A Guide to the Russian Academy of Sciences - University of Texas ...

The IMTP was founded in 1988 by Academician Mikhail D. Ageev, who is also a fellow of
the U.S. Marine Technology Society. The scientific staff of the institute consists of
90 people. One is an academician of the RAS, one a corresponding member of the
RAS, three are academicians of the Academy of Engineering Sciences, and 19 are
professors and doctors of science.
Facilities include about 2,000 square meters of laboratory space, computer-aided design
(CAD) engineering capabilities, experimental production workshops, a high
pressure (21,900 psi or 49,200 ft.) test chamber, and a small research vessel. The
high pressure facility is located at a separate site from the main institute, while the
research vessel is in Vladivostok's inner harbor.
Scientific investigations and technical developments are carried out in underwater robotics,
hydrophysics, renewable energy sources, and marine ecological systems
monitoring. The work in underwater robotics actually began in the early 1970s
when this technical staff was part of another institute. Some of their AUVs were
built during this time.
The primary programs of the IMTP are as follows:
Development of new methods and principles to utilize AUVs for research and for
exploring the ocean. Several AUVs have been built since the 1970s (Figs 1.5-1.7);
most have operating depth capabilities down to 6000 m.
Hydrophysics, investigating large scale inhomogeneities of the water medium.
Renewable energy resources and nontraditional energetics. This laboratory group conducts
resource evaluations of renewable power sources as well as investigations into new
alternative energy technologies.
Development of automated systems for ecological research and monitoring the water
medium and aquaculture using AUVs designed and built at the institute. The
institute has maintained close scientific and technical contacts with universities,
institutes, and companies in China, France, South Korea, and the United States. It
has built specialized AUVs for customers in the People's Republic of China, in
South Korea, and in the United States.
2. The Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (PIBC)
The PIBC was founded in 1964. Academician Elyakov has been its director for 30 years.
The primary research focus is on the study of marine organisms at the molecular
level. This direction offers the greatest potential for discovery of bioactive
substances that can be used for the benefit of man.
The work of the PIBC has attracted foreign interest from organizations such as the National
Institutes of Health, major drug companies, and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic
Institution (U.S.). Foreign organizations are very interested in the 8,000 strain
reference collection developed by PIBC. The Institute has a staff of 350, which
includes 70 Ph.D.s and 25 doctors of science. Many of the support staff are
involved with the operation and maintenance of the research vessel Akademik
Oparin.
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