Russia establishes new Arctic research centre in Archangelsk

The merger of several existing institutes results in the establishment of a new top research center on the Arctic. Photo: Atle Staalesen
The merger of several existing institutes results in the establishment of a new top research center on the Arctic. Photo: Atle Staalesen
The new federal science centre on the Arctic will house 500 researchers, regional authorities say.

“Our main task will be to conduct research and experimental studies, as well as to implement research inventions and protect Russian national interests in the Arctic,” said Professor Vladimir Pavlenko.

Pavlenko has been hand-picked to lead the new centre, which is planned to be fully operational by year 2020. By that time, a new research building complex is expected to be completed in downtown Arkhangelsk. The 4-floor building will have a price tag of more than 500 million rubles ($7.5 USD), the Arkhangelsk regional administration said in a press release. In addition, regional authorities also plan to build a new housing block with 100 flats for the centre’s researchers.

Regional Minister of Research and Education Igor Skubenko said about 500 people will be employed in the centre by 2020.

“The emergence of this federal centre is truly a historical event,” regional Governor Igor Orlov said in a statement. “It allows us to represent the interests of Russia in the Arctic on the very highest level.”

The centre will be subordinated the Russian Academy of Science and is based on the merger of several existing research institutes. A state decree on the establishment of the centre was signed in October 2015.

Among the centre’s key research fields will be the development of Russian coastal areas and the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route, Pavlenko said.

Downtown Arkhangelsk. Photo: Atle Staalesen
Downtown Arkhangelsk. Photo: Atle Staalesen
Related stories from around the North:

Canada: Canada’s prime minister announces launch of Arctic research program, Radio Canada International

Greenland:  Landmark UCLA study reveals melting of Greenland ice sheet from top to bottom, Blog by Mia Bennett

Iceland:  Acid Arctic Ocean and Russell Brand?, by Deutsche Welle’s Iceblogger

Norway: Emissions speeding up Arctic Ocean acidification, Alaska Dispatch

Russia: Russia allocates €3,6 million to floating Arctic research stations, Barents Observer

Sweden: Sweden developes new space strategy, Radio Sweden

United States: Better technology stretches Arctic Alaska’s shrinking tundra travel season, Alaska Dispatch News

Atle Staalesen, The Independent Barents Observer

For more news from the Barents region visit The Independent Barents Observer.

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