ITMO University

An advertisement for the Technical College's production bureau, 1927

In 1917 the Mechanics, Optics and Watchmaking Department became its own entity - Petrograd Technical College for Mechanics, Optics and Watchmaking. Norbert Boleslavovich Zavodsky became its headmaster.[9] In 1920, most of its classes were transformed into Petrograd College for Fine Mechanics and Optics (later – Leningrad). The municipalities allocated a building for it in Demidov Pereulok (Pereulok Grivtzova).[9] The colleges’ manufacturing facilities made a variety of complex optical and fine mechanics products.[10] The first in USSR group of instrument engineers graduated here in 1931.

In 1930, the college was transformed into Leningrad Training Center, and in 1933, Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics (LIFMO) became a separate college. Its first research laboratory was established in the Department of Optical Glass Technologies. Thanks to research here the USSR could get away from importing expensive foreign abrasives.

LITMO's first main building on Demidov Pereulok (Grivtsova Pereulok), 14–16, 2006

In 1937, LITMO opened the first in the USSR laboratory for calculating machinery that was later transformed into the Department of Mathematical and Computing Devices. By the autumn of 1939 it became one of the institute's top departments and focused on developing electromechanical computing devices and control devices. By 1940, it had over 1,400 students and employed 27 professors as well as 80 associated professors and PhDs.[9]

With the beginning of the Second World War, 189 students and 85 staff members went to the front lines, while over 450 joined the People's Militia. Classes continued and only at the end of 1942 the students and instructors were evacuated to the town of Cherapanovo by Novosibirsk.[9]

During the Siege of Leningrad, LIFMO continued to operate a military repair facility for the Leningrad front. It fabricated test and measurement instruments for army and navy units. During the Siege, the facility developed improved optical sights, fixed artillery binoculars, gun panoramas, anti-aircraft sighting telescopes, periscopes, machined “cups” for anti-aircraft shells and parts for land and sea mines.

After the Siege was lifted, the re-evacuation document was signed on August 10, 1944. The students and instructors returned to the city, and classes started again that October.[9]

ITMO University's main building at Kronverksky Prospekt 49, 2015

The university began to actively develop after the war. In the fall of 1945 it opened a new faculty – Electrical Instrumentation, which was soon reorganized into Radio Engineering. Here was established Department of Quantum Radio Electronics, which began to train specialists in this field. Engineering Physics Department was established here in 1946. From this department in 1954 graduated Dr. Yuri Denisjuk, a future scientist, author of discoveries in holography, and laureate of the state award.

In 1956, the researchers of the Computing Devices Department began to work on the first calculating machine “LITMO-1” that was finished in 1958. It did binary engineering calculations but the data was entered and the results were presented in the familiar decimal system. A laboratory for laser technologies was opened in the 1960s. The building on Sablinskaya Street, which is now the main campus, was built in the 1970s. The following decade saw the beginning of microprocessor technology research and the opening of the Interdisciplinary Institute of Advanced Studies to train manufacturing professionals in new areas of engineering and technology.

In 1992, LIFMO became Saint Petersburg Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics, and in 1994 it acquired the university status. The Faculty of Computer Technologies and Controls opened in 1994.

In 1994 the institute was the initiator and key developer of RUNNET, an IP network that unites all large research and education centers in Russia. The work was overseen by Dr. Vasilyev.[11] The institute placed satellite dishes “Russia’ Rainbow,” rented from the military, on other universities.[12] In 1995, the research center “Computer Optics” was established.[11] In 2003 the institute was renamed into Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics.[13]

Academy of Management Methods and Technologies (LIMTU) was added to the ITMO structure as well as Interdisciplinary Institute of Professional Training in New Areas of Science and Technology and the State Scientific Center of Computer Telecommunication Networks of Higher Education, followed by St. Petersburg College of Marine Instrument Making, St. Petersburg State University of Refrigeration and Biotechnology[14] and St. Petersburg Economic and Technological College of D.I. Mendeleev.

In 2009 the university gained the status of National Research University[2][15] and was renamed National Research University ITMO in 2011.[9] In 2013 it was selected to join the Project 5–100.

