V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University

V.N Karazin Kharkiv National University is the most renowned scientific and cultural institution in Ukraine and one of the oldest and most widely recognized Universities in Eastern Europe. The activities of the University have developed Kharkiv into a major industrial, scientific and cultural center. Many Kharkiv streets are named after professors, researches and alumni of the University.

The university was founded in 1804 by V.N. Karazin and has since then become a leader in higher education and research in Eastern Europe. Since its foundation Kharkiv National University has graduated over 130,000 students. Over 60 of its graduates became academicians and corresponding members of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. University lecturers and graduates have glorified their alma mater with scientific discoveries of the world level. Three Nobel laureates: I. Mechnikov, L.Landau, S.Kuznets and many world-famous researchers have catered for the fame of the University.

The University is among the largest research centers in Ukraine committed to work in almost all trends of modern fundamental research. The University comprises Research Institutes of Chemistry, Biology, Laser Biology and Laser Medicine, the Astronomical Observatory, the Botanical Garden, the Central Scientific Library, the Museum of Natural History and numerous research laboratories. Over 20 world-famous research schools work at the University together with 12 specialized academic councils for conferring doctor's degrees in 31 areas of research and 5 councils for conferring candidate's degrees in 11 areas of research. Due to its accomplishments Kharkiv University enjoys deserved authority both in Ukraine and abroad. This is evidenced by numerous honorary titles, grants and awards received by its researchers and graduates, fruitful international cooperation with higher educational and research centers in many countries of the world.

The center for International Students Training began in 1948 and has since then graduated about 3,000 international students from Europe, Asia, and America. In 1961 one of the first preparatory schools for international students was created in Ukraine. Since then, over 11,000 international students have had language training at the University.

The University is the leading research organization of several international space programs. Since 1808 the University has had its own Astronomical Observatory which is one of the leading astronomical centers of Ukraine involved in fundamental and applied research in the Physics of the Sun, the planets, asteroids, comets and satellites.

The University's Botanical Garden was founded in 1804 and is the oldest botanical garden in Ukraine. It is a state preserve with a unique collection of plants representing various botanical and geographic zones of the world. The University's Central Scientific Library was founded in 1805. Today it numbers 3,500,000 units, including 50,000 unique editions.

The University's Natural History Museum was founded in 1807 and is one of the oldest university museums in the world.

(See pictures from the museum: http://www.univer.kharkov.ua/ua/general/photos?cat=63&year=3000 )

At present, the Kharkiv National University incorporates 21 Schools and 97 Departments. Its total enrollment amounts to 12,000 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. The University employs about 2,000 lecturers and research officers, including more than 200 doctors of sciences, full professors, and almost 800 PhDs, associate professors. It offers 46 degree and 65 major licensing opportunities. The University supports 2 lyceums and the Centre of Professional Training with branches in other cities.

University website: http://www.univer.kharkov.ua/en/