Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russian: Институт географии РАН; abbreviated IGRAN (Russian: ИГРАН) is an academic geographical institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, part of the Department of Earth Sciences (section of oceanology, atmospheric physics and geography). It is engaged in identifying patterns of interaction between nature and society in the context of global environmental change. Priority research includes: cryosphere dynamics, natural and anthropogenic dynamics of biota, soils, relief and landscapes, development of scientific foundations for nature conservation, regional features of sustainable development, geoinformation technologies and mapping.^[1]

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Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Институт географии РАН

Type	Public
Established	1930; 95 years ago (1930)
Address	29 Staromonetny pereulok , Moscow , Russia 37°37′12″N 55°44′19″E
Website	igras.ru

In 1930, the Geomorphological Institute (GEOMIN) of the Council for the Study of Productive Forces was created. In 1934 it was renamed the Institute of Physical Geography (IFG SOPS USSR Academy of Sciences). The processes and types of natural environment were studied.^[4]

In 1936, with the merger of the Communist Academy with the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union, the Institute of Geography of the Council for the Study of Productive Forces of the USSR Academy of Sciences was created. Methodological studies were conducted: economic-geographical, resource, regional studies, and regional studies by industry. Theoretical, applied scientific (expeditionary and stationary); restoration of international scientific cooperation. Expeditions to areas of promising economic development: the North, Western Siberia, Central Siberia, Transbaikalia, the Far East, Pamir, Central Asia, Kazakhstan.^[5]

During the Great Patriotic War, the institute was engaged in military geography and regional studies. Military-geographical maps, descriptions of front-line areas were prepared, optimal placement of evacuated enterprises was developed, research into agro-climatic, land and labor resources was conducted.^[6] Maintenance of combat operations and rear economy. Expeditions to the east and south of the USSR and to temporarily occupied territories.^[7]

Restoration of the economy and creation of new territorial-production complexes in the Soviet Union — applied resource, regional studies, general theoretical research: design of territorial-production complexes; natural and economic-geographical zoning; industry academic research in geomorphology, climatology, glaciology, biogeography; natural-historical zoning. theoretical and applied research; expeditions; organization of stationary stations and a network of geographical institutions in the Soviet Union; training of local personnel. Expeditions to the east and to socialist countries.

Institute of Geography of the Soviet Academy of Sciences

In 1960, the institute was renamed the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union. During the period of economic development and transformation of nature, constructive geography was formed, fundamental and applied research was conducted in the industry, and new international scientific ties were established. Research on the environment, economy, and resources began. Coordination of geographical science in the Soviet Union, international cooperation with the CMEA countries, and the organization of congresses were carried out.

Since 1985, the organization of interdisciplinary links and specialization of industry research has been outlined. Inventory of resources, environmental research, participation in international programs.