Gubkin Students at Qingdao Summer School
From August 2 to 15, 2026, the China University of Petroleum (East China) in Qingdao hosted the international summer school “Eduinspire 2026: Future Engineers Summer Camp on AI-Era Energy Transition Technology Innovation”. The programme brought together representatives from several Russian universities, as well as students from the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH) and the University of Vienna (Universität Wien). The National University of Oil and Gas “Gubkin University” (NRU) was represented by students from various fields of study: Anastasia Shefer (group KHTM-25-04), Alina Zakovinko (group BEMv-25-07), and Ksenia Zhamova (group KO-24-17).
The programme was aimed at introducing participants to modern areas of energy, the oil and gas industry, industrial production, and environmental technologies, as well as to Chinese culture and the history of Qingdao.
As part of the academic component, participants visited the university’s laboratories and research centres, where they were introduced to deep oil and gas drilling technologies and physical demonstrations. Considerable attention was paid to modern energy topics: artificial intelligence in the energy transition, green chemistry, low-carbon technologies, and renewable energy sources.
A separate part of the programme was dedicated to the industrial and economic potential of Qingdao. Summer school participants visited the Port of Qingdao, Offshore Oil Engineering, and Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group, a company specializing in the processing of marine bioresources and the development of new biomaterials. This provided an opportunity to see the practical application of modern technologies in various sectors of the economy.
The cultural programme included traditional Chinese knot tying, tai chi classes, origami and Chinese calligraphy, city tours of Qingdao, visits to museums and cultural sites, an introduction to the city’s history, a walk along Zhanqiao Pier, and visits to May Fourth Square and the Olympic Sailing Center. Participants also visited the New Energy Eco-technology Museum of China and Golden Beach, and attended the immersive show “Qingdao on the Sea”, which allowed them to become better acquainted with the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
The summer school concluded with project presentations by participants, a closing ceremony, and the awarding of certificates and memorable gifts.
The China University of Petroleum (East China) is a long-standing and reliable partner of Gubkin University. This connection has deep historical roots: in the early 1960s, faculty from the National University of Oil and Gas “Gubkin University” stood at the origins of the Chinese petroleum university, sharing advanced experience and laying the foundation for the development of oil and gas education in the People’s Republic of China. Today, decades later, this historic partnership has grown into a strong alliance. The summer school that took place proves that the fruitful cooperation between the universities not only continues but is also successfully adapting to the challenges of the new technological era, opening up global career and research prospects for young engineers.
