SPbU Vice-Rector at International Arctic Forum: What to become with continental shelf rests on scientists
St Petersburg University has taken part in the “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk. SPbU researchers and scientists came up with a plan how to scientifically support Russia’s policy on the Arctic and said that they were fully prepared to become a research coordinator in implementing Russia’s foreign policy in the Arctic.
The projects developed by SPbU scientists were discussed at the session of the National Arctic research and education consortium at the “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” International Arctic Forum.
SPbU Vice-Rector for Research Sergei Aplonov shed light on the key areas how the research on the Arctic had been developing at the University. What we need is interdisciplinary approach, said he. “To define the border of the continental shelf is vital, economically and geo-politically, as well as geologically and geo-physically, and whether and how it will benefit Russia rests on what geologists will do”, - outlined the Vice-Rector as a key challenge in science.
Extensive exploration of the Arctic must bring together Government, business, and science, said Sergei Aplonov.
Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences at SPbU, Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society Kirill Chistiakov took part in the session, where he told about educational programmes on the polar and marine research, as well as extensive research of the Arctic region at SPbU. “St Petersburg University offers a wide range of educational programmes on the Arctic: apart from its joint master programmes, it has developed a new joint programme with the University of Tromsø”, — said Kirill Chistiakov.
At the session of the consortium of SPbU scientists, Candidate of History Dmitrii Tulupov offered to appoint the University as a research coordinator of the Russia’s foreign policy in the Arctic. Among the key areas of the project, according to Dmitrii Tulupov, are international relations, military safety in the region, Arctic policy adopted by the foreign countries, investment potential of the Russia’s Arctic zone, USA and EU sanctions policy and its consequences for the Russia’s Arctic zone.
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The Arctic is vital in research and education at SPbU. The most current issues are sustainable development of the Arctic, fossil fuels exploration and exploitation in particular, rational use of natural resources, and Arctic ecosystem protection. SPbU acts as an expert and research and education centre bringing together the world’s leading scientists and educating a new generation of the Arctic explorers.