The Novosibirsk State University research and education centre Nanosystems and Modern Materials conducts research on the structure of nanosystems and nanomaterials, their functional properties, nano-structure optics, nanosystem ecology and bio-nano-engineering.

The equipment used at the centre for biological and nano-structure research is rare in Russia.

Vladimir Putin was shown an electronic microscope used for medical and biological research as well as two other powerful microscopes used to study the atomic structure of materials and to determine the chemical composition of atoms.

Novosibirsk State University Rector Vladimir Sobyanin said that the latest microscope has made it possible to carry out sub-nano-technology research. Putin asked whether the research and education centre had established contacts with the Russian Nanotechnology Corporation (Rosnano). Sobyanin said that the university has been certified by Rosnano and works closely with the corporation.

Prime Minister Putin also asked whether other scientists were able to use this equipment. The rector replied that other university scientists and students have access to this advanced equipment.

Alexander Zadorozhny, head of the atmospheric research division, said the research and education centre designed the signal emulator for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), making it possible to emit GLONASS-M satellite signals to test Russian-made GLONASS receivers. "So this signal is needed to improve the quality of ground equipment?" Putin asked. Zadorozhny said that data from testing was being sent to scientists developing next-generation GLONASS-K satellites.

The prime minister was also shown microcomputers developed and manufactured at the research and education centre. These computers are used to control the system of satellite sensors, including electric-field, pressure and other sensors. The sensors used to study the spacecraft's ambient atmosphere are manufactured for GLONASS-M satellites and are regularly supplied to enterprises of the Federal Space Agency.

Prime Minister Putin also visited the Centre for Encouraging Young People's Creative Work in the High-Tech Sphere, where 100 university students and 100 physics and mathematics school students come to learn about modern technology, including nanotechnology, every year. Young people have helped develop a nanoparticle generator and an anti-bacterial air filter using silver nanoparticles. Imitation-diamond optical coatings have also been developed for the Novosibirsk Instrument Engineering Plant.