Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (RSAU-MTAA) is more than just the oldest agricultural university in the country; it is a living chronicle of Russian agriculture. In 2025, the university celebrated its 160th anniversary, marking an era that spans from imperial reforms to modern biotechnology. The history of this legendary institution began in 1861 with the purchase of the Petrovsko-Razumovskoye estate. It was there, on October 27, 1865, that the charter of the Petrovsky Agricultural and Forestry Academy was approved, aimed at disseminating advanced knowledge in agriculture and forestry. Interestingly, the name “Petrovsky” refers not to the locality but to the era of Peter the Great. In 1923, the academy was named after the great scientist Kliment Arkadyevich Timiryazev. Since then, the institution has become widely known by its unofficial but familiar name: “Timiryazevka.” Today, the university stretches over an impressive 540 hectares in the northern part of Moscow. It is a true “green island,” home to unique scientific facilities: Richard Schroeder Arboretum (founded in 1870) – featuring a collection of conifers and a dwarf fruit garden; Michurinsky Garden (since 1939) – 20 hectares of fruit and berry crops, including 197 apple varieties and 173 pear varieties; Meteorological Observatory, operating since 1879. Legend has it that Leo Tolstoy used its data while writing Anna Karenina. Scientific Library with a collection of over 5 million books, including rare editions from the 15th-16th centuries. Timiryazevka has always been renowned for its fusion of fundamental traditions and cutting-edge approaches. More than half of current graduate theses are based on experiments conducted at the field station. Unique rituals are cherished here: for over 130 years, first-year students have planted trees on the academy grounds. Near the main building stands the legendary “Razumovsky” poplar – students believe that touching its bark brings good luck on exams. In the university’s research laboratories, technologies of the future are being developed, such as precision fertilizer application using optical sensors, advancing the principles of resource conservation and precision agriculture. Today, RSAU-MTAA serves as the core institution of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation for training personnel for the agro-industrial complex. Over 116 educational programs cover the entire spectrum of fields, from agronomy and veterinary medicine to biotechnology and landscape architecture. Students gain practical skills at the university’s experimental farms, modern laboratories, and livestock complexes. The university’s high status is supported by 700 academic staff members, including 225 Doctors of Science and 175 Professors. In 2016, the academy faced a serious challenge – the threat of losing part of its land for residential development. Thanks to widespread public outcry and the support of the President of the Russian Federation, the unique territory was preserved. Today, the lands of RSAU-MTAA are included in the international register of particularly valuable scientific sites – only ten such territories exist in the world. RSAU-MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev is more than an educational institution. It is an entire ecosystem of agricultural science, where centuries-old history serves as a solid foundation for innovation. Over its 160 years, the academy has trained thousands of specialists who ensure food security and sustainable development of agriculture in Russia.
Address: Moscow, Timiryazevskaya St., 49
