On October 10th, the Regional Policy Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences chaired by RAS Academician Vladimir Panchenko met on an extramural session in Yakutsk. One of the Council members is KarRC RAS Director General, Corr. Academician Olga Bakhmet, who joined her colleagues via video conference.

The Council discussed interactions between research facilities and authorities regarding Arctic studies. Previously, following an initiative of the Yakutsk Science Center, Siberian Branch RAS, leaders of eight federal research centers, including KarRC RAS, signed a сooperation agreement for the benefit of the Russian Arctic Zone. The roadmap for its implementation encompasses joint research projects of scientists working at northern latitudes. Special attention at the past meeting was given to joint expeditions.

Research solutions are especially needed in the sphere of the environment, transport logistics, infrastructural and social development in the Russian Arctic Zone. Another topical issue is the study of mineral deposits in the Arctic.

According to Mikhail Zheleznyak, Dr. of Geology and Mineralogy, Director of Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch RAS, it is necessary to create a comprehensive program for studying the impact of climate change on Arctic territories. One of its components is the thawing of permafrost, which directly affects the industrial and residential infrastructure, roads, and other vital matters. Furthermore, the thawing of permafrost is accompanied by increased greenhouse gas emissions.

– Karelian Research Centre RAS supports the proposals to join efforts in studying the problems facing the Russian Arctic Zone as a whole and the impact of climate change in the Arctic in particular. Some 40 percent of Karelia's territory is included in the Russian Arctic Zone, and we clearly see our role in this area. Our water research experts, biologists, geologists, and other specialists can participate in the joint expeditions, – remarked KarRC RAS Director General Olga Bakhmet after the meeting.

In April 2025, Karelian Research Centre RAS hosted an extramural session of the RAS Scientific Council on Arctic and Antarctic Studies, which focused on geoecology and natural calamities as the main topics.

Photo: Nikolai Petrov / DMR KarRC RAS