Research Activity

1. Global context and mission

The modern world faces systemic changes in climate, ecosystems, urbanisation, and technology. These processes are inextricably linked and require a new understanding of territories—as complex systems in which natural and anthropogenic components act as a single interconnected whole.

The Faculty’s mission is to become a centre that connects fundamental earth science with advanced data analysis methods and applied tasks. We work at the intersection of geography, ecology, economics, and digital technologies to provide well-grounded answers to the needs of government, business, and society.

2. Scientific approach and methods

At the centre of our research agenda are territorial systems at different scales: from local natural complexes to macro-regions. We study their structure, dynamics, and sustainability, relying on three key questions:

- How is a territory structured, and what resources does it provide?

- How does it change under the influence of climate, technology, and socio-economic factors?

- How can decisions be made to maintain a balance between development and sustainability?

Technologically, we build a full cycle: from the collection of spatial data (remote sensing, field observations, open sources) through machine learning and modelling to the creation of digital tools (geoportals, platforms for supporting climate projects, interactive atlases), and finally to practical recommendations for territorial management.

3. Key development areas

We develop several interrelated competencies that form our expertise:

- Geodata and artificial intelligence—processing large datasets, creating digital twins of territories, and predictive modelling.

- Modelling of natural processes—climate change, hydrology, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem dynamics.

- Natural capital and climate projects—assessment of ecosystem services, carbon balance, and verification of projects according to international standards.

- Spatial planning and regional development—settlement strategies, urban studies, and adaptation to risks.

- Complex systems theory—developing scenarios for territorial development under uncertain conditions.

All these areas follow a single line of logic, providing both fundamental research and applied products.

4. Interaction with practice

The results of our research are in demand in the real economy:

- For government—spatial development strategies, risk assessments, and recommendations for adaptation to climate change.

- For business—assessment of natural capital, risk mapping, carbon footprint calculations, and optimal site selection for projects.

- For society—open geodata, analytical reports, and educational programmes.

5. Science and education—a single integrated loop

We build education around real research projects:

- Leading scientists teach original courses based on their own research.

- Students are involved in research groups from their first year. They work with real data, and participate in modelling and the creation of applied products.

- Topics for students’ term papers and diploma theses are formed in line with the Faculty’s current projects.

- The Student Research Competition (NIRS) —our students have won prizes in different disciplines, and a separate geography track has been established in 2026, opening new opportunities for recognition of their work.

Final model

We are building the Faculty as a full-cycle research ecosystem: from fundamental questions about how territories are structured to digital tools and management strategies. This allows us to train a new generation of specialists capable of working at the intersection of natural, social, and engineering sciences and making decisions under conditions of global uncertainty.