New rector Mikhail Fedoruk has set a bold target of bringing Siberia's leading university into the top 90 in world rankings.
An army of almost 3000 foreign workers combine with locals to get the city ready for the September APEC summit of world leaders.
Total of 140,000 tonnes is on its way from Siberia thanks to cooperation between the two warring nations.
Radical plans to boost the economies of Eastern Siberia and the Far East are emerging in Moscow, say news reports.
The $27-million Snezhinka (Snowflake) is seen as a future international science hub for biotech, robotic and AI-driven projects.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backs easing of visa regimes in Asia-Pacific region for students and tourists.
On a visit to the Far East, he strongly hinted they should give up summer holidays to complete unfinished tasks.
Boy killed 'after lethal infection 'awoke' in human graveyard due to unprecedented heat wave'.