photo: from the archive of the participants of the event

On January 12, a forum of joint research initiatives of the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - was held at Harbin Polytechnic University. Anatoly Nikolaev, Vice Rector on Natural Sciences and Mathematics of North-Eastern Federal University, spoke at the forum.

At the congress, issues of potential joint scientific research between Harbin Polytechnic University (China), NEFU and the University of Patna (India) were discussed within the framework of the work of the established International Joint Research Center for the Environment and Ecosystems of the Arctic, according to Nyurgun Maksimov, Director of NEFU Institute of the East.

Vice Rector on Natural Sciences and Mathematics Anatoly Nikolaev told about NEFU innovative activity and scientific research of the Arctic. Joint scientific research within the framework of the established International Joint Research Center for the Environment and Ecosystems of the Arctic will include such areas as research in the field of the environment and unique ecosystems in the Arctic, pollution of water areas and climate change.

Thus, the scientists of the joint center plan to study trends and features of the transport of pollutants to river systems and ocean currents in the Arctic regions, as well as methods of detection of substances in the air, including technologies for ecosystem restoration and environmental protection. "Fundamental research is also planned in the field of chemistry and microbiology, technologies for the detection of chemicals and their impact on the environment, human health in cold regions. In addition, questions on the quality of drinking water, climate change and monitoring of the Arctic regions are of interest", Nyurgun Maksimov said.

Particular attention is paid to the discussion of the implementation of joint programs for the exchange of students and young researchers between Harbin Polytechnic University and NEFU, including participation in joint summer schools. The parties plan to open schools in 2018.