On May 15, the Polar Geophysical Institute, together with KSC RAS, Murmansk Arctic University, and MMBI RAS, held the XXI Student and Postgraduate Conference "Problems of the Arctic Region", dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The event was traditionally opened with welcoming remarks by PGI Director, Dr. of Physico-Mathematical Sciences, Igor Mingalev. MAU Associate Professor Zhanna Vasilyeva, Candidate of Technical Sciences, presented the plenary report "Anthropogenic Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems of the Barents-Arctic Region."
Future specialists of Murmansk region presented over 50 papers at 11 sections at three sites, covering all aspects of Arctic development – natural sciences, ecology, technology, economics, and humanities. The best works received awards. A collection of abstracts will be published based on the conference materials.
MMBI RAS hosted the "Arctic Hydrobiology and Ichthyology" and "Bioresources and Aquaculture" sections, featuring 13 presentations. The reports focused on biological features and population ecology of various components of Arctic marine ecosystems. Most reports were made by students and postgraduates of MAU who conducted their research at the university's aquaculture complex. Section winners:
- Andrey Petkevich, "Fouling Community Formation on Artificial Substrates Depending on Surface Roughness";
- Evgenia Sheveleva, "Australian Red Claw Crayfish Cultivation at MAU Aquaculture Complex";
- Natalya Chechkova, "Rainbow Trout Hematological Parameters as Environmental Quality Indicators";
- Veronika Shokhalova, "Artemia salina Cultivation Using Spirulina-Based Dry Feed".
The conference program also included a visit to the Polar Geophysical Institute Museum featuring a lecture on "Past and Present of PGI Geophysical Research." On May 16, participants toured Murmansk's scientific and educational organizations.
