader in Russian university science, particularly in the number of scientific journal publications. It is a key participant in the "Leadership in Research" track of the "Priority-2030" Federal Strategic Academic Leadership Programme and holds the status of a federal innovation platform. The university spearheads several major projects of national and international significance, such as the world-class Ural Interregional Research and Education Center "Advanced Industrial Technologies and Materials," Ural Advanced Engineering School of Digital Technologies in Industry, Carbon Polygon in the Urals, and World-class Campuses.

Ural Federal University (UrFU) stands out in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, holding prestigious positions across a wide range of disciplines. The university is ranked 39th in Hospitality & Leisure Management, 51-100th in Petroleum Engineering, Social Policy and Management, and Philosophy, 101-150th in History, and 201-250th in Economics and Econometrics, Materials Science, and Politics. Other notable rankings include 279th in Social Sciences and Management, 293rd in Engineering and Technology, and 251-300th in Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, Business and Management, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Additionally, UrFU is ranked 347th in Humanities and Arts, 351-400th in Mechanical Engineering, and 401-450th in Information Technology. Committed to expanding and deepening international cooperation, UrFU has partnered with approximately 500 organizations worldwide. This global outlook enhances its academic and research capabilities, fostering a diverse and dynamic educational environment. UrFU's unique location in Ekaterinburg, the fourth largest city in Russia, adds to its appeal. Situated at the geographical, civilizational, and economic crossroads of Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg serves as the capital of the Ural Federal District. It is a modern and rapidly developing metropolis, recognized as an industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Russia, and a significant economic hub globally. This strategic positioning not only enriches the university's academic experience but also provides students and faculty with unparalleled opportunities for research, innovation, and cultural exchange.

NIBM: A Beacon of Higher Education in Sri Lanka

The National Institute of Business Management, The National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) in Sri Lanka has a rich history spanning over 55 years, during which it has evolved into a leading higher education institution in the country. Today, NIBM operates as a self-sustained, internationally recognized, and UGC (University Grants Commission) recognised degree-awarding institute functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka. Under the guidance of its management, NIBM has set forth a vision to become the premier education institute in Sri Lanka, with a mission focused on developing competencies in individuals and organisations through training and consultancy.

With its extensive experience, NIBM aims to shape a brighter future by producing liberal thinkers capable of transforming not only their own lives but also those of others. This vision is complemented by a mission to create a learning environment conducive to innovation through transnational education (TNE) & experiential learning, ultimately fostering highly influential lifelong learners. Throughout its journey, NIBM has maintained a commitment to staying abreast of global trends to meet the contemporary and future demands of human resources in various fields, including schools of business, computing, engineering, languages, humanities & design.

NIBM takes pride in its exceptional quality of education and its contribution to empowering thousands of individuals to excel in their respective fields. As NIBM continues to evolve and adapt, it remains dedicated to its core values of excellence, innovation, and service to the nation, thereby ensuring its continued success and relevance in the dynamic landscape of higher education in Sri Lanka. With its forward vision to drive sustainable economic development, NIBM has taken proactive steps to establish the National Innovation Center in Colombo & the and Kandy Innovation Center at Peradeniya. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between the private and public sectors, thereby enhancing the research and development landscape of Sri Lanka.

The collaboration extends to the NIBM School of Computing & Engineering & School of Design, focusing on critical areas such as Big Data Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing the evolving needs of industries, NIBM offers customised training programmes and consultancy assignments tailored to specific requirements. The institute's footprint extends across the nation, with its main campus in Colombo, supplemented by the National Innovation Center in Colombo and regional centers in Kandy, Peradeniya, Kurunegala, Galle, and Matara. This expansive network ensures that quality training is accessible throughout the country, catering to a diverse range of students.

With approximately 12,000+ students enrolled in physical and blended programmes across various faculties, NIBM continues to expand its reach and impact. Moreover, in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute launched the NIBM Digital Campus. This initiative supports students with distance learning programmes, enabling them to continue their degree programmes without interruptions. Furthermore, the digital campus opens avenues for international students to join NIBM online, thereby enhancing the institute's global reach and engagement. Through these initiatives, NIBM remains committed to providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and preparing a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of the future.

By embracing digital transformation and leveraging partnerships with industry and academia, NIBM continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and societal development in Sri Lanka and beyond. The newest initiative of NIBM is the Agricultural university development in Kurunegala and the introduction of the Outcome Based learning system (OBL) to all faculties. The NIBM imprint in the local and global higher education is made to shine with this Transnational Education and thus today NIBM is equipped with a solid foundation of learning and evaluation.

A Collaborative Future

The partnership between UrFU and NIBM marks a significant milestone in international academic cooperation. The introduction of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme in Sri Lanka is a testament to both institutions' commitment to providing cutting-edge education and fostering global talent. The agreement was formalised during a visit by NIBM’s senior academic representatives to UrFU, including Dr. D.M.A. Kulasooriya, Director General of NIBM; Dr. Sameera Wijayasiri, Director of Humanities, Languages & Design; and Dr. Buddhima Subasinghe, Head of Student Life & Engagement.

They were welcomed by UrFU’s academic leaders presided by Rector Dr. Koksharov Victor, Director for Academic Affairs Sergey Knyazev, Vice- Rector for International Affairs Sergey Tushin, First Vice-Rector on Science Vladimir Kruzhaev, Director of the Engineering School of IT, Telecommunications and Control Systems Ilya Obabkov, Director of the Ural Institute of Humanities Elvira Symanyuk, and Director of the Graduate School of Economics and Management Dmitry Tolmachev. This collaboration is poised to open new avenues for academic exchange, joint research projects, and student mobility programmes. UrFU and NIBM plan to host joint conferences, seminars, and workshops, fostering a robust academic dialogue between Russia and Sri Lanka.

Expanding Global Engagement

UrFU's strat e gic location in Ekaterinburg, the fourth largest city in Russia, positions it at the geographical, civilizational, and economic crossroads of Europe and Asia. Ekaterinburg, a modern and dynamically developing metropolis, serves as a major industrial, scientific, and cultural hub in Russia. NIBM, headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has a history of over 55 years in higher education and innovation, significantly contributing to the nation’s development. As part of its international strategy, NIBM International focuses on transnational education and manages global education partnerships, offering cross-institutional support to enhance student life, global engagement, and academic reputation. The office is dedicated to developing NIBM’s profile as a global higher education hub, supporting its graduates to become well-rounded global citizens ready to face future challenges. The partnership with UrFU will enable NIBM to offer a wider array of international academic programmes, collaborative research, joint conferences, and scholarships, thereby enhancing the global learning experience for its students.

Looking Ahead

This strategic partnership between Ural Federal University and the National Institute of Business Management is set to revolutionise higher education in both Russia and Sri Lanka. By combining UrFU's legacy of academic excellence and NIBM's innovative approach to education, this collaboration will create new opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers, fostering a global academic community committed to excellence and innovation.