A meeting between Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and the leadership and scientists of Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences took place on September 25, 2026.

Key topics include issues of concern to scientists regarding the development of scientific infrastructure and the preservation of the unique scientific potential of the Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences—Russia’s oldest and largest ocean research center.

During his speech, DSc Roman Gorbunov, Acting Director of Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IO RAS), placed special emphasis on the further development of key areas of the Institute's activities, such as participation in the program to establish laboratories led by young scientists and the implementation of mechanisms for commercializing research findings.

In addition, he emphasized the need to modernize the Russian academic fleet, the largest operator of which is the Institute of Oceanology. In particular, plans include the refurbishment of the research vessels Akademik Mstislav Keldysh and Akademik Sergey Vavilov by 2027, and Professor Shtokman by 2030.

Roman Gorbunov also highlighted the return to service of the Mir deep-sea manned submersibles—designed for ocean research at depths of up to 6,000 meters—as one of the priority tasks for the near future.

The Institute is currently implementing a program to renovate the buildings and scientific infrastructure of its branches and divisions, aimed at expanding the capabilities of scientists to conduct fundamental and applied research on the World Ocean.

"Issues regarding cooperation with the Institute of Oceanology are a top priority for us. We are addressing both immediate tasks — such as major repairs, the development of the southern base, fleet modernization, and the construction of new vessels — and the long-term development of the Institute," said Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education, summarizing the meeting.

The outcome of the meeting will be the development of a comprehensive development program for the IO RAS through 2036.