From January 9, 2013, to November 3, 2014, a tribute to Steve Jobs in a form of a giant iPhone graced the courtyard of the university's building on Birzhevaya Linija.[16]

On November 26, 2014, the university opened its representative office in Brussels.[17]

Since 2014 the university holds the name of ITMO University.

• 1900 - 1917 - Mechanics, Optics and Watchmaking Department of the Prince Nicholas Vocational School
• 1917 - 1920 - Petrograd Technical College for Mechanics, Optics and Watchmaking.
• 1920 - 1930 - Petrograd College for Fine Mechanics and Optics
• 1930 - 1992 - Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics (LIFMO)
• 1992 - 1994 - Saint Petersburg Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics
• 1994 - 2003 - Saint Petersburg University of Fine Mechanics and Optics
• 2003 - 2011 - Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics
• 2011 - 2014 - National Research University ITMO
• Since 2014 - ITMO University

In 2022, the university was ranked #365 in the world by QS World University Rankings, and #601 by World University Rankings by Times Higher Education.[5] In 2021, it was ranked #718 in the world by Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, and #901 by Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.[5]

ITMO University is one of the 21 Russian institutions of higher education that were selected for participation in the Russian Academic Excellence Project 5-100, launched in 2013 by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. The aim of the project is to have at least five Russian universities included in the top-100 lists of three major international university rankings: the Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, and THE World University Rankings, compiled annually by the ranking agencies ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, Quacquarelli Symonds, and the Times Higher Education magazine, respectively.[39] Universities participating in the project regularly compile development roadmaps in which they outline their goals in regard to enhancing their position in international rankings. The project's council reviews these roadmaps and consults the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, which in turn distributes funding among the participating universities.[40][41] ITMO University has been one of the project's top participants; these universities receive subsidies of up to 1 billion rubles.[42][43][44]

In September 2016, ITMO University made its debut in THE World University Rankings within the 350-400 range,[45] and was ranked 56th in computer science (but it dropped to the 101-125 range in 2020 in computer science), but it dropped to #601 in the world ranking in 2022.[46][47] In June 2017, ITMO debuted in the QS World University Rankings within the 601-650 range,[48] but it was ranked #901 in the world in 2022.[49] ITMO made its debut in the ARWU in August 2018 within the 801-900 range.[50] As of the start of 2020, ITMO University featured in 13 subject rankings published by THE, QS, and ARWU.[51][52][53]

The university is also included in a number of other Russian and international rankings compiled by various analytics agencies, companies, and magazines. Since 2018, the Russian edition of the Forbes magazine has been publishing its ranking of the top 100 Russian institutions of higher education, in which ITMO University has consistently been placing among the top ten.[54]

The anechoic chamber of the Metamaterials Lab, 2015

In 2009, the university was granted the status of National Research University.[134] It implies carrying out research in areas considered key to the development of Russia's economy, including IT, photonics, optoinformatics, and urban science.[135]

As part of the Project 5–100, the university created international research centers to carry out joint research between scientists at ITMO and their peers at foreign research and education centers. By 2014 the university had established 49 such entities with co-heads from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, China, etc.[136]

In order to strengthen governmental support for the development of science and innovations in higher education and to improve the quality of higher education, on April 9, 2010, the Government of the Russian Federation instituted monetary grants that were made available on a competitive basis to support of scientific research projects implemented by the world's scientists at Russian institutions of higher learning. From some 507 applications, 39 were awarded funding, including two from ITMO University.[137] In 2013 ITMO University won two more mega-grants from the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Federation.[138][139]

A 3D printer at ITMO University

Since 15 August 2009 Russian universities are able to form small innovative enterprises according to Federal Law No.217 of August 2, 2009 N 217-FZ "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on the establishment of budget scientific and educational institutions, business entities for the purpose of practical application (implementation) of the results of intellectual activity".[140]

By 2015 ITMO University has become the Launchpad for 43 small innovative enterprises.[141] A special department is designated to helping them find funding, offers legal support for registering, partner search, placement in university's Technopark and business incubator. Other types of support include education initiatives: classes in social entrepreneurship and projects, fundraising school FundIT, soft skill training, lectures in marketing and management, interdisciplinary seminars Brainexplain, as well as lectures by guest experts.[142]

