Minutes of the Rector’s Meeting

Opening of a memorial plaque in honour of the rite of minor consecration of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul located at St Petersburg University performed by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on 10 September 2024

On 14 November, St Petersburg University had a solemn ceremony of unveiling a memorial plaque in honour of the rite of minor consecration of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, located in the Twelve Collegia building, by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The ceremony of unveiling the memorial plaque brought together Alexander Beglov, Governor of St Petersburg, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University, Member of the organising committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 300^th anniversary of St Petersburg University; Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University; directors and deans of the institutes and faculties of the University; members of the Institute of Theology; and students. Before the ceremony, Archpriest Pyotr Mukhin, Dean of the churches in the universities of the St Petersburg diocese and Rector of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, performed a prayer service for the granting of health and well-being to the University staff and students.

During his visit to St Petersburg University on 10 September, His Holiness the Patriarch consecrated the restored church, which opened after restoration. The ceremony of consecration of the church brought together Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University, and other honoured guests.

The University also had a solemn ceremony of presenting His Holiness the Patriarch with distinctive signs on the occasion of awarding him the title of Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University. By decree of His Holiness the Patriarch, in consideration of assistance in the restoration of the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul at St Petersburg University and in connection with the 65^th anniversary of his birth, Nikolay Kropachev was awarded one of the highest awards of the Russian Orthodox Church, i.e. the Order of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky, 3^rd class.

At the opening ceremony of the memorial plaque, Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, said that in 2021, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order "On the national security strategy of the Russian Federation" and in 2022 he signed the Executive Order "On approval of the fundamentals of state policy for preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values," i.e. the main documents in the field of ensuring national interests in the new conditions. As part of the implementation of decisions of the Council for Interaction with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation and its working bodies and as part of the implementation of the instructions of Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko, St Petersburg University coordinates inter-university expert and analytical work aimed at developing proposals to bring the legislation of the Russian Federation in line with the value and ideological provisions of these acts.

"Preservation of spiritual traditions is one of the key tasks of St Petersburg University. The revival of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul symbolises the strengthening of the values that we honour, and the rite of the minor consecration of the church by His Holiness the Patriarch is a significant part of the great and glorious history of the University. I am sincerely glad that today we have immortalised this event," said Nikolay Kropachev.

During the ceremony, the Governor of St Petersburg was presented with an image of the Savior as a gift from the University and its students for prayerful remembrance.

The participation of the University’s scholars in the award ceremony

On 14 November, state honours and commendations of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin were awarded to St Petersburg University scholars in a grand ceremony held at Smolny, the official residence of the Governor of St Petersburg. Medals and certificates of honour were presented by Alexander Beglov, Governor of St Petersburg, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University, and Member of the Organising Committee for the preparation and celebration of the 300^th anniversary of St Petersburg University.

In the year marking the 300^th anniversary of St Petersburg University, the University employees were honoured to receive a letter of commendation from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for their merits in research, education, and the training of highly qualified specialists. The document was awarded to Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev.

The Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland," 1^st class, was bestowed upon Honorary Professors of St Petersburg University: Gennady Bogomazov; Robert Evarestov; Vladimir Chizhik; and Professor Ivan Uralov, Senior Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts at St Petersburg University.

By Executive Order of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Elena Chernova, Professor in the Department of Economics of Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at St Petersburg University, was awarded the Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland," 2^nd class. Professor Chernova holds the positions of Deputy Chairperson of St Petersburg University Academic Council and Academic Secretary of St Petersburg University. Her research focuses on modern integration processes, mergers and acquisitions, financing of integration processes, and corporate finance. 

The Medal of the Order "For Services to the Fatherland," 2^nd class, was also awarded to: Sergei Belozerov, Head of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance at St Petersburg University; Natalia Sheveleva, Head of the Department of Administrative and Financial Law; Aleksei Zhabko, Head of the Department of Control Theory; Elena Kustova, Dean of the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty and Head of the Department of Hydroaeromechanics at St Petersburg University; and Dmitry Shkarupa, Director of the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St Petersburg University. 

The Order of Friendship was awarded to Vladimir Eremeev, Adviser in the Rector’s Office at St Petersburg University, and Lyudmila Gromova, a renowned historian of Russian journalism and Honorary Professor of St Petersburg University. Lyudmila Gromova has authored approximately 200 research publications, including four monographs and five textbooks. 

A letter of commendation from the President of the Russian Federation was awarded to: Sergey Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at St Petersburg University; Associate Professor Svetlana Rubtsova, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Head of the Department of English for Students in Economics and Law; and Professor Nikita Kuznetsov, Director of the Institute of Philosophy at St Petersburg University.

By Executive Order of the President of the Russian Federation, the honorary title "Honoured Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation" was bestowed upon Larisa Golovey, Professor in the Department of Developmental Psychology and Differential Psychology and Honorary Professor of St Petersburg University. 

