General Motors will open a new R&D science office in Moscow in order to leverage Russian science institutes and universities on a broad array of technologies, including fuel cells, hybrid and electronic controls, and battery research.

The initial project work will include materials, emissions control catalyst development, lightweight metal processing, hydrogen storage for fuel cell applications and engine control technology.

"About three years ago we began to explore the possibility of conducting research in the former Soviet Union," said Alan Taub, executive director of Science at GM Research & Development laboratories in Warren, Michigan. "In a very short time, working with universities, academies and scientific Institutes, we saw world class results in key technologies. Not only that, working with today's scientists and engineers gives us the opportunity for unique partnerships that direct scientific work toward mutually beneficial commercial projects.

"GM sees the new R&D Science Office as a unique opportunity to expand the GM R&D global network in areas of critical importance to GM and will give GM a greater mix of R&D knowledge. Since these programmes are collaborative, we believe that there is significant potential for both sides to benefit," said Gil Golan, director of GM R&D Global Strategy.

"The Russian scientific institutes and universities have a long history of achieving fundamental scientific breakthroughs and engineering accomplishments in a large number of technical disciplines including mathematics, materials science, and physics," stated Jim Spearot, director of GM R&D's Chemical and Environmental Sciences Laboratory. Spearot added that GM researchers look forward to expanding collaborations with Russian technical experts.

GM started working in Moscow in 2002 with Moscow State University and the St. Petersburg State Institute of Information Technologies and Optics. Each year since then, the portfolio of projects has increased and the work has expanded to scientific and technical institutes in both Russia and the Ukraine.

The new Science Office will be located at the GM CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) offices in Moscow. Alexey Ushakov, chief scientist and manager of Research & Development, will head the operations.

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