Russian Arctic Scientists Launch a Global Movement for Scientific Cooperation
A new international initiative is taking shape in the Arctic, aiming to rally global support for scientific collaboration. This plan was shared by Valery Mikheev, rector of the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHMU), through Interfax. The move comes amid growing tension in global geopolitics that has made cross-border academic cooperation more fragile and slowed many joint endeavors due to politicized decisions. (Interfax)
The rector stressed that the world cannot solve its most pressing challenges in isolation. He noted that maintaining ties among scientists from different countries is essential for developing, expanding, and strengthening scientific work that benefits the planet. Cooperation across borders is needed to generate new knowledge and drive progress in the face of global problems. (Interfax)
Consequently, the initiative titled the movement “Scientists for the Further Strengthening of International Cooperation” was announced. The plan envisions ongoing collaboration with researchers from other nations as a core objective. (Interfax)
According to Mikheev, the primary aim is to foster a constructive, respectful, and mutually beneficial dialogue among all participants in the international science arena. The effort seeks to create channels that enable sustained and open engagement across borders. (Interfax)
Leading this new movement will be Anton Vasiliev, a distinguished diplomat and scientist who serves as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Vice-President of the Russian Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL), and Deputy Director of the Center for Arctic and Climate Studies at the Russian State Humanitarian University. (Interfax)
Vasiliev recalled that the Arctic Council’s founding members—Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the United States, and Canada—suspended activities and severed contact with Russian institutions and research centers when the political climate shifted. He emphasized that, despite those actions, many Western scientists and indigenous Arctic communities recognize that Russia remains a critical partner for Arctic research. They argue that direct scientific contacts should not be entirely limited by government policy, allowing scholars to pursue legitimate collaborations where possible. (Interfax)
Within the framework of the new movement, it is hoped that direct ties between researchers from Russia and other countries can be reestablished. Vasiliev pointed out that the broader Russian scientific community is keen on restoring international cooperation in the Arctic region. (Interfax)
Historically, Russian oceanographers have identified novel currents and other clues to help map and understand the North Pole better, illustrating the value of international research collaboration in extreme environments. This historical context underscores why the proposed movement emphasizes open dialogue and shared discovery among global partners. (Interfax)