Ilya Obabkov appointed as the new rector of Ural Federal University.
The Russian Ministry of Higher Education and Science has announced the appointment of a new rector for Ural Federal University. According to sources within the university, the appointee is Ilya Obabkov, currently the director of the Institute of Radioelectronics and Information Technologies (IRIT-RTF). The announcement will be made official on Friday, May 30.
Sources familiar with the personnel changes in higher education have noted that Obabkov's appointment is unique, as typically a potential rector would begin their tenure in an acting capacity. However, Obabkov is expected to assume the role of university head directly, bypassing the interim stage.
When reached for comment, Obabkov declined to discuss the matter, stating, "Let's wait for the official statements from the ministry."
Obabkov graduated from Ural State Technical University (UPI) and built his career within the institution. In 2018, he was appointed as director of IRIT-RTF. In recent years, he has been an active representative of Ural Federal University at industry conferences focusing on cybersecurity and contemporary technology. Under Obabkov's leadership, IRIT-RTF has introduced new IT platforms to enhance students' individualized educational trajectories.
In an interview with RBK Ekaterinburg, Obabkov shared plans to train future IT specialists in collaboration with local businesses to maintain a workforce and alleviate staffing shortages in companies.
It was earlier reported in April that Ural Federal University was set to have a new rector, as an extension of Victor Koksharov's contract was not planned. However, Koksharov will now assume the position of Ural Federal University president, focusing on representation of the university in various structures. The role of president was previously discontinued but was reinstated for Koksharov's sake.
Sources within the university had considered three candidates for the rector position, including Daniil Sandler, the first vice-rector for economics and strategic development, Ilya Obabkov, and Alexander Mazhugau, a deputy in the State Duma and doctor of chemical sciences. Unofficial reports indicate that Sandler was eliminated from the race during the eligibility check.
- In an unexpected turn of events, Ilya Obabkov, the newly appointed rector of Ural Federal University, is set to make a significant impact in the news cycle, as he plans to collaborate with local businesses to train future IT specialists, addressing general-news issues like workforce shortages.
- Meanwhile, news outlets have reported that Obabkov's appointment in education-and-self-development fields, such as cybersecurity and contemporary technology, has been met with excitement among students and educators alike, given his extensive background within Ural Federal University and his innovative approach to individualized educational trajectories.
