Dear professors, lecturers, employees, students and veterans of the Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University!

I would like to congratulate you on the upcoming New Year 2021 and wish you Merry Christmas!

The past year was not just difficult. Our University, together with the whole country and the world, faced the coronavirus pandemic. Until recently, such a threat would have seemed fiction to us, but today it is our reality. And there is no point in trying to downplay the facts: the pandemic did not only affect the health of a significant number of our employees and students, but also took some of our leading scientists — honorary professors — from our ranks.

As we know from the history, it is such trying times when a community’s strength of spirit, unity and fortitude are tested. Promptly adopting alternative living conditions and skills, we explored new ways of work and witnessed the best qualities of people.

Students of the PGUPS medical college selflessly, without wasting time for thought, got involved in the fight against COVID-19. From the very first days after the pandemic was announced, our volunteers were helping those in need — infected people and people who had to self-isolate.

But this year will not be remembered for the pandemic only. Thanks to the hard work of our professors and scientists, PGUPS became a laureate of the National Competition «Best Universities of the Russian Federation — 2020», was included in the international QS EECA 2021 ranking, in the «National Recognition» ranking, in the leading group of the Interfax National University Ranking — 2020, and in the Forbes Top 100 Russian universities. In December, our University received St. Petersburg Government Award — the badge of honor «For the quality of goods (products), works and services». Our programs were rightfully included in the list of «Best educational programs of innovative Russia 2020», and our employees and students have become winners of a number of important international competitions and championships.

Dear colleagues and friends! In the upcoming year, let me wish you health, new achievements, professional success. Happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones!

Rector Alexander Panychev