BRICS Countries Chart Course for Joint Research Expeditions

The 6th meeting of the BRICS Ocean and Polar Science and Technology Working Group took place on 13–15 June 2024 in Murmansk. The topics covered study and development of the resources of the World Ocean, including current changes in its deep areas, the impact on the climate system, and the state of coastal zones.

The event was attended by more than 50 scientists involved in BRICS research projects on oceanic and polar sciences.

During the meeting, the experts paid special attention to possible joint marine scientific expeditions. In particular, a representative of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro invited the representatives of BRICS countries to participate in the Second Antarctic Expedition, which is scheduled to take place from November 2024 to January 2025.

The emergence of new geographical regions in joint research, including zones of the Red and Caspian Seas, as well as the Persian Gulf, could increase the scientific potential of BRICS countries.

The meeting participants decided to revise priority areas of cooperation and agreed to work together in a number of areas: organizing research projects, preparing educational programmes, training skilled professionals, attracting young scientists, as well as drawing up a calendar of BRICS research expeditions.

The meeting took place as part of Russia’s BRICE Chairship in 2024 with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, the Administration of the Murmansk Region, and the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology.

The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.