Awarding the Director of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University with the title of Honorary Doctor of the Institute of Theology named after Saints Methodius and Cyril at Belarusian State University

Dmitrii Shmonin, Director of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of the Institute of Theology named after Saints Methodius and Cyril at Belarusian State University. The presentation took place at Belarusian State University as part of the ceremony celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the Institute of Theology, which is a state educational institution that is part of the main university of Belarus.

The diploma was presented to Dmitrii Shmonin by Rector of the Institute of Theology at Belarusian State University, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Veniamin. The ceremony brought together Andrei Ivanets, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus; Natalia Pavlyuchenko, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus; Aleksandr Rumak, Commissioner for Religious and National Affairs of the Republic of Belarus; Professor Andrei Karol, Rector of Belarusian State University; Bishop Seraphim of Babruisk and Bykhov; Bishop Avksentii of Nesvizh; Archpriest Sergiy Movsesian, Vicar of the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Senior Vice-Rector of the Institute of Theology at Belarusian State University; representatives of the administration, educators and staff of the educational institution; and honoured guests.

Professor Dmitrii Shmonin, Director of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University, Doctor of Science (Philosophy), is the editor-in-chief of the journal "Issues of Theology"; Chairman of the expert council of the Higher Assessment Committee under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for theology; and a member of the committee for the development of theological, religious and spiritual-moral education of the Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations under the President of the Russian Federation. Dmitrii Shmonin is currently the only laureate in Russia of the national award ‘Professor of the Year’ in the nomination "Theology."

In August 2022, Dmitrii Shmonin headed a new educational and scientific centre opened at St Petersburg University, i.e. the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University. The mission of the Institute of Theology is to develop research, educational, expert and analytical activities in the field of theology, and to revive the tradition of teaching theological disciplines to bachelor’s and master’s students.

Professor Dmitrii Shmonin is the author of more than 140 works on the history of philosophical and theological thought, history, philosophy and theology of education. Over the past few years, he and his colleagues have been developing the concept of theology of education, revealing the resource of Orthodox theology and pedagogy, and the theological doctrines of traditional religions (confessions) in education.

Exhibitions "St Petersburg University: 300 Years of Service to the Fatherland" at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation 

Exhibition at the State Duma

From 28 October to 2 November, the exhibition "St Petersburg University: 300 Years of Service to the Fatherland" was held at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The exhibition showcased the University’s contributions to science, culture, and technology, highlighting the accomplishments of its students and academics across its history and exploring future development. Organised by St Petersburg University and the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the event was sponsored by Rosseti Lenenergo. 

Welcoming speeches were delivered by: Sergey Kabyshev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education (A Just Russia — For Truth party faction); Boris Chernyshov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (Liberal Democratic Party of Russia faction); Gennady Zyuganov, Head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation faction; Sergei Mironov, Head of the A Just Russia — For Truth party faction; Vyacheslav Makarov, First Deputy Head of the United Russia party faction; and Marina Kim, a deputy of the State Duma (A Just Russia — For Truth party faction). The opening ceremony of the anniversary exhibition was attended by graduates of St Petersburg University, including deputies, committee heads, and State Duma staff.

Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, emphasised that the University’s history is intrinsically linked with the history of the state, the formation of the national scientific school, the establishment of academic university education, and the economic development of the regions. He said: "We take pride in our students, graduates, and lecturers, many of whom have made and continue to make groundbreaking discoveries, become national leaders, create artistic masterpieces, win international competitions, and significantly contribute to our country’s development. Over three centuries, the University has evolved into not merely a forge of sought-after specialists, but also a preeminent research and expert centre for our nation. Today, St Petersburg University cultivates not just professionals, but socially and spiritually developed leaders capable of critical thinking and effective decision-making — worthy citizens of our great country."

The exhibition "St Petersburg University: 300 Years of Service to the Fatherland" showcases the University’s major achievements that contribute to the development of the Russian Federation. Notably, St Petersburg University conducts expert assessments of Russian legislation to align it with Presidential Executive Orders No 809 and No 400. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, St Petersburg University implements the Monitoring Law Enforcement project, collecting and summarising data on the practical application of legal norms by courts and other public authorities across Russia. 

Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev underlined that the University has a unique shared-use infrastructure — the St Petersburg University Research Park, where scholars from various scientific organisations can conduct their research. These state-of-the-art facilities, unparalleled in the Russian Federation and exceptional in several areas of study globally. To ensure the efficient operation of the Research Park, the University developed and has been implementing the Research Infrastructure Management System (Research IMS SPbU) since 2014. This system manages research equipment, load, consumables, projects, and routines, enhancing the overall efficiency and automating accounting and control processes. 

Among the University’s digital projects is a decentralised interbank messaging system recommended for adoption within BRICS countries. The system’s architecture was developed at the Distributed Ledger Technologies Centre of St Petersburg University (DLTC SPbU). 

The exhibition showcased a prototype of a novel, hacker-resistant quadcopter, equipped with a security module developed by St Petersburg University researchers to mitigate cyber threats. This prototype was featured in engineering contests focused on cyber autonomy. Additionally, the exhibition presented an ultralight carbon-composite truss sample, created by the University’s physicists for experiments within the NICA mega-science project at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia.

