N. I. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod , also known as Lobachevsky University, was established in 1916 as a People's University. From 1932 to 1956, its name was State University of Gorky – from 1932 to 1990 the city of Nizhny Novgorod was known as Gorky – and from 1956 to 1990 the N. I. Lobachevsky State University of Gorky after mathematician Nikolai Lobachevsky. The University has provided the basis for the development of higher education and a fundamental research system in the Nizhni Novgorod region. It is one of the best classical universities in Russia. The University is renowned for innovation in the fields of research and higher education. As a result, UNN's scientific and pedagogical schools have won international recognition for their excellence. The continual development of these schools ensures the high standard of UNN's educational activity as a research university. The University aims to respond in an effective manner to new and evolving scientific and educational challenges. The University has concentrated its research efforts through the creation of large research institutes that focus on work in cutting-edge fields.