St Petersburg University at the multi-format project "Russia to the world"

The multi-format interactive project "Russia to the world" is both a digital project and an offline exhibition that will introduce the biography and merits of the great Russian scholars who changed the world. The project is organised by the Argumenty i Fakty Publishing House and the historical park "Russia — my history".

The project "Russia to the world" focuses on the great Russian and Soviet scholars and their discoveries. Among them are a large number of the University staff, students, and graduates. Among them are Mikhail Lomonosov, Ivan Pavlov, Dmitri Mendeleev and other geniuses of physics, chemistry, medicine, biology, and engineering. In this project, St Petersburg University presents the outstanding scientist Dmitri Mendeleev. Irina Timofeeva, Professor in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at St Petersburg University, took part in the launch of the project. She spoke about the importance of generational continuity in Russian science. Getting acquainted with the outstanding achievements of the great scientist, young people have the opportunity to gain an insight and subsequently delve into great science.

Dmitri Mendeleev taught at the University for more than 30 years. At the University, he made significant scientific discoveries, including the creation of the Periodic Table. His scientific interests also included economics, geology, and metrology. 

At the University, the outstanding scientist lived, taught, did charity work, and even initiated some traditions. Since 1878, his apartment was a place to bring together creative intelligentsia. These meetings were called "Mendeleev’s Wednesdays". In the mid-20th century, these events were resumed, becoming the annual Mendeleev Readings. On 18 April 2024, there were the 78th Readings, conducted by Vadim Kukushkin, Professor of St Petersburg University, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Dmitri Mendeleev Museum and Archives is located in the room of Dmitri Mendeleev’s apartment, where it was located during the life of the scientist. The scientist moved from his University apartment in 1890, and there is little information about the furnishings of his office from 1866 to 1890. The museum restored the furnishings of Dmitri Mendeleev’s home office at the Main Chamber of Weights and Measures.

In light of the Decade of Science and Technology, it is especially important that we can learn more about Dmitri Mendeleev. Before entering St Petersburg University, I did not know how incredibly talented Dmitri Mendeleev was. Now, all young people have the opportunity, thanks to the Dmitri Mendeleev Museum and Archives at St Petersburg University, whose doors are always open, to get acquainted with what a multifaceted personality this great scientist was.

Irina Timofeeva, Professor of St Petersburg University

Irina Timofeeva is developing new methods for the chemical analysis of food, natural, man-made and biological objects, which is faster and has less harm to the environment. For her work, in 2023 she was awarded the Russian Presidential Prize for young scientists. 

In 2024, in the year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, the University celebrates another anniversary date, i.e. 190th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev. In honour of the 190th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev, St Petersburg University organised the online exhibition "Dmitri Mendeleev — three services of the Motherland", which introduces the archival heritage of the great scientist: unique materials, exhibits, documents, and photographs. 

The website of the M. Gorky Scientific Library at S Petersburg University offers the virtual exhibition "Dmitri Mendeleev and St Petersburg University", dedicated to the scientific work of the scientist at St Petersburg University, where rare publications are presented. Among them are the following: "Fundamentals of chemistry", "Analytical chemistry", "Organic chemistry", his candidate’s and master’s theses.