The exhibition also featured a smart bracelet and a mobile cardiograph, co-developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at St Petersburg University and Healbe for the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of the Russian Federation. Currently, the intelligent ecosystem created with the involvement of the University’s researchers is utilised by over 75,000 people worldwide. 

Additionally, visitors could explore innovative products developed by St Petersburg University students as part of the SPbU Start-up contest of science-intensive business projects, supported by the St Petersburg University Endowment Fund. Among the exhibits were: a large-scale aerodynamic model of a modular platform based on a convertiplane; a laboratory sample of mushroom chitin material for eco-packaging, and a prototype of an immediate haemostatic agent. 

The educational section of the exhibition presented the clinical approach to education, a unique teaching methodology pioneered at St Petersburg University. Visitors could discover more about St Petersburg University’s own diplomas. Since 2016, all St Petersburg University degree certificates have featured a special QR code, enabling employers to access additional information about a graduate’s academic performance, interests, and learning outcomes.

Special attention was given to St Petersburg University’s international projects. Thus, the University has been implementing the Representative Office of St Petersburg University project. Currently, 120 Russian language centres operate in 50 countries worldwide, and a joint campus of St Petersburg University and Harbin Institute of Technology will soon be fully operational. 

The second part of the exhibition, commemorating the 300^th anniversary of St Petersburg University, guided visitors through major milestones in the University’s history, its publishing and museum activities, and the biographies and professional journeys of outstanding academics and alumni who have made significant contributions to Russia’s development. 

Today, the M. Gorky Scientific Library of St Petersburg University houses over 7 million printed books and manuscripts, including rare editions found nowhere else. The University’s museums boast rich collections with approximately 3 million exhibits, accessible to all visitors. The exhibition also featured books published by the St Petersburg University Publishing House, including works on pressing state agenda topics, some of which had earned awards in book competitions. 

Visitors to the exhibition could learn about the biographies, university life, and careers of notable St Petersburg University alumni, including numerous statesmen from the Russian Empire, the USSR, and the Russian Federation. 

Exhibition at the Ministry of Justice

From 8 to 15 November, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation hosted an exhibition titled "St Petersburg University: 300 Years of Service to the Fatherland," celebrating the University’s three-century history and its significant contributions to Russian science and education. The opening ceremony was attended by: Konstantin Chuychenko, Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation, St Petersburg University alumnus and Member of the Board of Trustees; Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University; Elena Borisenko, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank and St Petersburg University alumna; Vladimir Pligin, Leading Research Associate at the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences and St Petersburg University alumnus, along with other distinguished guests and graduates of St Petersburg University.

In his opening address, Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation Konstantin Chuychenko underlined that St Petersburg University stands as one of Russia’s most authoritative and prestigious educational institutions. The University fosters a unique spirit of community, with graduates remaining loyal and connected even decades after graduation.

St Petersburg University is the alma mater for many renowned lawyers and statesmen. Most notably, the University counts President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin among its distinguished alumni. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University, is also a graduate of the University. Thirteen ministers of justice of Russia are graduates of the University. Other notable alumni include: Irina Podnosova, President of the Supreme Court of Russia and Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Member of the Board of Trustees and Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University; Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Russia and Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Sergey Mavrin, Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation; Nikolay Vinnichenko, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation; and many other representatives of the highest authorities. Visitors to the exhibition could learn about the biographies and career achievements of prominent lawyers educated at St Petersburg University.

A key section of the exhibition highlighted the clinical approach in education, an innovative teaching methodology pioneered at St Petersburg University. This approach enables students — under the guidance and supervision of experienced academic staff members — to tackle real-life, socially significant issues effectively. In 1998, the University established the first in modern Russia Legal Clinic. Over the years, students, supervised by the University lecturers, have provided free, qualified legal assistance to over 15,000 Russian citizens. The principles and organisational structure of this clinic laid the foundation for a federal law enacted in 2012, which now governs the provision of free legal aid in the Russian Federation. 

The Rector of the University noted that St Petersburg University graduates who began their legal careers as interns at the University Legal Clinic in its formative years have since risen to prominent positions in the legal profession, government, academia, and public service. Among them are also current professors of St Petersburg University. Currently, there are more than 20 educational clinics at St Petersburg University, including: the Psychological Clinic; the Social Clinic; the Archival Centre; and the Sociological Clinic of Applied Research, among others. Modelled after the Legal Clinic, these educational clinics provide free assistance to over 5,000 citizens annually and complete more than 200 projects in response to partner requests. Each year, approximately 3,000 students from various areas of study gain practical skills and hands-on experience through their internships in these clinics.

The exhibition also highlighted the findings of the Centre for Monitoring Law Enforcement at St Petersburg University. Since 2011, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, the University has been implementing the Monitoring Law Enforcement project. Throughout 2022-2023, experts from St Petersburg University conducted numerous assessments of the practical application of legal norms. These assessments were commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, the Federal Tax Service, the Prosecutor’s Office, and other authorities. Every year, legal scholars at St Petersburg University analyse over 30,000 legal documents across more than 30 different areas.

