Pushchino science centre of Russian Academy of Sciences was formed in 1956, following the order of Council of Ministers of the USSR, aiming at development of fundamental research in physicochemical biology.

The necessity to create the centre for biological research was dictated by the need to develop fundamental studies for the new science – molecular biology – and to replace outdated facilities. Opening the centre was the President’s of Soviet Academy of Sciences initiative, which would have opened wide opportunities for using biophysics and biochemistry in various fields of biology for finding further applications of fundamental achievements in national economy.

In 1956 the Academy of Sciences received 761.8 hectares of land to build a research settlement and radio astronomy station of Lebedev Institute of Physics. First stone of the Institute of Biological Physics was laid in spring. Two years later Science centre for Biological Research was opened. During 60s-70s of 20^th century the centre united modern biological research institutions, which rapidly became famous all over the world. The institutions performed research in biophysics, microbiology, biochemistry, plant physiology and photosynthesis, soil science.

In 1990 the Centre for Biological Research was transformed into Puschino science centre, which combined all research institutions and auxiliaries of the city. Today the Centre consists of 9 biological research institutions and radio astronomy observatory of Lebedev Institute of Physics. The town also has two higher educational institutions: branch of Moscow State University and Puschino State University. The Science Centre employs about 3000 people, 800 of which hold a degree in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics.

The settlement Pushchino got city status in 1966, and in 2005 it officially became the Science Town, which emphasizes high level of fundamental research, performed in the area, and potential for future discoveries. Together with fundamental science, local researchers have a number of application achievements: genetically engineered human insulin, hepatitis B treating agent, antibacterial agents and many more.

In order to continue fundamental research, Pushchino dwellers had to pay attention to introduction of innovative technologies into industry. Many of local developments have already aroused interest among businessmen – new treating technologies, farming and agricultural techniques, high-technology equipment – Pushchino scientists know almost everything in the world.

The city stands on a picturesque bank of the Oka River among hills and broad-leaved forests. Near the city beautiful Pushchino Estate is situated, which attracted eminent Russian film directors to shoot their masterpieces in it. Nikita Mikhalkov, for instance, came to Puschino Estate to shoot his “Neokonchennaya pyesa dlya mekhanicheskogo pianino” (Unfinished Piece for Mechanical Piano), based on a play of Anton Chekhov.