In memory of Maxim Afanasyev, a very talented teacher and an exceptional person
The unexpected news about the tragic death of Maxim Afanasyev, ISSEK research fellow and Research seminar teacher within the Master’s programme “Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation”, shocked both his colleagues and students.In this article, Master students are sharing their memories about Maxim to pay tribute to the wonderful teacher.
“Starting from the very first seminar, Maxim Afanasyev gained trust and respect of all Master students with his enthusiastic approach, diplomatic and public presentation skills and deep knowledge of Foresight studies and project management. He easily attracted everybody’s attention and made any subject and topic interesting and encouraging.
The first meeting with ISSEK professors
During the research seminars Maxim always tried to involve every student into conversation. His individual approach, balanced theoretical and practical experience, optimism, good sense of humour, skillful usage of citations and allusions, turned the majority of seminars into very lively discussions resulting in a lot of innovative ideas.
During the research seminar
Maxim was excellent at the visual representation of topics under discussion and ideas proposed. Whether it was a Foresight exercise or a quick development of roadmaps, he always kept time in all activities in order to end with some clear conclusion on the subject.
In terms of the research seminar classes Maxim developed special forms of giving feedback and assessing students’ oral presentations: ISSEKgram (similar to Instagram) and TechedIn (similar to social network LinkedIn). It was really appreciated by us, as it was a lot of fun, creative and interesting to read.
Integration of TechedIn and ISSEKgram
Furthermore, Maxim motivated us to actively participate in the seminars with the help of such bonuses as launching the newest drones (Maxim’s hobby) and going out for an ice cream together.
A successful defense of course works by students within the framework of Research seminar
Every student felt the contribution Maxim made to the Master’s Programme and to each student. He encouraged many of us to develop innovative ideas and experience new types of work, build successful communication with other people, present our own ideas, and he even improved our English pronunciation.
Maxim was a very open, friendly and kind person who shared his optimism with everybody he was talking to. Whatever Maxim was doing, he always put his heart into it.
A picture sent to students by Maxim (who couldn’t join the students) from Starbucks
Maxim will always be in our memories. Rest in peace and thank you for everything!
Pavel Bakhtin,
1st year Master student
Master’s Programme “Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation”