In 1996 Elena defended her PhD thesis and became the Head of the Philosophy Department at Pomor State University. In 1999 Kudryashova became the Head of the Research and Higher Education Department of the Arkhangelsk Region. From 2000 she actively participated in implementation of regional programs aimed at the development of education and science in the Arkhangelsk region.

Doctor Kudryashova's research interests cover social economy, social management, social analysis, gender research, science policy, education policy; she is the author of more than 80 scientific papers, including 4 monographs. In 2008 she became the Vice-Governor of the Arkhangelsk region for Social Affairs. On 8 June, 2010 Elena Kudryashova became rector of the newly established Northern (Arctic) Federal University.

Congratulations and welcome to the University of the Arctic's Board of Governors.