# Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University

> Public university in St. Petersburg, Russia

**Wikidata**: [Q2782346](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2782346)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg_State_Forestry_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-petersburg-state-forest-technical-university

## Summary
Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University is a public university and architectural landmark located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1803 by Alexander I of Russia, it is currently named after Sergei Kirov and serves approximately 9,350 students under the administration of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University named after S. M. Kirov (СПбГЛТУ).
- **Location:** Institutsky Lane, 5, Vyborgsky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
- **Founded:** May 22, 1803, by Alexander I of Russia.
- **Student Body:** Approximately 9,350 students.
- **Current Leader:** Irina A. Melnichuk (appointed August 3, 2020).
- **Parent Organization:** Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
- **Heritage Status:** Designated as a federal cultural heritage site in Russia.
- **Awards:** Recipient of the Order of Lenin (1953).
- **Coordinates:** 59.993117°N, 30.343658°E.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University located?
A: The university is located in the Vyborgsky District of Saint Petersburg, Russia, specifically at Institutsky Lane, 5.

### Q: When was the university founded and by whom?
A: The institution was founded in 1803 by Alexander I of Russia.

### Q: What was the university's name before its current title?
A: Historically, it has been known as the Leningrad Forestry Academy (ЛТА) and the Saint Petersburg State Forestry Academy (СПбГЛТА). It acquired its current name on February 10, 2011.

## Why It Matters
Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University stands as a significant institution in Russian higher education, representing over two centuries of academic continuity in forestry and technical sciences. As one of the oldest specialized institutions in the country, founded directly by imperial decree in 1803, it has played a pivotal role in the development of forestry education within the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern Russia.

Its relevance extends beyond academics into cultural heritage; the main building is recognized as a federal cultural heritage site and an architectural landmark, reflecting its historical importance. The university's receipt of the Order of Lenin in 1953 further underscores its national significance. Today, it continues to serve thousands of students, adapting to modern educational needs while maintaining its specialized focus under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

## Notable For
- **Imperial Foundation:** Established personally by Emperor Alexander I in 1803 as the Tsarskoye Selo Forestry Institute.
- **Architectural Heritage:** The main building is a designated federal cultural heritage site (Wiki Loves Monuments ID: RU-7810193000).
- **Historical Evolution:** The institution has undergone numerous name changes reflecting political shifts, from the "Forestry and Surveying Institute" to the "Leningrad Forestry Academy," before becoming a university in 2011.
- **State Recognition:** Awarded the Order of Lenin in 1953 for its contributions.
- **Naming Honor:** Carries the name of Sergei Kirov, a prominent Soviet leader, since 1935.

## Body

### History and Founding
The university was originally established as the **Tsarskoye Selo Forestry Institute** (Царскосельский лесной институт) in 1803. Its founding was decreed by **Alexander I of Russia**. The institution's structure and naming have evolved significantly throughout its history:
- **1811–1812:** Known as the Forst-Institute.
- **1813–1836:** Saint Petersburg Forestry Institute.
- **1837–1861:** Forestry and Surveying Institute.
- **1862–1865:** Forestry Academy.
- **1929–1992:** Leningrad Forestry Academy (ЛТА).
- **1992–2011:** Saint Petersburg State Forestry Academy (СПбГЛТА).
- **2011–Present:** Renamed Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (СПбГЛТУ).

On September 27, 1935, the institution was named after **Sergei Kirov**, a designation it retains today.

### Campus and Location
The university is situated in the **Vyborgsky District** of **Saint Petersburg**. The specific address is Institutsky Lane, 5 (Институтский переулок, 5). The main building is not only an academic facility but also an **architectural landmark**. It holds the status of a **federal cultural heritage site** in Russia, protected under government resolution.

### Governance and Administration
The university operates under the jurisdiction of the **Ministry of Science and Higher Education**.
- **Current Leadership:** As of August 3, 2020, **Irina A. Melnichuk** serves as the acting rector (chairperson).
- **Historical Leadership:** Early leadership included **Christian Friedrich Stephan**, who served as director until 1814.

### Academic Profile
Classified as a public university and academic institution, it had a student body of **9,350** as recorded in available data. The institution offers education primarily in Russian, with an English-language portal available for international access. It is identified in global academic databases with a GRID ID of `grid.445913.e` and a ROR ID of `034882z59`.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Source
3. The “Prison Autobiography” by Nikolai Alexandrovich Maximov. Part II
4. [Source](https://alestech.ru/news/18-vrio-rektora-spbgltu-naznacena-melnicuk-irinanbspalbertovna)
5. [Source](https://spbftu.ru/sveden/common)
6. Unified State Register of Legal Entities
7. [Постановление Правительства РФ № 527 от 10.07.2001](http://docs.cntd.ru/document/901793811)
8. [Source](https://spbftu.ru/sveden)
9. [Source](https://polyglot.spbftu.ru/about-university/general-info)
10. [Source](https://ru-monuments.toolforge.org/wikivoyage.php?id=7810193000)
11. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
12. FactGrid