The history of our University

The history of our University dates back to 1931, when the Leningrad Promcooperation Institute was formed. In 1936 it was renamed the Leningrad Technological Institute and in 1959 the Leningrad Technological Institute for the Pulp and Paper Industry. For its merits in training specialists and its research work the Institute was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1981 and since 1987 it has been one of the leading institutions of higher education in Russia.

In 1993 the Institute got the status of University and was renamed Saint Pe- tersburg State Technological University of Plant Polymers.

Various kinds of research are carried out in the University. The main trends of investigations are as follows: creation of new technologies of complex pro- cessing of wood and other plants as natural polymers, development of new prod- ucts, lowering material and energy consumption. The research is closely connected with the teaching process.

The faculty of the University numbers 300 teachers including 17 Academi- cians and corresponding members of Academies of Sciences, 42 Doctors of Sci- ences and full professors, more than 200 Candidates of Sciences and associate pro- fessors, 4 honored members of the Academy of Technical Sciences, 5 National prize-winners.

The University has the graduate course, doctorate and the councils which grant doctor’s and candidate's degrees of technical Sciences. Some world-known scientific schools were created and are directed by the leading scientists of the University. There are 30 chairs in the University.

The University has about 3500 students including 2000 full-time students. The course of study for full-time students lasts 5 years. Every theoretical course is followed by practical training. The third-fourth year’s students have practical train- ing at different integrated pulp and paper mills. One of two engineers working in

the pulp and paper industry has graduated from the University. Many of its gradu- ates work as chief engineers and general directors of pulp and paper mills.

The University has 5 dormitories for 2000 students. The University has nine departments:

• the chemical-technological department,

• the department of mechanics of automated systems of production,

• the department of industrial heat-power engineering,

• the department of automated control systems of technological processes,

• the department of economics and production management,

• the evening and correspondence departments and some others.