"Whatever rankings or indexes we look at, we see that Russian education has been persistently developing, we see the relation between the work we conduct in the field of education and the results we achieve", shared Olga Golodets.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of focusing on education, as she strongly believes that those countries who excel in this field will get undeniable advantages in the field of science and technology, as well.

The first all-Russian "Way to Success" conference was dedicated to working with talented children, as it is timely support that allows unlocking a child's potential. Olga Golodets reminded that 19 Russian school students became winners of international contests in Math, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. These achievements are much like Russian universities getting into reputable international rankings, which are the results of recent development in Russia's educational system.

"There are also achievements that are yet to manifest themselves; still, the progress is already evident", explains Ms. Golodets.

"Sirius" Educational Center Credit: social networks

The conference took place at the Sirius educational center that was created in Sochi in 2014 following the President's initiative. The center trains talented children who come there to engage in project activities and get new skills. Sirius also collaborates with several universities, ITMO included. Academic staff from ITMO University organized several courses on robotics and "smart" technologies during the center's first summer session, as well as participated in the last autumn session with a series of English courses.

We'd like to remind everyone that in 2016, after only two years since the launching of Project 5−100, five of Russia's universities — Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Novosibirsk State University, ITMO University and Higher School of Economics — entered the top-100 in international rankings. As of now, the Project's continuation is being widely discussed at the highest levels.