Moscow State University (MSU) plays a pivotal role in Russia's higher education system, setting the direction for the development of universities across the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during his visit to the university.
He emphasized that for 270 years, MSU has been "the heart of national education and science."
"Today, MSU continues to play a leading, system-shaping role in the entire system of Russian higher education. It sets the general direction for its development, working for the benefit of the nation. For the university's staff, students, postgraduates, and alumni, this is a great honor and an even greater responsibility. It is therefore crucial to build upon the achievements of previous generations of scholars, professors, and graduates," Putin noted.
He encouraged MSU students and alumni to hold themselves to high standards, uphold the traditions of fundamental education, preserve the legacy of their predecessors, and at the same time, move forward. According to the president, they must "act proactively in their endeavors and consider the profound changes happening in the world."
A Historic Milestone
Putin congratulated the MSU community on the university's anniversary, which will be celebrated tomorrow. "On this day in 1755, Moscow University was founded at the initiative of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov and Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov," he recalled. "From its very inception, it was entrusted with a special and responsible role in the cultural, scientific, and social development of our homeland."
According to the president, it is no coincidence that the prominent historian Sergey Solovyov placed the establishment of Moscow University alongside such monumental events as the Christianization of Rus, the Battle of Kulikovo, the founding of St. Petersburg, and the establishment of the Academy of Sciences.
"This is where groundbreaking ideas took root and brilliant scientific discoveries were made. Notably, half of Russia’s Nobel laureates studied or worked at Moscow University. Furthermore, it significantly contributed to the development of higher education throughout Russia. The professorial corps of universities in Kazan, Kharkov, Kyiv, and other cities of the Russian Empire largely consisted of MSU graduates," Putin explained.
During the Soviet period, the president added, MSU served as the foundation for about 60 higher education institutions, including Sechenov University, MGIMO, and MIPT.
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Photo: I.s.kopytov/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS