Education and Professional Development of Ergonomists in Russia

Abstract

The paper describes current state of education and professional development of specialists in human factors and ergonomics in Russia. University education in Russia is regulated by the fixed list of specialities and by the State learning standards. Currently, there are four university specialities that can serve as “umbrella” for education of ergonomists, namely: “System Analysis and Control”, “Biotechnical Systems and Technologies”, “Psychology”, “Design”. Two Russian leading universities offer bachelor and master programs on ergonomics. Postgraduate ergonomics education is available in the form of training courses and courses for preparation of candidate or doctoral dissertation. Any dissertation must be attributed to one of the predetermined scientific specialities. The most relevant speciality is “Occupational psychology, engineering psychology, ergonomics”. Nearly half of all candidates and doctors of sciences who have defended research work on ergonomics have degree in technology, one third – in psychology. Currently, Russian ergonomics society is elaborating procedure for certification of professional ergonomists following the CREE (Centre for Registration of European Ergonomists) model. As a first step to this target, the Standard for certification of the specialists designing human-machine systems has been developed. This standard establishes three evaluation criteria concerning of applicant’s educational level, professional experience, and professional development and self-education.