Personality in science: celebrating the centenary of Mikhail Il’ich Shumilov

The article analyzes the life path and scientific creativity of Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor M. I. Shumilov. The author explores his personality and contribution to science from the perspective of science studies, a branch of knowledge that investigates the patterns of science development and presents a form of science’s reflection on itself. Within the framework of science studies, the typology of people involved professionally in science and their respective contribution are also analyzed. This approach is used in the review of the scientific activities of Professor M. I. Shumilov. The article discovers the spheres, main periods, directions, and results of his scientific work. The author characterizes the features of Professor M. I. Shumilov’s scientific creativity and his impact on advancing key issues in Russian history that he studied. His primary focus was on the history of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Russian Civil War, now commonly referred to as the Great Russian Revolution. The author emphasizes Professor M. I. Shumilov’s special contribution to the study of the revolutionary process and the Civil War in the European North of Russia. Under his leadership, a reputable scientific school was established in Karelia. He played a significant role in training scientific and academic personnel in the North of Russia. The article highlights his significant contribution to the development of northern historical studies, the creation of educational literature on Russian history, the preparation of school textbooks on the history of Karelia, and the study of the history of Petrozavodsk State University, his alma mater.