Vladimir Putin to head board of trustees of Moscow State University

Rector of the Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichiy said today in a live TV broadcast that the university has established a board of trustees, and that Vladimir Putin will serve as its head.

Sadovnichiy also spoke about the future plans for the university's development, including the construction of new buildings, and the presence of the university in world rankings.

Sadovnichiy especially emphasized that recent rumours of an impending reduction in staff are nothing but empty speculation: "Rumours of a reduction do not correspond to reality. Our main approach is improving the efficiency of our work through better use of budgetary funds, restructuring, with the emphasis on the main directions of research and support of the grants system."