On May 25, 2016, the opening of the 4th International Scientific Conference «Magnetic Levitation Transport Systems and Technologies» was held at Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University. The Conference lasts till May 27.
Participants will discuss the issues of development of domestic magnetic levitation technology for construction, certification and commercial operation of cargo and passenger lines and public transport in metropolitan cities.

The Conference was opened by Rector Alexander Y. Panychev, who read out a greeting from Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, co-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PGUPS Maxim Y. Sokolov. Minister noted the critical importance of ongoing scientific developments and wished the participants a fruitful work.

Alexander Y. Panychev mentioned that walls of our University remember the prominent Russian and foreign scientists, and quoted the words of St. Petersburg Governor Georgy S. Poltavchenko: «It is quite logical and understandable that new scientific ideas are developing on such a basis». According to Rector, all scientific developments of the University are closely linked with the International Scientific-Educational Project «Heritage of Betancourt», launched in 2015 on the initiative of the first engineering-transport University of Russia, because it is the organizer and the first Rector of our University who gave a start to many advanced transport projects in our country and around the world.

Alexander Y. Panychev stressed that research and development in the field of magnetic levitation are of particular importance. «Time puts everything in its place. Once the telephone, radio and aircraft were considered unpromising projects. You must be able to look into the future and determine the priority areas», — said the PGUPS Rector.

Vice-governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir V. Kirillov greeted the audience and delivered a message from the Governor of the city, co-chairman of the PGUPS Board of Trustees Georgy S. Poltavchenko. It is mentioned by the Governor that the place for performing domestic research in the field of magnetic levitation is chosen not by chance: scientists of the University developed vehicles on steam, thermal, electric traction; they stepped into their studies beyond high speeds and now explore a new direction for our country — magnetic levitation. Vladimir V. Kirillov wished the participants of the conference fruitful work, noted that the event is held on the eve of the City Day and expressed hope that participants of the scientific meeting will take time to get to know the Northern capital of Russian and its culture.

The first Deputy Head of the Working Group on Transport, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Public Chamber Vladimir L. Belozyorov read out greetings from the members of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation: «Magnetic levitation transport is the transport of the future, and the sooner we will see the true value of this project, the faster it will be embodied».

Participants and guests were welcomed by the President of the Conference «Magnetic Levitation Transport Systems and Technologies — 2016», Academician Vasiliy A. Gluhih, Head of the Center for Innovative Development of JSC «Russian Railways» Alexander D. Korchagin and Professor of Deggendorf Institute of Technology, President of the International Committee of Maglev, the Chairman of the Conference «Maglev — 2016» Dr. Johannes Klyushpis.

The Conference aroused great interest on the part of St. Petersburg scientific community, as well as scientists from Germany, China, Brazil and Ukraine.

Press Service