RUSSIAN RESEARCHERS PROVIDE NEW SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Russian scientists and researchers contribute to the solution of global health issues. Work is being carried out to reduce the threat of pandemic flu. For example, the Research Institute of Influenza in St Petersburg leads a team that includes 14 regional Russian laboratories and is now working directly with the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve pandemic surveillance methods. This work is supported by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) based in Moscow.

One of the scientists whose research is supported is Professor Anna Sominina, Head of Department at the Research Institute of Influenza in St Petersburg. Professor Sominina recently led a team that developed a new method to determine the A (H5N1) virus, or swine flu virus. 

Offering an overview of the St Petersburg team’s work, Professor Sominina commented “The recent transmission to humans of highly pathogenic avian and swine strains of influenza on all continents demonstrates the importance of strong surveillance to detect, at the earliest stage, possible viruses with pandemic potential. Working in collaboration with other scientists across the world, we can monitor and analyze the evolution and mutations of different strains of influenza virus and better prevent or restrain the spread of the disease. ISTC research projects are the best examples of how international cooperation can help to keep an epidemic in check."

The Center is engaged in over 550 projects in Russia and some of the other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries for a total of $200 million USD in the area of innovative public health and biotechnology related research 

Executive Director, Adriaan van der Meer added: “The work of Professor Sominina and her many Russian colleagues who are active in different areas of science research and development highlights the benefit of using international partnerships to mobilize scientific know-how and innovative thinking worldwide. This is important to obtain breakthrough research as a way to combat global health challenges”. 

Russian scientists are also working towards safer nuclear technologies and new nuclear medicines, research in physics through to the monitoring and remediation of climate change and alternative forms of energy such as new fuel cells, wind and wave power technologies. 

An overview of these results is published today in the ISTC Annual Report 2008.

Click here to see the Annual Report 2008 Download

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Notes to Editors

1. The Research Institute of Influenza, St Petersburg, Russian Federation

The Research Institute of Influenza was established in 1967 as a head scientific institution engaged in the issue of the day – Influenza and similar diseases. In 1992 the Institute was included in the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. A system of epidemiological and etiological surveillance over influenza and acute respiratory diseases was established in the Institute that allows to forecast the development of epidemics on the territory of Russian Federation and CIS countries and to undertake practical preventive and anti-epidemic measures.

A biography of Professor Sominina and information on the ISTC project on pandemic flu reduction is available with the press information package.

2. The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC)

ISTC, based in Moscow, is an international and non-profit organization that promotes international scientific cooperation in Russia, Georgia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with the aim of meeting the technological and R&D demands of international business and industry. ISTC seeks to create long-term, sustainable employment opportunities for scientists and technical researchers within Russia, Georgia and the CIS.

ISTC’s Annual Report 2008 shows that total international funding for scientific development in Russia, CIS and Georgia, totaled $814.5 million USD by year-end, with 2,646 projects successfully completed or underwaysince ISTC became operational in 1994.

The ISTC 2008 Report highlights research developments across five thematic areas identified by ISTC as of particular interest: 

- Biotechnology, Public Health, Agriculture

- Sustainable Nuclear Energy with Enhanced Safeguards, Safety and Security

- Environmental Remediation and Climate Change Mitigation

- Renewable and environmentally Friendly Energy Technologies

- Counter-Terrorism and Global Security 

ISTC is supported by Canada, European Union, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Other Countries of the CIS, and the United States. 

3. Media Contact: 

For full information on the work of ISTC or to obtain a copy of the Annual Report 2008, contact:

English language: Steve Bourne, Telephone +7 (495) 982 3141, e-mail bourne@istc.ru

Russian language– Anna Filchenko, Telephone +7 (495) 982 3219, e-mail filchenko@istc.ru

The International Science and Technology Center

Krasnoproletarskaya ul. 32-34,

P.O. Box 20, 127473 Moscow,

Russian Federation

Tel: +7 (495) 982-3200

Fax: +7 (499) 978-0110

E-mail: istcinfo@istc.ru 

www.istc.ru