The Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Studies has opened in the Arkhangelsk Region, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported. Professor Vladimir Pavlenko, Doctor of Economics has been appointed head of the new center.

"Our main objectives are to conduct research and experiments, implement research achievements, and protect Russia's interests in the Arctic," said Vladimir Pavlenko, as quoted by the regional administration's press service. "Given the research potential of our universities, the center will develop into a research conglomerate unlike any other in the world," he said.

According to the newspaper, one of the center's priorities is to provide solutions for an effective development of the coastal areas and infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route.

The site for the center's building, which will include research facilities and a laboratory, has been allocated in the Solombala District of Arkhangelsk. Under the approved design project, the four-story building will cost more than 500 million rubles.