The Rector of the North Caucasus Federal University, Professor Tatiana Shebzukhova, sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, Professor Mikhail Kovalchuk, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in connection with awarding him the high title of Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation.

The award decree was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 4, 2026. Mikhail Kovalchuk was awarded the honorary title "for special merits in the development of Russian science and many years of fruitful work."

On behalf of the 30,000-strong NCFU team, Tatiana Shebzukhova congratulated the outstanding scientist and organizer of science. According to her, the well–deserved title of Hero of Labor is not only a tribute to his achievements, but also a recognition of Mikhail Kovalchuk's tremendous role in the development of Russian science, strengthening the country's defense capability through technology and the formation of the human potential of the future.

– Under your leadership, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center has established itself as a leading platform combining fundamental research, applied research and a strategic vision for the future of Russian science. Your many years of dedicated work as president of the Center inspires the scientific community and sets the highest standards of service to the Motherland," the message of greetings reads.

The NCFU Rector emphasized the special value of the partnership between the flagship university of the North Caucasus and the Kurchatov Institute Research Center. "I hope that this strategic cooperation will open up new horizons for young scientists and university students and become a worthy example of fruitful cooperation between science and higher education," she said.

Recall that in June 2026, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a trilateral agreement on strategic cooperation was signed between the Kurchatov Institute Research Center, the government of the Stavropol Territory and the North Caucasus Federal University. The document was signed by the President of the Kurchatov Institute, Professor Mikhail Kovalchuk, the Governor of the Stavropol Territory, Vladimir Vladimirov, and the Rector of NCFU, Professor Tatiana Shebzukhova.

The agreement is aimed at developing long-term scientific, educational and innovative cooperation. Among the key areas is the creation, with the participation of NCFU, of a full–cycle scientific center for viticulture and winemaking, from genomic breeding to the finished product. As Mikhail Kovalchuk noted earlier, the Stavropol Territory is known for the fact that viticulture is one of the leading industries there, and cooperation will bring it to a fundamentally new level.

In addition, as part of the agreement, at least three "Kurchatov classes" will be created in the territory of the region for students in grades 5-11 in general education institutions, including the NCFU Specialized Educational Research Center.