February 8 - Day of Russian Science: history and traditions of the holiday

The Day of Russian Science is celebrated annually on February 8. It is a holiday of academicians, scientists, students and all those who have decided to connect their lives with science and research. In 2025, the celebration falls on Saturday. "Izvestia" tells when the holiday appeared and what traditions are associated with it.

History of the Day of Russian science, celebrated on February 8

The holiday was established by presidential decree in 1999 to recognize the outstanding role of scientists and domestic science in the development of the state and society. This day takes on special significance in the context of the Decade of Science and Technology, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the period from 2022 to 2031.

The date of the celebration is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), which today is the largest center of fundamental research in the country. Last year marked the 300th anniversary of its foundation.

It was on this day in 1724 that Peter the Great issued a decree on the development of science in the Russian state, thanks to which the first Academy of Sciences and Arts appeared in St. Petersburg. The idea of creating a scientific center in Russia visited the emperor while traveling to Europe. However, he himself could not hold the grand opening. The Academy was opened at the end of 1725 after Peter's death. In 1803 it was renamed the Imperial Academy of Sciences, and in the Soviet period - the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

From the moment of its formation, the Academy united outstanding representatives of its era - writers, writers, scientists, statesmen, whose efforts the Academy took an honorable place among the largest scientific institutions in Europe.

The names of Mikhail Lomonosov, Ivan Pavlov, Alexander Popov, Pyotr Kapitsa, Lev Landau, Boris Yakobi, Andrei Sakharov and many others are inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Academy. Scientific research and works of academicians entered the golden fund of world achievements, some of their works were awarded Nobel Prizes.

How Russian Science Day is celebrated

Every year on the Day of Russian Science all kinds of conferences, seminars and exhibitions are held, where exhibits and photos are presented, demonstrating the achievements of scientific Russia - from space research to medicine. On the same day every year they hold awards for figures of science.

The ceremony is traditionally held in the State Kremlin Palace. Thus, last year the president presented state awards to the former president of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Osipov, who headed the academy for more than 20 years, and a number of academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Young scientists also received presidential awards in the field of science and innovation.

In schools on the holiday organize classroom hours and scientific quizzes. Teachers talk about great scientists and their inventions, trying to instill in children an interest in research and discovery. Many thematic events are held in museums and libraries.

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Events on the Day of Russian Science - 2025

During the first half of February 2025, the Week of Russian Science will be held in all universities of the country. The program provides a lot of events for students, teachers and future applicants. During this time it will be possible to listen to lectures by famous scientists, watch movies, take part in games and quests.

In Moscow, one of the central venues will be the Moscow Palace of Pioneers on Sparrow Hills. The Festival of Science will be held here on February 8. Guests will be able to take part in colorful interactive shows and experiments, as well as learn about the scientific achievements of the capital. Children will be able to take part in scientific circles, and teachers will be able to attend master classes on innovative teaching methods. Also this year the project "In the Center of Science" will be presented on Sparrow Hills.

Other locations of the holiday will be VDNKh, the National Center "Russia", the State Biological Museum named after Timiryazev and a number of others. In addition, on the Day of Russian Science in the capital and other cities will be held the Day of Science in the Museum. It will involve 37 museums in 13 regions, about 60 events are planned. The full schedule can be found on the website nauka.rf.

Earlier "Izvestia" told how Student's Day was celebrated in Russia.