At the conference

Olena: You know that there are many universities, which are the main ones in Europe. Today at the
conference I'm going to introduce you to Vladimir University.

Derek: Well, as a PhD student at the University of Wales I'd like to talk about that.

Olena: The role of the intellectual who contributed to the university was M. Maksimovic.

Derek: Is he the one who in 1827 published a book about Ukrainian folk songs?

Olena: You're right. Mikhail Maksimovich was one of the outstanding intellectuals of history, who
managed to achieve a profound knowledge of an unusually wide range of subjects, avoiding the
tendency towards narrow specialisation that had become the norm by the 19th century.

Derek： I hear he got his first degree in linguistics and biology.

Olena: Yes, that was early in his academic career when he was at Moscow University.

Derek: And why Vladimir's university was a major in Europe?

Olena: Because all intellectuals of Ukraine and not only agreed to cooperate and help Maksymovych.
"For scientists there is nothing better than science" ( I saw this phrase in one of Michael's works).

Derek: And what role did he play in scientific life? I want to understand why he gathered all the
intellectuals .

Olena: In a way, yes. Maksimović was developing the university to ensure the highest possible level of
teaching. At the same time, he worked on establishing the University, creating a network of academic
contacts with his colleagues in many countries.

Derek: Even in England?

Olena: No exact details, but I'm guessing he knew some colleagues at your university.

Derek： That's great, I came to your conference for a reason!

Olena： We're very grateful.