The exhibition also featured other cutting-edge research and engineering developments by the University’s experts. For instance, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at St Petersburg University, in collaboration with Healbe, created an intelligent ecosystem for the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of the Russian Federation. This ecosystem includes a smart bracelet and a remote health monitoring service called ‘BIOT’, designed to continuously monitor a patient’s health status. The device can alert physicians to potential risks of developing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, providing recommendations to both doctors and patients to prevent illnesses and extend workers’ productive years.

Presentation of the carriages of the branded train "300 years of St Petersburg University"

To mark the anniversary of the St Petersburg metro, it has presented carriages of the branded train "300 years of St Petersburg University" for those who travel on the second line. The event is also set to mark the anniversary year for the University. The station with the symbolic name "Prospekt Prosveshcheniya," which reflects the contribution of St Petersburg University to Russian education, was the venue for the ceremony. The train with the festive decoration started running in July 2024. The branded train will continue to run on the second metro line until the end of 2024, which, by decision of Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, was announced as the year of St Petersburg University in the Northern Capital of Russia.

Passengers who frequently use the metro have probably already travelled by this train. Its design is really stunning. Those who are going to become students can get some information about the oldest university in Russia. Using QR codes, you can access pages on the websites of different faculties and institutes and get information about academic staff and rich history of how research fields in our city and the whole country have been evolving.

Yulia Shavel, Head of the Press Office at the St Petersburg Metro, stressed that branding the train is not the only joint project of the University and the St Petersburg Metro that has been implemented during this year. To mark the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture, which is traditionally celebrated on 24 May, philologists from St Petersburg University adapted the rules of conduct in underground transport to Old Church Slavonic and held workshops on their reading. To celebrate the birthday of Fyodor Dostoevsky on 11 November, the metro, with the participation of St Petersburg University students, developed a quiz for passengers on their knowledge of his works and the metro station named in his honour.

The design of each carriage is dedicated to various academic and research subdivisions or areas at St Petersburg University: physics, law, medicine, Asian and African studies, and arts. The head carriage is an "admissions office" where passengers can learn about the advantages of studying at the University and get acquainted with academic programmes of different levels of education.

"St Petersburg University opens up an incredible range of opportunities for development for everyone who study at the University. Students in all areas of study without exception are provided with access to the unique equipment of the Research Park and sports infrastructure. Beyond that, the University has an extraordinary range of opportunities to determine your student life to realise your creative potential," said Andrei Ivasko, Deputy Head of the Admissions Office at St Petersburg University.

Young physicists participated in developing a non-trivial design that could reflect the entire history of this academic and research subdivision, said Aleksei Titov, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Physics at St Petersburg University. In 1933, the Faculty of Physics was separated from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at the University. These 90 years of history were eventful, as evidenced by the number of Nobel laureates who are the graduates of the Faulty of Physics. There were four of them, including Alexey Ekimov, who was awarded the prize in 2023. In addition to Nobel laureates, the Faculty of Physics has been home to some of the most outstanding scientists, academicians and heroes of labour, whose scientific achievements and advanced discoveries were recognised with various awards.

Over 700 students from Russia and other countries of the world are currently pursuing academic programmes in physics at St Petersburg University. Typical destinations for physics graduates include leading research centres and world-class mega-facilities that are being built across the country as part of the federal scientific and technological programme for the development of synchrotron and neutron research. That is why graphic elements reminiscent of reactors are used in the design of the carriage.

The design concept of another carriage of the anniversary train is based on the idea of showing the development of Russian legal education, which will also turn 300 years old in 2024. It also features famous graduates and educators at St Petersburg University. Among them are the legal scholar Fyodor Martens, who took part in the preparation of conventions related to the protection of human rights, and the outstanding trial lawyer Anatoly Koni. According to Aleksandr Alekseenko, Associate Professor in the Department of Commercial Law and Chairman of the Scientific Committee in the field of law at St Petersburg University, passengers can learn about important current projects of the University’s lawyers: work on disclosing the concept of traditional values, monitoring law enforcement, research in the field of Chinese law, and Arctic law to name just a few.

The design of the "Asian and African" carriage reflects the diversity of cultures that are studied at the University, said Alexey Rodionov, Senior Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Asian and African Studies at St Petersburg University. In total, more than 63 languages of Asia and Africa are taught at St Petersburg University. Today, this is the largest number of Asian and African languages not only in Russia, but also in the world. Among them are not only such popular languages as Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, Persian, and Japanese, but also Armenian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Uzbek, and eight Indian languages. 2024 has become an anniversary year for the Faculty of Asian and African Studies, which turned 170 years old in November.

