St Petersburg University and the Russian Geographical Society to promote Earth Sciences
St Petersburg University and the Russian Geographical Society have partnered. The document was signed by the Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev and the President of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolai Kasimov. The organisations will jointly develop scientific, environmental, social, educational, and cultural programmes and projects related to the study and development of the territory of Russia.
Among the joint plans is the organisation of: scientific expeditions; competitions; Olympiads; quizzes; and other educational events. University students will have practical training and do internships at the Russian Geographical Society. Experts from the Russian Geographical Society will be part of examination commissions that evaluate graduation projects.
The University is closely connected with the Russian Geographical Society not only today but also historically: professors from St Petersburg University have been elected to the post of president of the Russian Geographical Society at various times. Among them were: oceanologist and cartographer Yuly Shokalsky; physical geographers Lev Berg and Stanislav Kalesnik; polar explorer Alexey Treshnikov; economic geographer Sergey Lavrov; and geomorphologist and geologist Yury Seliverstov. The University has always been concerned about the fate of the Russian Geographical Society. Two vice presidents of the Russian Geographical Society are currently working at our University: Kirill Chistiakov, Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences at St Petersburg University; and Doctor of Geography, Professor Vladimir Razumovskii.
Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev
During the signing ceremony, the President of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolai Kasimov underlined that both organisations have similar goals: ‘The ties between the geographers from Moscow State University and St Petersburg University have always been strong. It is St Petersburg where one of the first headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society is located. All the aims and goals that the Russian Geographical Society has faced throughout its 175-year existence are in tune with what universities are doing today.’
The agreement largely nails down the longstanding interaction between the organisations. For example, for several years, the University has been the venue for the All-Russian Geographical Dictation organised by the Russian Geographical Society. Also, the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society in St Petersburg has hosted the ‘Orientation Day’ of the Institute of Earth Sciences at St Petersburg University. Through common efforts we organise exhibitions, conferences, Olympiads, educational events, and research activities.