National Research Nuclear University

National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, also known as Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, is a public technical university in Moscow, Russia.

The history of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) began with the foundation in 1942 of the Moscow Mechanical Institute of Ammunition. The institute was founded to train skilled personnel for the Soviet military and Soviet atomic bomb project.

In 1945, the institute was renamed the Moscow Mechanical Institute and its curriculum was expanded to include physics, mathematics, and engineering. In 1951, the institute was renamed again, this time to the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI).

In the 1960s, MEPhI became the leading higher education institution in Russia, providing education and training for peaceful nuclear energy. MEPhI graduates have played a leading role in the development of the Russian nuclear power industry, as well as in other fields such as nuclear medicine, materials science, and computer science.

In 2009, MEPhI was awarded the status of National Research University by the Russian government. This designation recognizes MEPhI's outstanding contributions to education and research.

MEPhI is a world-class university with a strong reputation for academic excellence. Its graduates are playing a leading role in shaping the future of Russia and the world.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, National Research Nuclear University is positioned as the #497 top university in the world, which makes it the #10 top university in Russia. The university's global rank decreased by 36 points from last year.