A 20-day-long scientific expedition, Arctic Floating University, organized by Northern Federal University, will set sail on July 1, 2015.

With Exploring the Russian Arctic as its motto, the expedition will take the following route: Arkhangelsk-Sosnovets Island-Cape Bely Nos-Varnek settlement-Russian Haven (Novaya Zemlya)-Cape Zhelaniya (Novaya Zemlya)-Heiss Island (Franz Josef Land)-Champ Island (Franz Josef Island)-Hooker Island-Arkhangelsk.

Participants will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the Arctic tundra vegetation, study the Russian Arctic National Park's historical and cultural heritage, and estimate the level of pollution at islands where efforts were made to clean up the accumulated waste and garbage. They will also study the biodiversity at Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land and the surrounding waters.

"The expedition is aimed at popularizing the Russian Arctic, its beauty and the unique Arctic atmosphere. Various types of research will be carried out during the expedition," Deputy Rector at Northern (Arctic) Federal University Boris Filipov said.

In all, the expedition will comprise 56 people, including 31 students, 20 professors and 5 administrators.