MOSCOW, 30 MARCH 2026. PIR PRESS. «The International Security Master’s Program is an interdisciplinary academic platform combining area studies, political science, and strategic studies. While maintaining its unique profile, it competes with leading international relations programs both in Russia and abroad and continues to attract an increasingly diverse group of graduates, including international students. In this context, the establishment of the Vyacheslav Trubnikov Grant has become a timely and important initiative supported by MGIMO University and its Endowment Fund. The grant not only upholds the legacy of General Trubnikov but also offers students the opportunity to reduce their financial burden, subject to strong academic performance, diligence, and motivation. Now in its second year, the competition continues to support the most deserving students of the program», – Dr. Andrey Baykov, Chairman of the Vyacheslav Trubnikov Grant Competition Committee and Vice-Rector for Research at MGIMO University.
MGIMO University hosted a solemn ceremony to announce the winner of the Vyacheslav Trubnikov Grant Competition. The nominees were first-year students of the International Security Master’s Program, run by MGIMO University in partnership with PIR Center. The competition takes place annually, and the winner is awarded a full tuition waiver for the second, third, and fourth semesters of the program.
In 2026, the winner of the competition is Irina Klimenkova, who received the majority of votes from the members of the Selection Committee. The Committee included: Dr. Andrey Baykov, Chairman of the Committee, Vice-Rector for Research at MGIMO University and member of PIR Center Advisory Board; Mr. Evgeny Buzhinsky, Co-Chairman of the Committee, Lieutenant General (retired) and Chairman of PIR Center Executive Board; Ms. Anastasia Voytsitskaya, Director of the Department of Work with Students and Alumni at MGIMO University; Mr. Aleksey Dundich, Head of the Master’s Programs Expertise Division at MGIMO University; Dr. Igor Istomin, Head of the Department of Applied International Analysis at MGIMO University and member of PIR Center Advisory Board; Dr. Mikhail Lysenko, Advisor to the Director General of Rosatom State Corporation and member of PIR Center Advisory Board; Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Director of PIR Center, Professor at the Department of Applied International Analysis at MGIMO University, and Academic Director of the International Security Master’s Program; Dr. Alexander Fedorov, Associate Professor at the Department of Information Security at Bauman Moscow State Technical University and member of PIR Center Executive Board.
Opening the ceremony, Dr. Andrey Baykov emphasized that the competition serves not only to recognize student achievements but also to highlight the significance of Vyacheslav Trubnikov as an outstanding professional and statesman whose legacy continues to serve as a benchmark for younger generations. Dr. Andrey Baykov also underlined the important role of students as a future professional community capable of ensuring continuity and sustainable development in international security.
Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Director of PIR Center, Professor at the Department of Applied International Analysis at MGIMO University, and Academic Director of the International Security Master’s Program, noted that the competition has already become an important tool for supporting students demonstrating strong academic engagement, professional dedication, and a keen interest in international security. Despite the limited number of applications, their quality was exceptionally high, reflecting the high standards set by the participants themselves. Dr. Vladimir Orlov also highlighted Trubnikov’s outstanding contribution to strategic analysis, international security, and the training of highly qualified professionals.
Ms. Anastasia Voytsitskaya, Deputy Chair of the Commission and Head of the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs at MGIMO University, emphasized the high organization level of the competition and the strong engagement of its members. Ms. Anastasia Voytsitskaya noted that such initiatives not only support talented students but also help preserve the legacy of Vyacheslav Trubnikov and bolster the system of named grants and scholarships.
Mr. Evgeny Buzhinsky, Co-Chairman of the Commission, highlighted the strong pool of applicants and described the grant as a meaningful tribute to Trubnikov’s legacy. Mr. Evgeny Buzhinsky emphasized Trubnikov’s role in preserving and developing the Foreign Intelligence Service, as well as his profound expertise and professionalism.
Dr. Alexander Fedorov, an Associate Professor at Bauman Moscow State Technical University, highlighted that receiving the grant is not only a recognition of academic excellence but also entails a significant professional obligation. Dr. Alexander Fedorov praised Trubnikov’s contribution to national security, nonproliferation, and interagency cooperation, as well as his exceptionally high standards in analytical work.
Dr. Mikhail Lysenko, Advisor to the Director General of Rosatom State Corporation and member of PIR Center Advisory Board, remarked that the winner’s achievement demonstrates strong dedication, analytical precision, and academic excellence. Dr. Mikhail Lysenko also highlighted that the competition is becoming a well-established tradition, while collaboration between MGIMO University and PIR Center fosters a robust academic and research environment.
Dr. Ivan Safranchuk, a Leading Research Fellow at the Institute for International Studies and a Professor at MGIMO University, described Vyacheslav Trubnikov as a figure combining pragmatism with principled integrity and noted his significant influence on expert discussions. Dr. Ivan Safranchuk also emphasized the importance of preserving professional memory and the role of PIR Center in this endeavor.
Mr. Aleksey Dundich highlighted that the grant sets a high standard for applicants, as it is exclusively offered to students of the International Security Master’s Program. Mr. Aleksey Dundich observed that a highly competitive admissions process and a well-structured curriculum provide a strong foundation for training future experts in international security.
Dr. Elena Chernenko, member of PIR Center Executive Board; Special Correspondent of the Kommersant Daily; Co-Chair of the Trialogue Club International, stressed the importance of maintaining a “living memory” of outstanding professionals. Dr. Elena Chernenko highlighted Trubnikov’s openness, intellectual generosity, and enduring influence on the expert community.
Kirill Prokhorov, the winner of the 2025 competition and a second-year student of the program, congratulated the laureate and highlighted the importance of the grant both as recognition and as a professional commitment. The student mentioned that the grant reflects the high standards associated with Trubnikov’s name and is awarded through a rigorous selection process.
The highlight of the ceremony was the speech by Irina Klimenkova, the 2026 winner, who described receiving the grant as both an honour and a responsibility. Irina Klimenkova expressed gratitude to MGIMO University and PIR Center and reaffirmed her commitment to further academic and professional growth, as well as to applying her knowledge in the interests of her country.
Selection criteria included:
Having only grades of “good” and/or “excellent” based on the results of the winter credit-examination session;
A demonstrated interest in working on issues of international security after completing the master’s program;
Active, confirmed participation in research and scientific-organizational activities.
PIR Center honors the memory of Vyacheslav Trubnikov, who remained a member of PIR Center Executive Board – the organization’s highest governing body – until the final days of his life. To preserve his legacy, PIR Center established a memory gallery where readers can read his biography, publications, and personal recollections about him. In 2023, a bust of Vyacheslav Trubnikov was installed at MGIMO University; the opening ceremony, attended by Rector Acad. Anatoly Torkunov, marked the launch of the exhibition space “Faithful Sons of the Fatherland.”
Keywords: Education; Nuclear Nonproliferation; International Security
