Expert groups from Ministry of Education and Sciences of the Russian Federation and from U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) visited Irkutsk in late September to discuss results and further work plans of Research and Educational Center “Baikal” (REC).

REC managers presented a general strategy of development, research units, and scientific and educational components of REC activity and international relations. Experts met young scientists – students and graduate-students from Irkutsk and Buryat State Universities to discuss problems, proposals and wishes of young researchers of the Center. Furthermore, young scientists presented their scientific projects in English demonstrating scientific achievements and level of foreign language.

Next day consultations continued at the research station in Bolshie Koty where major events are traditionally held. Expects appreciated dynamics of the REC “Baikal” development. They also supported the concept of organization of summer schools and the role of young researchers in the activity of the Center. Representatives of CRDF and Ministry of Education and Science recommended that besides senior and graduate students, junior students should also be involved in scientific work.

A special attention was paid to our portal with its large amount of publications. Experts appreciated functionality of lake.baikal.ru, in particular, Section International Summer School (“Limnoecology of Lake Baikal”) which became not only a scientific library but also virtual site for interaction of Russian and German students and teachers.

The portal unites people who are interested in Lake Baikal, as well as people who are far from science. A visit of a student of Moscow Architectural Institute coincided with the visit of experts. Her idea to find an architectural solution to the construction of modern scientific-research stations on the shore of Lake Baikal is quite feasible now. Visiting lake.baikal.ru, she got a possibility to come to Lake Baikal and to the station in Bolshie Koty. The girl found out about REC via the portal, wrote a letter and received an invitation. As a result, she decided to make a diploma project in which modern buildings and laboratories equipped with up-to-date facilities will harmonize with surrounding landscape and environmental safety.