Major Scientific Research Directions
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Fundamental scientific research and applied studies in the Institute include:· study of the processes of river runoff generation; modeling the land water cycle, processes of interaction of water bodies and land surface with the atmosphere; assessment and forecast of resources, regime and quality of surface, ground and soil water under climate changes and human impact;· modeling hydrophysical, hydrodynamic, hydrochemical, hydrobiological and other processes in water environment; forecasting their influence on ecological state;· assessment of effects of changes in climate, water bodies regime and water quality on environment, water ecosystems, land biocenoses, and public health;· development of scientific basis for land water preservation; improvement of methods and models for water sector systems development and functioning; development of theory and methods of land water regime and resources management based on a rational use of natural resources and social problems solution; increase in water safety for the country.
In recent years, a great attention has been paid to the study of the mechanisms of development of extreme natural events and man-induced catastrophes (floods, emergency discharges of pollutants, etc.); assessment of the risk and consequences degree.
The Institute scientists actively participate in fundamental research programs of RAS Presidium, RAS Earth Sciences Division, Russian Fundamental Research Fond grants, RF President grants to support young sciences, etc.
The studies are conducted at the world level; up-to-date information technology and methods for modeling natural processes are widely used.
The Water Problems Institute has a great experience in field researches, which are an inherent part of the fundamental research.
The field researches are conducted in the river basins of Volga, Don, Neva, North Dvina, Pechora, etc.; at the Sea of Azov, White, Caspian Sea; at water bodies in Astrakhan, Moscow, Tver, Rostov, Leningrad, Murmansk and other regions; in Kalmykia, on the sea shores of the Aral and Baltic Seas, Far East seas of Russia.
The Institute scientists along with other organizations participate in complex international expeditions. The results of the fundamental and applied studies are effectively used in practice. Their practical application is also important when federal programs are fulfilled, as well as government and other contracts; papers and monographs are published. Over the past 7 years, 66 monographs were published (7 of them in foreign editions), 3 manuals, 3 textbooks, over 1,500 articles (more than 300 of them published in foreign editions), and 8 collected papers of the conferences organized by the Institute. Several dictionaries and encyclopedias were published with the participation of leading specialists.
Scientific and organizational activity includes arrangement and participation in large international and all-Russian conferences; coordination of fundamental researches under Land Water RAS Academic Council; documents preparation for RF President, meetings of RF Government and Federal Assembly on urgent water and environmental problems in Russia; work in scientific and technical councils of various ministries and departments; expertise of large water economy projects. From 2000, the Institute has organized 10 international and all-Russian conferences, participated in organizing and carrying out nine scientific forums. More than 880 reports written by Institute researchers were presented at large scientific conferences, 310 of which being reported at international conferences and symposia.
The Institute is co-founder of the Water Resources Journal, which is published both in Russian and English. Institute key scientists are at the head of its Editorial Board or its members. The Institute takes part in publishing Arid Ecosystems Journal of the RussianAcademy of Sciences. The Institute maintains creative relationships with many Russian universities. The scientists of the Institute read lectures at the Moscow State University after M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, Moscow State University of Environmental Management, Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation, International University of Nature, Society and Man (“Dubna”), Moscow State Geological Exploration Academy, State University of Management, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Rostov State University, South Russian State Technical University, Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan State Technical University. Leading scientists of the Institute are the members of the scholars and dissertation councils of many universities, they are supervisors for students writing degree thesis. Joint training of postgraduate and undergraduate students is conducted, and practical and pre-graduation trainings for students are organized.
At the environmental faculty of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, an Environment and Water Resources Management Department was created by the Water Problems Institute professors to educate magisters.
The Institute staff take an active part in fulfilling major international programs, projects, and grants; maintain creative relationships with scientists from Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Vietnam, Germany, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, China, Korea, Mongolia, Poland, Slovakia, USA, Taiwan, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Scotland, Japan and other countries; work in committees and commissions of international organizations, such as UNEP, UNESCO, MIGA, IAEA and others.