Several metro stations, i.e. Ozerki, Dostoevskaya and Ulitsa Dybenko, were designed with the participation of Ivan Uralov, Senior Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts at St Petersburg University, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation. The carriage dedicated to the arts at St Petersburg University has a laconic design. "The coloured strokes can be associated with brush strokes of different colours. It is the same with us: different directions are combined into one team," explained Irina Tsymbal, Chairperson of the Teaching Methodology Committee of the Faculty of Arts at St Petersburg University. "The uniqueness of the Faculty of Arts is that it includes artists, musicians, actors, representatives of very different directions, and this synthesis, as it seems to me, gives a fascinating effect."

The carriage about medicine at the University unfolds the biographies of the first Russian Nobel laureates, Ivan Pavlov and Ilya Mechnikov, who are among the nine University Nobel laureates, said Andrey Sarana, Director of the Institute of Medicine at St Petersburg University. It presents academic programmes in dental medicine, pharmacy, general medicine and nursing; information about the St Petersburg University branch in Egypt; and the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St Petersburg University, i.e. one of the 86 clinical bases of the University, where undergraduate students, clinical residency students and doctoral students study and carry out scientific work. 

The project "St Petersburg University in action" is a laureate of the Fidelity to Science Award

The project "St Petersburg University in action" was awarded the 10^th All-Russian Award for Fidelity to Science. The project is the best project popularising the developments of Russian science. The new website of St Petersburg University is aimed at promoting innovative developments of students and researchers at St Petersburg University in commercial projects and supporting Russian science.

The Fidelity to Science Award has been presented since 2015. It supports significant projects aimed at developing scientific communication and popularising Russian science. In the anniversary year of the award, more than 1,800 applications were submitted from 80 regions of the country. The special prize for popularising high-tech Russian developments, which is awarded to the project of St Petersburg University, is provided for the first time in the history of the award. The award was presented to the University by Vladimir Bespalov, Director General of the Russian Science Foundation.

The website "St Petersburg University in action" is aimed at supporting and practical implementation of the latest developments of scholars, students and graduates at the University. Each of the published projects is promising for use in rapidly developing areas of the economy. The site serves as a bridge for the transition of innovative ideas into action. The site is also a media platform where authors and project managers share cases for implementation of ideas. Entrepreneurs and representatives of the public sector can find ideas for the development, diversification and modernisation of business. The technologies that are based on scientific approaches guarantee high production quality.

The award was also given to the project "Chronicle of Russian legal science" in the nomination "Work with experience: protection of historical truth." The editor-in-chief of the project is Taliya Habrieva, Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University. She has been working on the five-volume publication for over 20 years. The project includes historical research into the activities of scientific and legal centres in Russia and other countries. It also reflects the evolution of scientific and legal schools over the past 100 years.

Last year, experts of the Fidelity to Science Award also praised the University’s projects. The University received prizes in the nominations "Best popular science student project" and "Science is fashionable." The press service was shortlisted for "Scientific press service of the year."

Participation of St Petersburg University in the events of the 7^th Professorial Forum. Awarding the University staff with prizes of the Russian Professorial Assembly

From 12 to 14 November, the Russian Professorial Assembly, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, held the 7^th Professorial Forum "Education, Science, Family — Driving Forces of Russia’s Development." The co-organiser of the 7^th Professorial Forum is St Petersburg University. Two scientific and industry sections (biological and physical) of the forum were held at St Petersburg University. The events were organised to support the Decade of Science and Technology, discuss current issues and scientific achievements, and identify priority tasks for the development of science and education in Russia. The scientific and industry sections discussed approaches to education implemented in various regions, schools, and universities across the country.

Igor Tikhonovich spoke at the opening session of the scientific and industry biological section. He told the audience about the important role of biological sciences at St Petersburg University. The oldest biological departments in Russia were opened at St Petersburg University. For example, the Department of Zoology, Department of Histology, Department of Botany, Department of Anatomy, Department of Physiology, and Department of Agrochemistry at St Petersburg University date back to the 19^th century. In 2019, the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University celebrated its centenary. It is the oldest department of genetics in our country. The section discussed the concept of developing biological education in the Russian Federation.

At the thematic section ‘International activities of universities’, Elena Chernova, Academic Secretary of St Petersburg University and Deputy Chairperson of the Academic Council, gave a presentation on the organisation of international cooperation at St Petersburg University, which was recognised as the best. Professor Dmitrii Shmonin, Director of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Scientific and Educational Theological Association, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Higher Assessment Committee for Theology under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, acted as a moderator at the scientific and industry section of the 7^th Professorial Forum "Methodology of theological research and values of traditional religions of Russia."

The 7^th Professorial Forum included award ceremonies for the winners of the national prizes of the Russian Professorial Assembly. Professor Sergei Belov, Dean of the Faculty of Law at St Petersburg University, became a laureate of the prize "Dean of the Year" in the nomination "Legal sciences." The prize is awarded for outstanding results in the management of a university structural unit.

The winners of the national award "Professor of the Year" of the Russian Professorial Assembly were educators at St Petersburg University. Among them were the following:

• Svetlana Gurieva (Department of Social Psychology) in the nomination "Psychological sciences";
• Dmitrii Gavra (Department of Public Relations in Business) in the nomination "Sociological sciences";
• Aleksei Zhabko (Department of Control Theory) in the nomination "Physical and mathematical sciences".

