Day of Russian Science Date in the current year: February 8, 2024

In the USSR, Day of Science was celebrated on the third Sunday in April to commemorate the Sketch Plan of Scientific and Engineering Work drawn up by Vladimir Lenin in April 1918. Boris Yeltsin changed the date of the holiday in order to commemorate the 275th anniversary of the establishment of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Russian Academy of Sciences was founded by Peter the Great on February 8 (new style), 1724 as the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences. Its name varied over the years. It was first named the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1917. In 1925, it became the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. After the dissolution of the USSR, it once again became the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Day of Russian Science aims at recognizing the role of science in the development of the country and its society. This professional observance honors the achievements of the Russian and Soviet scientists many of whom are well-known outside Russia as well for their significant contributions to world science. Day of Russian Science is celebrated in all scientific and many educational institutions throughout Russia.