Mining Institute’s metallurgists: a tradition serving the Country, science and production industry

Abstract

Being the climax of the mining science, metallurgy has always played an important role at the Saint Petersburg Mining University, where a community emerged over the past years comprised of graduates and staff who chose metallurgy as the area of their professional interest and application. The history of the community is yet to be studied in all details. As for the professional activity of the former students of metallurgy and their contribution to the common cause of this discipline, this also needs to be thoroughly analyzed. The purpose of this essay is to partially close and highlight the current historic gaps with the hope to see further research in the area. We shall also try and answer the following question: How adequate is the metallurgist community of the Mining Institute to the current concept of the science school in Russia. Many years ago, the Mining Institute saw the rise of a community of metallurgists with different specializations, which still exists and is active today. The members of the community are capable of solving complex problems, generating breakthrough ideas and develop leadership skills. Getting support from their centuries-long heritage and their genuine interest in the subject, the community ensures its continuity and resists external change. The contemporary philosophy of science highlights the phenomenon of Russian science schools and their role for science and society while pointing out important features and characteristics. The most precise and concise definition of science schools was given by A. S. Levin, who oversees support of leading science schools and grants of the President of the Russian Federation. His definition is quite comprehensive: “A science school is a Russian historic form of joint research work carried out by a team of researchers of different ages and qualifications led by a recognized leader towards a common goal and ensuring an efficient research work and upskilling”. It will be entirely fair to apply this definition to the Mining Institute’s metallurgist community comprised of creative individuals who cherish centuries-long traditions and who, without hesitation, continue to engage themselves in research, education and social activity in this 21st century.