New Year’s Greetings from Rector of St Petersburg University, Nikolay Kropachev
Dear members of the University community, dear friends,
As we stand on the threshold of the New Year 2025, I extend my warmest wishes to you for the upcoming holiday season. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the fruitful work accomplished over the past year. This year has been truly special for all of us, as St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, celebrated its 300th anniversary!
The anniversary celebrations began at the International Exhibition and Forum "Russia" in Moscow. The following day, a celebration concert at the Mariinsky Theatre brought together distinguished alumni, members of the Board of Trustees, friends of the University, as well as students and faculty. The event was opened by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and a graduate of St Petersburg University. Among the events marking the 300th anniversary were the City Day celebrations, the Spring Fountain Festival in Peterhof, and the famous alumni festival "Scarlet Sails". We all watched with bated breath as a Soyuz rocket decorated with the University’s anniversary livery launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Some members of our community have already had the privilege of flying on a Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Rossiya Airlines, featuring the University’s logo. A branded metro train dedicated to the anniversary now runs in St Petersburg, while trolleybuses and trams in the city’s streets have been decorated in the University’s signature style. Additionally, a minor planet has been named after St Petersburg University, and the Central Bank of Russia has issued a commemorative silver coin marking the University’s 300th anniversary. One of the most significant gifts for the anniversary was the consecration of the University’s Church of Saints Peter and Paul by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, in the presence of Dmitry Medvedev. I am confident that the church, now open after extensive restoration, will become a focal point for many members of our community.
For three centuries, the University has remained a vital scientific and expert centre for our nation. Today, St Petersburg University is home to over 30,000 students, postgraduate students, and trainees, offering more than 500 interdisciplinary educational programmes. It boasts 120 Russian language centres in 50 countries, representative offices in the People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Uzbekistan (in the Navoi Free Economic Zone), Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Greece, Iran, Moldova, Belarus, a branch in Uzbekistan, a university in Cairo, and a joint campus with our Chinese colleagues in Harbin. The University produces 1,000 analytical and expert reports annually on pressing issues, including economic development and legislative initiatives.
In 2024, the University broke its own record: the number of applications for undergraduate and specialist programmes exceeded 113,000, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. For several years running, St Petersburg University has been the most sought-after university in Russia, both among domestic and international applicants. The competition among foreign applicants from over 140 countries has exceeded 21 applicants per place in recent years, with the number of those wishing to study at the University growing annually.
The contributions of our community members — scientists, educators, and administrative staff — to the development of our country were recognised in 2024 by our most distinguished alumnus, the President of Russia. Vladimir Putin signed a decree expressing gratitude to the staff of St Petersburg University for their achievements in science and education, as well as for training highly qualified specialists. Many members of our community were personally awarded high state honours.
By decree of the President of Russia, the University’s medical professionals were also recognised for their contributions to healthcare and their many years of dedicated service. This anniversary year marked 30 years of medical education at St Petersburg University..
Olga Yakubovich, an associate professor at St Petersburg University, became a laureate of the annual Presidential Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists. This marks the third time in five years that young scientists from the University have received this prestigious award.
The past year has been marked by new achievements for St Petersburg University in education, science, culture, and sports. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our faculty and staff, we continue to lead in major global rankings. St Petersburg University ranks second only to Moscow State University in the top 50 of the "Three University Missions" ranking and has been recognised by RAEX as one of the most influential universities in Russia. Additionally, the University has entered the top 5 of the BRICS Universities Ranking. According to Elsevier, 35 scientists from St Petersburg University are among the world’s most cited researchers, placing them in the top 2% of researchers whose works are most frequently cited in Scopus.
I would like to extend special thanks to those members of our community who have actively contributed to the work of the Russian Society "Znanie", the largest educational organisation operating in all regions of Russia. By joining the team of educators — which, importantly, includes not only highly qualified professionals but also students — you are creating truly high-quality educational content, promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge to a wide audience.
One of the most important areas of work for St Petersburg University today is providing assistance to military personnel and residents of border regions. In the face of current challenges confronting our country, the University is actively supporting military personnel and those living in border areas. Since the beginning of the special military operation, the University’s administration, faculty, and students from all disciplines have been involved in organising the collection of essential items for civilians affected by the conflict, donating blood for military personnel, engaging in volunteer activities, and regularly preparing shipments for the conflict zone. Some students and staff have joined the front lines, while our medical professionals have travelled to the area to provide care. The Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St Petersburg University offers free treatment to military personnel who have served in the special military operation zone, and their family members are also eligible for medical assistance. The University community is deeply grateful and always ready to support those who are currently in the conflict zone, risking their lives for the well-being of each of us.
The University continues to focus on what is relevant and important for our nation, contributing to the country’s development and strengthening its global position. For instance, our experts have developed a unique system of international investment arbitration for BRICS countries. We are also proud of the Decentralised Interbank Messaging System created by our specialists, an efficient and secure alternative to SWIFT.
As a centre of scientific thought and education, drawing on the experience and achievements of great scientists and public figures, the University continues its glorious centuries-long history. Today, we enter a new century, and together, we will strive to ensure that future generations take pride in the results of our work.
Dear friends, may the coming year bring new opportunities, great prospects, scientific discoveries, and innovative projects. May it be a year of our shared victory.
Happy New Year, 2025!
Rector of St Petersburg University,
Nikolay Kropachev