The national prizes of the Russian Professorial Assembly have been awarded since 2018, and representatives of St Petersburg University are among the laureates every year.

Positions of St Petersburg University in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) include St Petersburg University in four academic subjects. The University’s highest score is in the subject "Mathematics." The University is traditionally among the top 100 world universities.

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects is a world university ranking by academic subjects. The Global Ranking of Academic Subjects contains rankings of universities in 55 subjects across Natural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences. The GRAS rankings use a range of objective academic indicators grouped into five main categories: World-Class Faculty, World-Class Output, High Quality Research, Research Impact and International Collaboration.

St Petersburg University ranks in the 76–100 group in the subject "Mathematics," improving its performance compared to last year (it was in the 101–150 group). This year, St Petersburg University also ranks in Physics, Earth Sciences, and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The subject rankings are published on the Shanghai Ranking website.

Mathematicians at St Petersburg University are among the top 2% of the most cited researchers in the world, according to Elsevier Publishing House. One of these scientists is Nikolay Kuznetsov, Professor at St Petersburg University, Head of the Russia’s Leading Scientific School (the Centre of Excellence) in the field of mathematics and mechanics, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Head of the Department of Applied Cybernetics at St Petersburg University. He is included in the list of Highly Cited Researchers, which represents about 0.1% of the world’s most cited scientists in their scientific field in the Web of Science.

The list of the most cited scientists in the world also includes the founder of the Department of Applied Cybernetics at St Petersburg University, Gennady Leonov. The St Petersburg Government Prize for outstanding results in science and technology is named after him.

Today, the University students support mathematical traditions and are winners of international Olympiads. Over the past ten years, the University team has won one of the most prestigious mathematical competitions in the world, the International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC), five times. This year, students won gold, beating competitors from Germany, Poland, Spain, France, Armenia, and Singapore to name just a few.

St Petersburg University’s position in the Russian University Influence Ranking prepared by the RAEX Agency

The RAEX agency has published a ranking of the most influential Russian universities. St Petersburg University is listed among the top three most influential universities, alongside Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. 

The RAEX University Influence Ranking is compiled every two years. It features 75 universities evaluated based on their contribution to the formation of elites, their role in the scientific community, their authority among young people, and their impact on the online audience. The results of the 2024 ranking are published on the official website of the RAEX ranking agency.

In 2024, St Petersburg University received the highest scores for its influence on the scientific community, maintaining its traditional second-place position in this sub-ranking, following Lomonosov Moscow State University. In terms of influence on the Internet audience, the University advanced one position to third place. Regarding its contribution to the formation of elites, St Petersburg University remains in the top five, as in the previous 2022 ranking.

The evaluation factors in the RAEX University Influence Ranking have different weights. The formation of elites has the greatest impact on the final ranking, accounting for 35%, while influence on the scientific community contributes 25%. Authority among young people and influence on the Internet audience each have a weight of 20%.

The RAEX University Influence Ranking is based on 14 criteria, with initial data collected from independent sources. These include official websites of federal authorities, Wikipedia, Similarweb data, information on the number of graduates in management positions in major Russian companies and federal authorities, the number of social media followers, and data from both Russian and international academic sources.

International activities

The following events were recently held at St Petersburg University.

Opening of a joint university with St Petersburg University in the Republic of Azerbaijan

As reported during the Rector’s meeting on 26 August, Sergey Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at St Petersburg University, took part in the 22^nd meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan on 9 August. The co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission were Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Abdulla oglu Mustafayev. They gave instructions to study the issue of opening a joint university with St Petersburg University in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The relevant issue was further considered during the meeting of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, where Vladimir Putin said: "We have just discussed the initiative to establish a Russian-Azerbaijani university in Baku during the expanded-format meeting. The President of Azerbaijan has supported this idea. I hope that we will implement it fairly quickly. St Petersburg State University is ready to join this project from our part." (Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev made statements for the media).

On 5 to 6 November, a delegation from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, headed by Deputy Minister Firudin Gurbanov, visited St Petersburg University to discuss the issues relating to opening the joint university with St Petersburg University in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The delegation also included Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics Adalat Jalal oglu Muradov; Rector of Baku Engineering University Yagub Maksim oglu Piryiev; and Rector of Sumgait State University Rufat Eyvaz oglu Azizov. During the two-day visit, information was presented on the activities of St Petersburg University, and the parameters for opening the joint university were discussed.

On 11 November, a meeting was held in Baku between Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov and Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Emin Eldar oglu Amrullayev. During the meeting, Nikolay Kropachev, among other things, spoke about the experience of St Petersburg University in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the People’s Republic of China, which can be used when opening the joint university in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The corresponding proposal was supported by the Russian and Azerbaijani sides.

Valery Falkov informed the participants of the 29^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change about plans to open the joint university.

