Keyword: «academic expeditions of 1768-1774»

Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the practical contribution is considered of the Imperial Academy of Sciences to the economic development of the state by organizing scientific expeditions to remote provinces of the Russian Empire is considered. In 1768-1774, 5 academic expeditions were organized. Great importance was attached to the study of the natural resources of the Southern Urals, where 3 of the 5 expeditions were sent. It is noted that this became possible after the final inclusion of Bashkiria in the national administrative system and the formation of the Orenburg province on its territory. The main focus of this article is on the expedition of P. S. Pallas to the Southern Urals. It is emphasized that in addition to scientific interest, the expedition's activities were aimed at studying economic issues: mineral deposits, medicinal natural resources, economic activities of the local population, description of existing mines and factories. It is concluded that the results obtained were of both scientific and practical importance for the development of the country's economy. The novelty of the study is seen in the fact that the activities of academic expeditions in the Southern Urals are presented in the context of the economic and political interests of the Russian state in this region.