In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrates its 300th anniversary

The main areas of discussion were preparations for the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University and the construction projects for the University’s campus and the Neva Delta Innovative Science and Technology Centre.

St Petersburg University has a long-standing reputation for world-class scientific research. We pay respects to our great scholars. Over the centuries, they have been giving their talents and efforts to contribute to the prosperity of our big country, strengthening its position in the world and advancing science and technology — the areas in which we have been and, I believe, will remain leaders.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and a graduate of St Petersburg University

‘We are to do what needs to be done to proudly celebrate the anniversary of our renowned University, to give it an additional impetus for intensive development as a modern multidisciplinary centre of education, culture and research,’ said Dmitry Medvedev. 

Governor Alexander Beglov noted that St Petersburg has already prepared its part of the anniversary programme. 

On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary — 8 February 2024 — torches will be lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags will be raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport will be decorated with the University’s symbols. New tourist maps will feature the locations of the University buildings, with thematic and historical materials about the University placed nearby. 

During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University will be a participating venue. The traditional "Scarlet Sails Festival" will also be dedicated to the anniversaries of St Petersburg University and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

St Petersburg University is one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education. Over its history, many of the University’s graduates have contributed to the political, economic, cultural and scientific development of Russia. They have also distinguished themselves in many other areas.

Alexander Beglov, Governor of St Petersburg

‘We are proud that one of its most famous alumni is the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The 300th anniversary celebration will be a salient event for St Petersburg and the whole country,’ Alexander Beglov emphasised. 

Alexander Beglov thanked Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev for his cooperation. He noted that last year, on the proposal of Rector Nikolay Kropachev, the awards programme ‘For Outstanding Achievements in Science and Technology’, funded by the Government of St Petersburg, was expanded with a new award category — Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence. 

Governor Alexander Beglov also noted that from next year, all cash prizes for researchers will be increased from 300,000 to 500,000 roubles. The scholarships, grants, subsidies and prizes in research and education, financed by the Government of St Petersburg, will also be increased. 

‘Through our contribution to further development of the University and the construction of the new University campus and the Neva Delta Innovation Science and Technology Centre, we are working to achieve the objective set by the President Vladimir Putin — to strengthen Russia’s technological sovereignty,’ Alexander Beglov said.

The city budget allocates about 80 billion roubles for the implementation of the project. The proposal of St Petersburg University to build a unified University campus and a technological valley in the Pushkinsky District of St Petersburg is incorporated in the Draft amendments to the General City Development Plan of St Petersburg. There are provisions for the development of transport infrastructure to connect the campus with existing motorways. The first stage of the project involves the construction of academic and laboratory buildings, a sports centre, a library, St Petersburg University’s Academic Gymnasium and halls of residence.

‘The city has made provisions for the development of civil engineering infrastructure in the campus, and plans for the construction of social and transport infrastructure facilities. The Kupchino — Shushary — Slavianka tram line is already under construction,’ said Alexander Beglov.