NEWS

Peterhof Reveals Plans To Become New ‘Science Town’

By Irina Titova

Staff Writer

The St. Petersburg satellite town of Peterhof, known for its park full of fantastic fountains, could soon be known for a new kind of park now that it has been given the status of “scientific town” by the federal government. The move aims to promote investment in scientific research centers located in the town and to create a number of science parks.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov signed a decree to that effect on Saturday, making Peterhof the seventh Russian town with the designation, after Obninsk, Dubna, Korolyov, Michurinsk, Reutov and Koltsovo, Fontanka.ru reported.

Peterhof authorities had lobbied for the recognition for the last four years. Despite its being known as the town where Peter the Great’s summer palace and lavish gardens are located, Peterhof is also home to 12 scientific and research institutes such as the Central Scientific Institute of the Defense Ministry, a center for laser physics within St. Petersburg State University, the Makarov Navy Academy, and others.

The range of projects planned for the future scientific town is very wide, and includes ecological research, developments in information and telecommunications technologies and electronics, as well as advanced arms and military equipment.

Peterhof’s palace museums also give scientists the opportunity to conduct research on restoration and preservation techniques.

Plans for Peterhof’s development include the creation of a science park and creation of opportunities for innovation.

Vladimir Troyan, head of scientific work at the St. Petersburg State University, said three centers united in a technology park will be opened in Peterhof. One of them will be the center of information technologies, which will also be called on to solve the problem of Russia’s brain drain, Fontanka.ru reported.

Troyan said about half of all Silicon Valley programmers come from Russia. The special attention paid by the government to towns such as Peterhof aims to create incentives and opportunities for young scientists to stay in Russia.

A second center will conduct research into nanotechnology, while a third will develop bio technologies.

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