# Scientific Research and Design Institute of Informatization, Automation and Communication in Railway Transport

> railway industry research institute in Moscow, Russia

**Wikidata**: [Q54622472](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54622472)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scientific-research-and-design-institute-of-informatization-automation-and-communication-in-railway-transport

## Summary
The Scientific Research and Design Institute of Informatization, Automation and Communication in Railway Transport (NIIAS) is a research institute based in Moscow, Russia. Founded in 1956, the organization focuses on research and development within the railway industry. It is also known by its Russian acronym НИИАС.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1956
- **Location:** Moscow, Russia (Coordinates: 55.731514, 37.696906)
- **Type:** Research Institute
- **Aliases:** NIIAS, НИИАС
- **Website:** https://niias.ru/
- **Membership:** Suspended member of the International Union of Railways (joined 2004; membership suspended due to the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war)
- **Identifiers:** GRID ID: grid.495095.4; ROR ID: 0433ct737; Russian Organisation Number: 1077758841555
- **Sanctions Status:** Listed with an OpenSanctions ID (rupep-company-47665)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of NIIAS?
A: NIIAS is a research institute dedicated to the railway industry. Its specific focus, as indicated by its name, covers informatization, automation, and communication technologies within railway transport.

### Q: Where is the institute located?
A: The institute is located in Moscow, Russia, at the coordinates 55.731514 latitude and 37.696906 longitude.

### Q: Is the institute currently affiliated with international railway organizations?
A: While NIIAS became a member of the International Union of Railways in 2004, its membership is currently classified as "suspended" due to the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war.

## Why It Matters
The Scientific Research and Design Institute of Informatization, Automation and Communication in Railway Transport serves as a specialized hub for technological advancement in Russian railway infrastructure. Established in the mid-20th century, the institute plays a critical role in the modernization of railway systems, specifically targeting informatization and automation—key components for operational efficiency and safety in transportation networks. Its historical integration into the global scientific community, evidenced by its former membership in the International Union of Railways, highlights its relevance in the field. However, its current status reflects the geopolitical impacts on scientific and industrial cooperation, distinguishing it as an entity affected by international sanctions and policy shifts.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Research:** Focuses specifically on informatization, automation, and communication within the railway sector.
- **Longevity:** Has been operational since 1956, representing decades of involvement in railway research.
- **International Recognition:** Was a full member of the International Union of Railways (UIC) prior to suspension.
- **Sanctioned Entity:** Notable for its inclusion in OpenSanctions databases, reflecting its significance in the current geopolitical landscape.

## Body
### Organizational Profile
The Scientific Research and Design Institute of Informatization, Automation and Communication in Railway Transport—widely referred to by its aliases **NIIAS** and **НИИАС**—is classified as a research institute. It operates out of Moscow, Russia.

**Identifiers and Registration:**
*   **GRID ID:** grid.495095.4
*   **ROR ID:** 0433ct737
*   **Russian Organisation Number:** 1077758841555
*   **OpenSanctions ID:** rupep-company-47665

### History and Operations
The institute was founded in **1956**. It maintains an active online presence at `https://niias.ru/` and operates a Facebook account under the handle "vniias." The entity is distinct from the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems.

### Membership and Status
NIIAS joined the **International Union of Railways** (UIC) in 2004 (Member ID: 96). Following the onset of the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war, the institute's status with the union was updated to "suspended member."

## References

1. GRID Release 2018-05-01
2. [Source](https://vademecum.uic.org/en/memberDetail/96)
3. Unified State Register of Legal Entities