# Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences

> historical academic institution

**Wikidata**: [Q4059193](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4059193)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/academic-university-at-the-st-petersburg-academy-of-sciences

## Summary
The Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences was a historical academic institution and university located in the Russian Empire. Founded by Peter the Great in 1724, it served as a higher education entity before being dissolved in 1765. The university is notable for its leadership under prominent figures such as Mikhail Lomonosov.

## Key Facts
- **Instance Of**: University
- **Country**: Russian Empire
- **Founded By**: Peter the Great
- **Inception**: February 8, 1724 (Alternative sources cite 1724)
- **Dissolved Date**: 1765
- **Notable Rectors**:
    - **Mikhail Lomonosov**: Served from 1758 to 1765.
    - **Stepan Krasheninnikov**: Term began in June 1750.
- **Wikidata Description**: Historical academic institution
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11x7vmtwh
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Portal ID**: akademicheskii-universitet-a6904e
- **Wikipedia Language Versions**: Bashkir (ba), Russian (ru), Tatar (tt), Ukrainian (uk)
- **Sitelink Count**: 4

## FAQs
### Who founded the Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences?
The institution was founded by Peter the Great, with founding dates cited as 1724 and specifically February 8, 1724.

### Who were the leaders of the institution?
Stepan Krasheninnikov began his term as rector in June 1750. Mikhail Lomonosov served as rector from 1758 until the institution's dissolution in 1765.

### When did the Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences cease to exist?
The university was dissolved, abolished, or demolished in 1765.

## Why It Matters
The Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences represents a foundational era of higher education in the Russian Empire. Established by Peter the Great, it exemplifies the early 18th-century push toward modernization and formalized scientific education in Russia. Its association with the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences positioned it as a critical node for intellectual development, bridging the gap between the countrys academic ambitions and the broader European scientific community. The institution's lineage is further distinguished by its rectors, Mikhail Lomonosov and Stepan Krasheninnikov, who were pivotal figures in Russian science and exploration.

## Notable For
- **Imperial Foundation**: Established personally by Peter the Great in 1724.
- **Scientific Leadership**: Led by polymath Mikhail Lomonosov during its final years (1758–1765).
- **Historical Status**: Functioning as a distinct university entity within the Russian Empire for approximately 41 years before its dissolution in 1765.
- **Academic Integration**: Being the university component of the prestigious St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

## Body
### Founding and Historical Context
The Academic University at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences was established as a university and academic institution within the Russian Empire. The foundation is attributed to Peter the Great, with the inception date recorded as February 8, 1724. This creation was part of a broader effort to integrate scientific and educational practices into the imperial framework.

### Leadership and Administration
The university was guided by notable academic figures who served as rectors.
- **Stepan Krasheninnikov**: Records indicate he assumed the role of rector starting in June 1750.
- **Mikhail Lomonosov**: He served as rector starting in 1758 and held the position until 1765.

### Dissolution
The operational history of the university concluded in 1765, at which point it was dissolved, abolished, or demolished.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
The entity is classified as a "historical academic institution" in Wikidata. It maintains a digital footprint across several languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Bashkir, and Tatar, with a total sitelink count of 4. Specific identifiers include:
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11x7vmtwh
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Portal ID**: akademicheskii-universitet-a6904e

## References

1. [Source](http://www.eng.spbu.ru/university/today/)
2. Source