Nikolai Nikolaevich Filatov is a Corresponding Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences, geographer, oceanologist, and hydrologist widely known in Russia as well as abroad.
After graduating from the Faculty of Geography of the Leningrad State University in 1971, Nikolai Filatov worked for 17 years at the Institute of Limnology of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1988, he headed the Water Problems Department of the Karelian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1991-2013, he organized and was the first director of the Northern Water Problems Institute (NWPI) of the Karelian Research Center RAS. Five years later he returned to this position.
Nowadays, Nikolai Nikolaevich Filatov is a Principal Researcher at NWPI KarRC RAS and Advisor to the Director General of the Karelian Research Center RAS.
Nikolai Nikolaevich is one of Russia's leading specialists in integrated studies of inland water bodies and marine coastal zones. In 2021, the scientist was awarded the Gold Medal named after F.P. Litke for his research on the impact of climate change on large lakes and seas of North Eurasia.
The oceanologist's studies have high basic science value and are of practical use. He participated in developing solutions to the problems of preserving the resources of lakes Ladoga and Onego at the stage of designing hydraulic engineering facilities – diversion head works and spillways, in designing the dam - facilities in the Gulf of Finland that protect St. Petersburg from floods. The results of his work have been taken into account when dealing with the problems caused by the sharp decline in the level of Lake Sevan in Armenia and the Caspian Sea. Today, the results of NWPI KarRC RAS studies are essential when determining permissible anthropogenic loads on lakes and the White Sea.
Nikolai Filatov is the author of more than 600 scientific papers. They are based on the data collected through in situ experiments on various lakes, storage reservoirs, seas and the ocean using contact and remote sensing methods, as well as mathematical modeling. The catalogs, reference books, atlases prepared under the scientist's supervision are in demand not only in the scientific community, but also among a wide readership. One such book is the first Atlas of Karelia.
The scientist has always used the latest techniques: he was among the first in Russian geography to use GIS techniques and aerial and satellite remote sensing tools. The researcher is a staunch proponent of innovative approaches, including application of AI theory methods, systems analysis of complex ecological-socio-economic processes.
Photo from N.N. Filatov’s personal archives
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June 26, 2025
Ice-related phenomena on rivers emptying into the White Sea now last three weeks less than 60 years before
Ice on northern rivers now forms later while ice-off occurs earlier. Karelian scientists confirmed this having analyzed 64 years of marine and meteorological data from the estuaries of rivers draining into the White Sea along its western coast. Climate change has bit three weeks off the ice-covered period on these rivers. The reductions have been the most significant in the last 30 years, aligning with global warming trends in Arctic water bodies.
Ice on northern rivers now forms later while ice-off occurs earlier. Karelian scientists confirmed this having analyzed 64 years of marine and meteorological data from the estuaries of rivers draining into the White Sea along its western coast. Climate change has bit three weeks off the ice-covered period on these rivers. The reductions have been the most significant in the last 30 years, aligning with global warming trends in Arctic water bodies.

June 23, 2025
Citizen science and web technologies help researchers study insects of Karelia
More than 30 insect species not encountered in Karelia previously have been revealed by entomologists from KarRC RAS during their expeditions and using data communicated by active participants of the iNaturalist portal – an open platform for collecting biodiversity data.
More than 30 insect species not encountered in Karelia previously have been revealed by entomologists from KarRC RAS during their expeditions and using data communicated by active participants of the iNaturalist portal – an open platform for collecting biodiversity data.

June 20, 2025
Application process for 2025/2026 Doctoral Studies started at KarRC RAS
On June 20, Karelian Research Centre RAS began accepting papers from applicants for its Doctoral Courses. This year, university graduates can choose from ten academic specialties in the STEM, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
On June 20, Karelian Research Centre RAS began accepting papers from applicants for its Doctoral Courses. This year, university graduates can choose from ten academic specialties in the STEM, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

June 17, 2025
An important phase of the KarRC RAS Director General election procedure completed
The Electoral Commission has summarized the results of the voting for the election of the Director General of KarRC RAS. The turnout exceeded 80% of the Center's employees. The majority of votes, 391, were cast for Alexander Kryshen, Director of the Forest Research Institute. Acting Director General Olga Bakhmet was supported by 252 voters, and Deputy Director General Yuri Zaika received 17 votes. The Electoral Commission documented these results in its report, which will be submitted to the HR Policy Department of the Federal Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The candidacies will now undergo the procedure of approval by federal agencies, after which the employment contract will be signed with the winner of the competition.
The Electoral Commission has summarized the results of the voting for the election of the Director General of KarRC RAS. The turnout exceeded 80% of the Center's employees. The majority of votes, 391, were cast for Alexander Kryshen, Director of the Forest Research Institute. Acting Director General Olga Bakhmet was supported by 252 voters, and Deputy Director General Yuri Zaika received 17 votes. The Electoral Commission documented these results in its report, which will be submitted to the HR Policy Department of the Federal Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The candidacies will now undergo the procedure of approval by federal agencies, after which the employment contract will be signed with the winner of the competition.

June 11, 2025
Posseidon research vessel is back from this season’s first integrated expedition
Employees of the Northern Water Problems Institute KarRC RAS completed an expedition around Lake Onego on board the Posseidon research vessel. The expedition covered 19 sites in bays, Central Onego, and Kizhi Skerries region. Scientists have sampled water for chemical and biological analyses.
Employees of the Northern Water Problems Institute KarRC RAS completed an expedition around Lake Onego on board the Posseidon research vessel. The expedition covered 19 sites in bays, Central Onego, and Kizhi Skerries region. Scientists have sampled water for chemical and biological analyses.