The beginning of work of the Institute

27.12.1945 is the official date of commencement of the Institute's activity

Organization of laboratories and construction of first buildings of the Institute was completed by the end of 1945. Thus, December of that year is considered the birth date of the Institute.

Late December of 1945 can be considered the starting point of practical implementation of the National Nuclear Project in its most difficult part, that is, obtaining fissile material for the nuclear charge of the first Soviet nuclear bomb.

The team of the newly established Uranium Institute was assigned to organize research along with the entire technological chain in the shortest possible terms: from the extraction of uranium ore and the production of uranium metal suitable for a controlled nuclear chain reaction, to the separation of plutonium with nuclear-physical characteristics.

To achieve the tasks qualified personnel required. None of the country's higher education institutions trained nuclear specialists. Leading scientists and industry organizers were involved in scientific and organizational management.

Special Department "B" dedicated to obtaining and researching of plutonium and uranium was headed by Andrey Bochvar. He provided general guidance, directed and monitored the results of every experiment closely.

The basis of the future team was formed by scientists and specialists from other institutes and demobilized soldiers with work experience in chemical enterprises. Intense organizational work resulted in the development the first 10 laboratories that started work in early 1946.