The university holds an annual international forum where its partners and business stakeholders discuss issues in technology transfer and development of innovations ecosystem. Other events are festival of social entrepreneurship, a competition of socially valuable projects “People need you!”,[143] and a business game “Innovations marketing”».[144]

ITMO University was as of 2015 developing a network of startup accelerators in Russia’s regions as part of the program for development of research and entrepreneurship potential of Russian universities “EURECA” and in partnership with the U.S. Russia Foundation and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[145] To promote building an innovation ecosystem from the ground up, ITMO partnered with "Xmas Ventures" and St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to establish a Demola Innovations Center in St. Petersburg, the only one in Russia.[146]

German company SAP SE was instrumental in supporting the university's startups. What started with joint business incubator events and accelerator programs in 2013 grew into a partnership.[147]

In spring of 2015, ITMO University launched the Future Technologies accelerator for startups in instrumentation, robotics, optics and photonics, biotechnologies and energy efficiency. In the future, the organizers hoped to attract companies working in new materials and alternative energy. The participants receive a three-month training course as well as free office space, supplies and consultations with experts in research and business.[148] They can apply for a 300,000 ruble grant that covers expenses for research and development. In the first session, 10 companies were selected to participate out of 70 that applied.[149] At the end of June, the startups presented their projects at the international conference Russia-EU Startup Match-making Event in Brussels.[150]

SumIT startup accelerator takes place at the university every six months since 2012. The top ten teams from the previous sessions from Russia, Finland, France and USA secured funding from $20,000 to $200,000[151] and several settled in the startup accelerator iDealMachine.[152]

ITMO University students become six-time world champions in collegiate programming, 2015

In 2004, ITMO University scored its first victory in the International Collegiate Programming Contest ACM-ICPC,[153] and by 2017 it became the first in history seven-time winner of the competition.

In 2013, ITMO University was the first Russian university to host the ACM-ICPC Finals.[154] Some 120 teams representing 2,322 universities from 36 countries participated in selection rounds.[155] Russia was represented by 15 student teams. ITMO University scored a victory in the finals.[155][156]

Along with training aids, ITMO University produces a variety of publications. To celebrate the university's 100 anniversary in 2000 it launched two series of books: “National Research University ITMO: Years and People,” and monographs “Outstanding People of ITMO University.”

The official newspaper “ITMO University” has been in print since 1931. Launched as “New Talent,” it has changed its name several times over the eras: “For Precise Instrumentation,” “Instrument Builder,” “New Talent for Instrumentation.” In 1956 it was halted due to budget cuts and reemerged in 1994 as “Technical University ITMO” but was not produced on a regular basis. In 2013, it came out twice a year. Since 2015 it became a monthly, with the exception of summer months, and offers an extended version online.[171]

Scientific journals

• "Proceedings of Higher Educational Institutions. Instrumentation.” The journal was among the scientific publications launched by the Ministry of Higher Education in 1957. The first issue “Proceedings of USSR Universities – Instrumentation” came out in January 1958. In 1991, some 3,000 copies of 12 issues were published annually and delivered by subscription. In 1992 the circulation dropped sharply and by 1997 only 9 issues were published annually. Since 2015 it's back to 12 issues a year.[172]
• “Scientific and Technical Gazette of IT, Mechanics and Optics.” Originally launched in 1936, it was reestablished in 2001. It 2011 it got its current name. It comes out 6 times a year and is indexed.[173]
• “Nanosystems: Physics, Chemistry, Math.” 6 issues a year. Indexed.[174]
• “Optical Journal.” Launched in 1931. 12 issues a year. Indexed.[175]
• “Scientific Journal of NRU ITMO.” Series “Refrigeration technology and air conditioning.” Electronic edition comes out twice a year. Launched in 2007. Since 2013 titled “The Journal of the Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology”.
• “Scientific Journal of NRU ITMO.” Series “Processes and Food Processing Equipment.” Electronic edition comes out four times a year. Launched in 2006 as a collection of papers, it became a scientific periodical in 2008. Before 2013 it was titled “The Journal of the Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology.” Indexed.
• “Scientific Journal of NRU ITMO.” Series “Economics and Eco Management.” Electronic edition comes out four times a year. Launched in 2007. Before 2013 it was titled “The Journal of the Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnology.” Indexed.

