Towards the History of the Russian Geological Society

The paperexamines the history ofthe foundation ofa geological society in Russia. As the
term “geology” only became commonly used in the Russian Empire in the late 19th century, early scientific societies involved in Earth studies existed under different names. The failed initiative ofAcademician Vladimir Obruchev to establish an All-Union Geological
Society under the auspices of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1945/1946 is analyzed
in detail. Actual consolidation of the geological community occurred through the sectoral technical and mining societies that formed the basis for the Russian Geological Society. It
was the continuity of sectoral associations, rather than academic organizations, that was
instrumental in founding an active national association ofgeologists. This association became an important platform for institutional, educational, and professional collaboration, promoting the advancement of geological sciences in Russia.