Vladimir Vasilyev (scientist)


Vladimir Nikolaevich Vasilyev is a Russian scientist, researcher, professor and rector at ITMO University. Head of the Council of Rectors of St. Petersburg Universities, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Education, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Since August 6, 2012 – member of the Government of the Russian Federation Expert Council. Honored citizen of St. Petersburg since 2013.

Biography

Dr. Vasilyev graduated from Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after Kalinin in 1974 with a degree in thermal physics. He continued graduate work at the same institute till 1978 and in 1980 defended his Master's thesis titled "Thermal Physics and Molecular Physics."
From 1978 till 1983 he worked at the Stavropol Polytechnic Institute where he held the positions of senior researcher, then assistant and associate professor.

Work at ITMO University

Dr. Vasilyev joined Leningrad Institute of Precise Mechanics and Optics in 1983. In 1989 he defended his doctoral thesis in "Optical Instrumentation" and "Thermal Physics and Molecular Physics."
In 1990 Vasilyev was awarded a PhD in Technical Sciences. In 1991 he founded and became the head of the department of Computer Technological Systems, which was renamed to the department of Computer Technologies in 1992, and in 1992 received the designation of professor. In 1993 he was appointed the first vice-rector.
Under his leadership, in 1994 the foundations were laid for establishing a federal university computer network RUNNet. His team together with several Russian universities set up satellite communications network based on Vuztelecomzentr – a research center for computer communications in higher education, and in collaboration with the largest European academic service provider NORDUnet.
The new satellite communications systems, developed under Vasilyev's supervision, enabled transmitting data across local and global networks, including the first Russian ATM data transmission system between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
For the development of the network, Vasilyev and his team received the Government of the Russian Federation Award in Education in 2000.
In 1995, the Conference of University's Employees elected Vasilyev ITMO University's Rector for five years. He's been reelected four times, in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2015.
In 2000, Vasilyev was awarded the designation of ":ru: Заслуженный деятель науки Российской Федерации|Honored Worker of Science of the Russian Federation." In May 2006 he received a diploma from the State Duma "for a major contribution to Russian education."
Vasilyev became a laureate of the President of the Russian Federation Award in Education in 2003 and 2005, and in 2008 once again received the Government of the Russian Federation Award in Education.
The President of the Russian Federation Award of 2005 recognized the achievements of the team that included the dean of IT and Programming Department Dr. Parfenov and Computer Technologies Department assistants Elizarov and Stankevich for their work "Concept development and organizational structure, teaching materials and software for an innovative system of training highly qualified personnel in the field of IT."
The professor is a scientific director for research part of :ru: Федеральная целевая программа|federal targeted programs, including "Electronic Russia," “Development of a Unified Educational Information Environment," “Integration of Russia's Science and Higher Education," “Federal Program of Education Development," “Research in Priority Science and Technology Areas." He's also the founder of the University's research and pedagogical school "Computer, network and telecommunication technologies." It was also his initiative to launch and publish "ITMO University Science and Technology Gazette," that is now among the leading peer-reviewed journals of the Higher Attestation Commission.
Official income in 2012 – 7.4 million rubles. His family's assets include a 100 sq. m apartment and a small share in a 60-meter apartment. In 2013, he declared 6.5 million rubles.
In an interview to :ru: Фонтанка.ру|Fontanka.ru, Vasilyev noted that his income is comes from contracts with the Ministry of Education and Science as well as research and instruction.

Non-University Activities

Dr. Vasilyev is a member of the Technical Council of Russia's Ministry of Education and Science, member of the scientific council on issues of information technology in education, heads three specialized dissertation councils, is a member of editorial boards for journals "Computer Instruments in Education," “Proceedings of Universities. Instrumentation," “Optical Journal," is a member of Government of St. Petersburg Research Council, National Personnel Training Fund, as well as international scientific societies and working groups.

Political Activities

In October 2007 Vasilyev was among the top three candidates in the regional list of the "United Russia" party.
In 2013, St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko nominated Vasilyev for Honored Citizen. The candidacy was approved by 40 members of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg and in May the rector was awarded the designation "Honored Citizen of St. Petersburg."
In 2014 Vasilyev was on the list of candidates for the Speaker of the Federation Council.
Currently he is an advisor to St. Petersburg governor.

Family

Two children, Alisa and Arsenii.

Hobbies

In September 2014 and June 2015, Vladimir Vasilyev headed two bicycle races in St. Petersburg on Yelagin Island. After the first race, ITMO students and staff were joined by fellow riding enthusiasts from other universities.

Honors and awards