(Source: http://www.oceanology.ru/plavuchii-universitet)

Sevhydromet’s vessel Professor Molchanov with "Floating University" crew onboard will sail next summer for two research cruises from Arkhangelsk to the Arctic.

The corresponding decree was signed by the head of Roshydromet Alexander Frolov and by the rector of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU) Elena Kudryashova, Sevhydromet press service informed ITAR-TASS on Monday. According to the assistant of NArFU vice-rector for scientific work Konstantin Zaykov, the first expedition will set out to explore the Arctic on June 1.

"Professor Molchanov" will pass through the White and the Barents seas to Svalbard to perform number of oceanographic and meteorological works on the base of the Russian Research Center in the village of Barentsburg. Then the expedition will resume researches at north-western coast of Novaya Zemlya. The journey will last for 30 days.

The second expedition will set off on August 1. Research vessel will anchor at the northernmost point of mainland Eurasia – the Cape Chelyuskin. The main stops at the way will be Kolguev, Vaygach, White, Bolshevik islands and also Yamal and Dixon peninsulas.

"The expedition will take place under the auspices of the Arctic Council. It will involve students from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland," Zaykov said. The return is scheduled for August 21. The "Arctic Floating University" project was launched in 2012. NArFU students get knowledge and practically use it on the vessel. Practical classes are conducted using a high-class equipment, that "floating laboratory" is equipped with. The project was implemented through co-financing by Roshydromet and NArFU, as well as owing to grants from Russian Geographical Society. According to NarFU, expenditures in 2012 and in 2013 amounted about 30 million rubles.