Abstract
<jats:p>Background and Objectives: This article is dedicated to the Saratov period in the life of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Fyodor Mikhailovich Mitenkov (1924–2016), a world-renowned scientist in the field of nuclear energy and one of the “creators of the nuclear age.” His parents moved from the outback to Saratov specifically to provide their children with an education. Fyodor Mitenkov graduated from high school with honors in 1941 and entered the first year of the Physics and Mathematics Department of Saratov University. From 1942, he served in the army. He was reinstated in the second year of the Physics Department of Saratov State University in 1946. He demonstrated perseverance in overcoming difficult life circumstances, demonstrated outstanding academic and research abilities. He also earned a correspondence law degree from the Institute of Law. After graduating from university, by decision of a special commission of the First Main Directorate under the Council of Ministers of the USSR, he was assigned to a closed nuclear power engineering enterprise in the city of Gorky. Materials and Methods: This article draws on data from F. M. Mitenkov’s personal file, stored in the archives of Saratov State University, the recollections of his classmates and colleagues, and his own memoirs. Conclusion: Fyodor M. Mitenkov highly valued the knowledge he gained during his studies at the university, which became the theoretical foundation for his subsequent creative work in the design of nuclear power plants and systems and the development of a strategy for scientific, organizational, methodological, and design work to create reliable nuclear power equipment.</jats:p>