Events at the St Petersburg University Representative Office in Spain

On 28 October, St Petersburg University and its Representative Office in the Kingdom of Spain held an online lecture focused on the life and work of Vladimir Nabokov. The lecture was delivered by Nina Shcherbak, Associate Professor in the Department of English Philology and Cultural Linguistics at St Petersburg University. On 31 October, there was an online lecture entitled "Yury Olesha: a miracle worker, a jealous soul and a beggar’s heart," delivered by Nikolai Guskov, Associate Professor in the Department of the History of Russian Literature at the University. On 5 November, there was an online lecture entitled "Aleksei Balabanov’s terrifying power. Literary tradition in 'Brother'". The lecture was delivered by Dmitry Baranov, Assistant Professor in the Department of the History of Russian Literature at the University. On 7 November, there was an online lecture entitled "Women directors in the USSR: Larisa Shepitko." The lecture was delivered by Liubov Bugaeva, Professor in the Department of the History of Russian Literature at St Petersburg University.On 14 November, there was an online lecture focused on teaching English and teaching vocabulary skills delivered by Nina Shcherbak, Associate Professor in the Department of English Philology and Cultural Linguistics at the University.

Events at the St Petersburg University Representative Office in Uzbekistan

On 4 November, the Representative Office of St Petersburg University in the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted an online lecture on the issues in interpretation and application of international treaties. The lecture was delivered by Innokentii Karandashov, Associate Professor in the Department of International Law of St Petersburg University. On 13 November, Irina Veiner, Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics, Accounting and Audit at St Petersburg University, presented a lecture on e-commerce issues in Russia and China.

Event at the St Petersburg University Representative Office in Moldova

On 15 November, the St Petersburg University Representative Office in the Republic of Moldova hosted an online lectureonline lecture on the modern trends of digitalisation of tourism. The lecture was delivered by Iana Testina, Head of the Department of Country Studies and International Tourism, Deputy Head of the Tour Guiding Clinic at St Petersburg University.

Cooperation agreement between St Petersburg University and Sandip University

A cooperation agreement has been signed between St Petersburg University and Sandip University (the Republic of India). The text of the agreement can be found on the St Petersburg University portal in the list of Partner Universities in the International Cooperation section.

Organisation of interaction between St Petersburg University and Russian State Hydrometeorological University

St Petersburg University and Russian State Hydrometeorological University have agreed to jointly implement the academic programme "Physical Research on Innovative Materials." The document was signed by Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, and Valery Mikheev, Rector of Russian State Hydrometeorological University.

The agreement stipulates the implementation of the master’s programme in a network format in the area of study "Applied Mathematics and Physics." Students at Russian State Hydrometeorological University will study materials science, computer modelling of processes in solids, physics of surfaces and thin films, and modern methods of studying structural and composite materials at St Petersburg University.

According to Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, cooperation between universities will enable students to gain unique knowledge and experience to solve professional problems in the field of materials research, which are most relevant in science and technology today. The network form is precisely the form of joint implementation of academic programmes that allows for the best possible unification and use of the resources of educational organisations, including innovative and high-tech equipment, unique highly qualified personnel, in order to improve the quality of training specialists.

The programme will be taught by leading educators at St Petersburg University in the field of solid-state electronics. Among them are the following: Professor Igor Gabis, Professor Aleksandr Baraban, Associate Professor Dmitry Usachev, Associate Professor Evgeny Denisov, and Junior Research Associate Anna Rybkina. Students of the joint programme will have access to such elective disciplines as "Analysis of Surface Area Composition by Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Laboratory Practicum" and "Hydrogen Permeability of Materials. Laboratory Practicum." Students will also have the opportunity to have practical (experimental) training at St Petersburg University.

During the ceremony, Rector of Russian State Hydrometeorological University Valery Mikheev said that the agreement opens up new opportunities for expanding friendly educational and scientific ties between universities.

St Petersburg University has been home to some of the most talented physicists, including Nobel Prize laureates in physics Lev Landau and Alexander Prokhorov, and the 2023 Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry Alexey Ekimov, who specialises in solid-state physics and optics. Scientists at the University continue to work on quantum technologies for microelectronics, begun by Alexey Ekimov. The Dean of the Faculty of Physics at St Petersburg University is Mikhail Kovalchuk, the famous Russian physicist, president of the Kurchatov Institute, and graduate of St Petersburg University.

Organisation of the teaching and learning process

Over the past week, 24 enquiries were addressed to the Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities. The majority of enquiries relate to transfer to St Petersburg University and to preparation of various documents. An analysis of the information on the organisation of the teaching and learning process provided by the heads of academic and research subdivisions has been carried out. Classes are held in due order according to the timetable.

Over the past week, meetings were held with student activists: group heads, and representatives of student councils and student scientific societies to name just a few. They discussed issues with organising the teaching and learning process. The meetings were held at: the Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication; the Institute of Earth Sciences; the Institute of History; the Institute of Medicine; the Institute of Philosophy; the Institute of Chemistry; the Faculty of Asian and African Studies; the School of International Relations; the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Control Processes; the Faculty of Psychology; the Faculty of Physics; the Faculty of Philology; and the College of Physical Training and Sports, Economics and Technology.

