New Rector Appointed at NArFU After Two-Year Vacancy

Mikhail Danilov has been appointed rector of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov (NArFU). This was reported by the university«s press service.

Before this, since spring 2025, Danilov had been working as acting rector of NArFU. The order for his appointment as rector was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The appointment was commented on social media by Arkhangelsk Governor Alexander Tsybulsky:

The university must remain a place where young people not only gain quality knowledge but also understand their responsibility to their native land and country. It is important to strengthen the connection between education, science, industry, and the real economy, to create conditions for the professional growth of talented youth and the realization of bold ideas. I am confident that his accumulated experience, demand for results, and readiness for open dialogue will help Mikhail Danilov successfully cope with the tasks ahead. There is a lot of joint work ahead, and we will direct it toward the future of our region and strengthening Russia«s position in the Arctic. — wrote the head of Pomorye.

What is known about the rector

Mikhail Danilov was born in Saratov. In 2001, he graduated from Saratov State University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky with a degree in political science. He was a professor at the Department of Political Sciences of the university«s Faculty of Law.

Until 2017, he held the position of deputy chairman of the finance committee of the Saratov city administration. From January to November 2017, he headed the committee for public relations, analysis, and information of the Saratov administration.

In November 2017, he was appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Environment of the Mari El Republic. From 2021 to 2023, he worked at the Saratov Regional Institute of Educational Development (OIRO) as Vice-Rector for Innovation and Project Activities. Since 2023, he has been working in the administration of the city of Uray, as First Deputy Head.

Who held the position before

Recall, until 2024, NArFU was led by Rector Elena Kudryashova — she had held the position almost continuously since 2010 (almost, because at one point her powers were suspended due to a criminal case — we reported the details of that story). Also read what she said about her departure in 2024.

After Kudryashova, the university was led by Pavel Maryandyshev — he served as acting rector for a year, until May 2025.