Институт наук о Земле СПбГУ

Across the Moyka River, the Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University stands as a testament to Russia’s geographical and geological explorations. The institute, established in 1925, has been a center for geographical and geoecological research. Here, within these walls, generations of geographers and ecologists have pursued their passion for understanding our planet. The Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University began its journey intertwined with the university’s own history of geographical studies. These studies originated in 1724 within the Academy of Sciences. A formal chair of geography emerged at the university in 1819, under the guidance of Professor K. F. Hermann. The seeds of a specialized geographical institution were sown in 1884. A separate department of physical geography and meteorology was established within the Physics and Mathematics Faculty. This marked a crucial step toward the formation of the Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University. In 1916, Higher Geographical Courses commenced. These were an important precursor to the specialized higher education that the institute would later provide. The formal establishment of the Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University came in 1925. It was part of the Leningrad State University under the Faculty of Geography and Geoecology. Initially located on the Moika Embankment, the institute soon found a new home in 1934 on Mendeleevskaya Line. During World War II, the institute faced the hardships of evacuation to Saratov. Despite this, it continued its mission. The Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University returned to Leningrad in 1944. It played a key role in post-war reconstruction efforts. The institute moved to its current location, Sredny prospect 41, in 1966. This move provided a modern facility. This allowed the institute to expand its research and educational activities. In 2014, the institute became an integral part of the newly formed Faculty of Earth Sciences, along with other related departments. Today, the Institute of Earth Sciences at Saint Petersburg State University remains a hub for cutting-edge research. It offers a wide range of programs in geography, cartography, hydrology, meteorology, and other related fields. It continues to contribute significantly to our understanding of Earth’s complex systems.