New initiative transforms academic museums and laboratories into public tourism destinations as Russia expands science-focused travel
-
![]()
Photo source: Natali_Mis / iStock
Saint Petersburg State University, a TV BRICS partner, has become the first institution in St. Petersburg to join Russia’s federal programme for science-popularisation tourism, marking a major step in the development of educational travel and public engagement with research.
The university’s inclusion in the national initiative follows expert evaluation of its new one-day route, "Saint Petersburg University: The History of Russian Science". The programme combines interactive museum tours, historical excursions and hands-on scientific activities designed to immerse visitors in the evolution of Russian science and innovation, reports the official website of the University.
Visitors can also explore geology and mineralogy through practical workshops, including microscope-based studies of rock samples and educational sessions on gemstones and mineral formation.
The project was presented during a round-table discussion attended by representatives of universities, tourism authorities and city information agencies. Experts described science-popularisation tourism as one of the priority areas of Russia’s Decade of Science and Technology initiative, aimed at strengthening links between education, research and regional development.
University officials stated that the project succeeded due to its comprehensive concept and strong organisational framework. According to participants, cooperation between academic institutions, museums and the tourism sector is creating new opportunities for educational tourism while helping universities showcase scientific achievements to wider audiences.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for dozens of additional thematic science routes across the city, expanding educational tourism and strengthening public engagement with research and technology.
-
![]()
Tourism15.08.26Vietnam accelerates smart tourism with AI and digital services -
![]()
Tourism13.08.26Egypt welcomes Russia's decision to launch direct flights to Borg El Arab and El Alamein -
![]()
Tourism12.08.26Ghana records growth in tourism as international arrivals exceed 1.3 million -
![]()
Tourism06.08.26Vietnam embraces sustainable tourism as travellers prioritise local communities and greener travel -
![]()
Tourism05.08.26Malaysia leads international visitor arrivals to Indonesia in first half of 2026 -
![]()
Tourism03.08.26Brazil ranks fourth worldwide for growth in international tourism since 2019
-
![Dilma Rousseff]()
Dilma RousseffPresident of the New Development Bank"India’s BRICS Presidency this year gives special significance to our discussion. NDB stands ready to be a trusted partner in turning commitments on sustainability, clean energy, smart and resilient infrastructure into concrete results on the ground. […] For NDB, mobilising private capital is a strategic imperative. Created by the BRICS founding members, NDB is a bank of the Global South, for the Global South, mandated to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development" -
![Sihasak Phuangketkeow]()
Sihasak PhuangketkeowDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand"BRICS can play a very important role in maintaining the free flow of trade and investment. The group can also be a vehicle for all of us to engage and to look at economic opportunities"
