DIMA Network

Siberia and the Russian Far East (SRFE) comprise a large proportion of all northern lands and contains vast carbon stores in peatlands. It is experiencing rapid climate warming, which means the area plays an important role in global climate processes, yet our understanding of environmental change here is limited. This is due in part to the logistical challenges of carrying out field studies and also to the fact that research centres in the region are widely scattered.

Building stronger links within SRFE and internationally and promoting multi-institution research projects can move the science forward. For this reason, a UK-SRFE scientific network was started: DIMA (Developing Innovative Multiproxy Analyses—in Siberia and the Russian Far East). At present 15 institutions from SRFE and 3 from the UK participate in this DIMA network. Together, we have a wealth of expertise and experience in reconstructing environments of the past.

Aims

The aims of the DIMA Network are

  • To advance studies of long-term environmental change across Siberia and the Russian Far East
  • To develop a consortium of Russian environmental change laboratories that have strong links with UK researchers and can collaborate effectively on international projects
  • To encourage more UK researchers to pursue opportunities in Siberia and the Russian Far East
  • To create opportunities for scientific exchange and training between the UK and Russia, especially for early career researchers

Funding