Celebration of the 123^rd anniversary of physical training and sports at St Petersburg University

The date of 13 November (1 November, old style) 1901 can rightfully be considered the beginning of the development of student sports in Russia. On this day, the "Swedish Gymnastics and Athletics Courses" were opened at the University thanks to the law student Ivan Lebedev. They were the prototype of modern sports clubs. The Department of Physical Training and Sports at the University was opened in 1935. In 1945, a sports club was opened and for the first time in the USSR, physical training was restructured by sports, which has remained to this day.

In the year of the 300^th anniversary of the University, on 14 November, a celebration was held dedicated to the 123^rd anniversary of physical training and sports at St Petersburg University, which brought together more than 500 guests. Among them were the following: educators, students and graduates of the University. In the Assembly Hall of the Twelve Collegia building, there was a solemn award ceremony for the department staff and demonstration performances by St Petersburg University athletes. There was also a video presentation about the history of the Department of Physical Training and Sports at St Petersburg University.

Cultural events during November

Elena Lebedkina, Head of Exhibitions, Museums, Libraries and Publications Department, presented a digest of the University’s cultural events during November.

Photo exhibition "View from Bukhara. Shavkat Boltaev and Behzod Boltaev"

On 15 November, the exhibition hall of the Twelve Collegia building opened an exhibition entitled "View from Bukhara. Shavkat Boltaev and Behzod Boltaev." For the first time in St Petersburg, it presents the legendary project of photographers from Uzbekistan, which has received international recognition and is dedicated to the residents of multinational Bukhara.

Events within the framework of the programme "Science nearby"

From 16 to 20 November, St Petersburg University will hold the following events as part of the programme "Science nearby" of the project "Nauka.rf": the excursion "Remarkable mathematical curves’ to the Museum of the History of Physics and Mathematics at St Petersburg University; an excursion to the Physics Educational Centre at the St Petersburg University Research Park; and the excursion "Micro-world: evolution of mineral research methods" to the Mineralogical Museum at St Petersburg University and the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis at St Petersburg University.

Opening of the exhibition "Mendeleev and the Russian Chemical Society"

On 18 November, the M. Gorky Scientific Library at St Petersburg University opens the exhibition "Mendeleev and the Russian Chemical Society" to mark Higher Education Teachers’ Day.

Opening of the exhibition "In memory of Lyudmila Verbitskaya"

On 20 November, the Twelve Collegia building opens the exhibition "In memory of Lyudmila Verbitskaya." It will feature photographs from different periods in the life of the rector (1994–2008), then president of St Petersburg University (2008–2019), Member of the Russian Academy of Education, Professor Lyudmila Verbitskaya. It will also include her outstanding works.

Lecture-presentation "Escaping the reality. Lithuanian-Russian state in the mirror of historical consciousness"

At 5pm on 21 November, the Dom Universitetskoi Knigi (University Book House) at St Petersburg University will host the open lecture-presentation "Escaping the reality. Lithuanian-Russian state in the mirror of historical consciousness" by Professor Andrey Dvornichenko, Head of the Department of the History of Russia from Ancient Times to the 20^th Century at St Petersburg University.

Opening of the exhibition "Morphology of the mask"

On 21 November, the Diaghilev Museum of Modern Art at St Petersburg University will open the exhibition "Morphology of the mask," which will feature works from the museum’s collections and artists’ studios related to masks.

Discussion of the novel "Tabia Thirty-Two" by Aleksei Konakov

On 23 November, the Vladimir Nabokov Museum at St Petersburg University will host a meeting of the Book Club to discuss the debut novel "Tabiya Thirty-Two" by Soviet culture researcher Aleksei Konakov. The novel is a witty phantasmagoria about the Russia of the future, in which culture has been replaced by chess.

Online exhibition "Guests from the Earth’s mantle — deep xenoliths in the kimberlites of Yakutia"

On 29 November, the online exhibition "Guests from the Earth’s mantle — deep xenoliths in the kimberlites of Yakutia" will open, where information about a unique collection of xenoliths from two kimberlite pipes of the Yakut diamondiferous province will be presented.

Lecture "Mineral formation under the influence of fungi and lichens in nature and experiments"

At 5pm on 29 November, the Mineralogical Museum at St Petersburg University will hold the lecture "Mineral formation under the influence of fungi and lichens in nature and experiments" by Marina Zelenskaia, Senior Research Associate in the Department of Botany at St Petersburg University.

Museum items from the collections of St Petersburg University at the exhibition in the Manege Central Exhibition Hall

Museum items from the collections of St Petersburg University (including the works of Dmitri Mendeleev, a model of a high-latitude icebreaker, and items from the Scientific Chemical Laboratory at St Petersburg University to name just a few) are currently presented at the exhibition "Polytechnic Museum: creating the present" in the Manege Central Exhibition Hall. It is dedicated to the history of Russian discoveries, scientific and technical achievements of Russian scientists and engineers-inventors.