Akademgorodok (Academic Town) Tourism

Akademgorodok, known as the 'Academic Town,' is a scientific and educational center located about 30 km south of the center of Novosibirsk, Russia. It was established in the late 1950s as a part of Soviet Union's strategy to promote scientific growth. Akademgorodok is unique because it is one of the few places in the world where a full-scale scientific community was deliberately constructed in a forested area, providing a serene environment for research and education. The town is home to Novosibirsk State University, more than 35 research institutes, a medical academy, numerous startup companies, and the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is known for its rich cultural life, university campus, and scientific infrastructure, all surrounded by typical Siberian pine and birch forests. The streets are lined with statues and monuments commemorating significant figures and achievements in science and technology. It is also characterized by a vibrant intellectual community and is sometimes fondly referred to as the 'Silicon Forest'.