Summing up the results of the Virtual Academy 2020

The Virtual Academy, the first stage of the Energy Challenge 2.0 project has just been completed. The expert group has finished assessing the student research projects, and now we can sum up the results.

For three months, April 15 – July 10, 270 students representing 75 universities of 22 countries studied online on the educational program “Energy 2020: Back to the Future” based on the UNECON distance learning platform.

The Energy Challenge team from the Higher Economic School of UNECON carried out serious expert and organizational work and prepared three training modules.

Module 1. Hindsight: to summarize and compare the expectations and results of the major energy events and trends since the beginning of XXI.

Module 2. Foresight: to determine the trends and technologies, that will form the foundation of our energy future for the next 20-30 years.

Module 3. Insight: to what kinds of policies, strategies, and investment decisions should be taken right now on a corporate level to ensure our safe and sustainable future.

The training process was organized in English. It included self-study analytical and video materials, 18 webinars by energy industry professionals, and experienced managers from partner companies, as well as the intermediate challenges to consolidate knowledge.

Each online meeting was devoted to topical issues of energy industry development, application of new technologies, and building of business processes. The tandem of moderators Rob Veersma from Gazprom International Training B.V. and Pavel Metelev from HES UNECON provided the communication of the speakers with the audience.

The final #project_challenge for the Virtual Academy participants was to present the results of a full-fledged research or project in energy. Each participant presented three documents: project summary, proposal and short video presentation.

Participants were able to present any topic and methodology design, it means to research on economical, technological, or social perspective.

The expert group has already evaluated all the works. The best projects will be presented to partner companies.

90 participants have successfully completed all the challenges and should receive the Graduation Certificate.

In addition, according to the individual rating, the top 50 students will be invited to participate in the Youth Day of the 10^th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum. The program of events will include team building, business game, meeting with top managers of leading international energy companies, and other activities.

August-September, there will be some additional open webinars under the motto “Stay connected”. Follow our news in Instagram @energyouthday

The Energy Challenge team would note the high results and motivation of students participating. They are also express their appreciation to the partner companies and institutions such as Gazprom, Uniper, Wintershall Dea, Energy Delta Institute, Gasunie, OMV, ESMT Berline и Shell. Their experts held excellent webinars and provided the study materials.