The university is a member of the Library Association of Russia, St. Petersburg Library Society, National Electronic Information Consortium, and the Association of Regional Library Consortiums. The ITMO University library offers access to Russian and foreign full-text and reference electronic resources, including Web of Science, Conference Proceedings Citation, Journal Citation Reports, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, ACM, OSA, SPIE, eLibrary, etc.[8]

The year 1900 is considered the library's foundation year. By 1925, it contained 2,600 books and by 1945 – over 90,000. Initially the library was situated in a building on Pereulok Grivtzova. During the WWII it was evacuated to Cherepanovo and returned with re-evacuation. In 1970 it got a dedicated space in the university's main building on Ulitza Sablina.[176]

In 1998 the library created a department for computerization of library processes and adopted “Irbis” library information system. In 2002 the university got a grant from the National Fund for Personnel Development for “Improving management of library resources and forming an open educational environment of the university.” The library as of 2015 was working on forming an electronic catalogue.[176]

The library of the Faculty of Associate Level Education became a department of the main library in 2003 and contains the books from the former Mechanical College #1 that merged with the university that year. The readers who had been in Leningrad during the Siege of the WWII donated the first books to the college in 1945. By 2000, it contained over 44,000 books and grew to 56,000 by 2008 with the addition of the library of the Marine Instrumentation College.[176]

In 2005 the library absorbed the collection from the library of the State Optical Institute, which dates back to 1918. In 1974 the State Optical Institute library was granted a status of a collection on optics and optical instrumentation of state importance and became a resource for several university libraries as well as industry.[176] In 2006 the library received over 10,000 books from the Academy of Management that also became part of the university. In 2011 it also got the books from the library of the Institute of Refrigeration and Food Processing that dates back to 1931, survived the Siege and by 1980 contained over 550,000 books and over a million by the time of merger.[176]

Exhibition "Magic of Light" at ITMO University, 2015

ITMO University has three museums. “Museum of ITMO University History” is located in the building on Pereulok Grivtzova.

The Museum of Optics was established in 2006 and is located on the first floor of the Eliseev House on Birzhevaya Linia. With support from the Hellenic Institute of Holography, ITMO University opened an exhibition “Magic of Light” in 2015. The Eliseev House was selected for the exhibition because it used to house the office of Prof. Denisuk, the founder of image holography. It features over 200 holograms, including OptoClones of Imperial Fabergé eggs, Oculus Rift virtual reality glasses and more. The inner courtyard houses Lux Aeterna Laser Theater.[177]

The Museum of the Institute of Refrigeration and Biotechnologies, dating back to 1936, is located in a historic building on Lomonosova Street.[9]

In 2012 the university won a competition by a Committee on Investments to come up with a concept of an interactive museum of science and technology that will be built on the grounds of the former tram park on Vasilyevsky Island.[178]

In Lakhta Center, ITMO University was as of 2013 building one of the largest children's science museums in the country, around 7,000 sq. m., with support of Saint Petersburg government.[179]

The university offers accommodations in six dorms. Depending on a student's individual circumstances, accommodation may also be provided at the Inter-university student campus on Novoizmailovskii Prospect, 16.[182]

Members of the university's hockey team.

The university has its own sporting infrastructure. Sports clubs are located on Vjazemsky Pereulok and Lomonosova Street, and there's also a sportsground by the main building. The university also owns a recreational facility, Yagodnoe, located by the Berestovoe Lake, near Losevo, in the Leningrad Oblast.

The university's futsal team won a silver medal at 2013 “Golden League” championship[183] and took bronze in 2015.[184]

Since 2014,[185] the university's rector Vladimir Vasilyev has been heading a series of bi-annual bike rides for students and staff in the vicinity of the Krestovsky Island.[186]