the article examines the historiographical aspects of
studying the history of Russian-Swiss academic relations. It rethinks the
main directions and forms of development of bilateral scientific cooperation. As a dominant approach in the literature of the 20th century, the authors are identified works made in the science genre. From the point of
view of the history of scientific thought, the works dedicated to Swiss scientists in the service of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences are considered. The contemporary research of bilateral academic relations is rethought by the authors in the context of intellectual history, which
demonstrates the important role of "scientific diplomacy" institute.