DUSHANBE, September 17, 2010, Asia-Plus -- By government’s decree of September 16 a number of research institutes of the Academy of Science of Tajikistan were merged, according to presidential press service.

Thus, the Institute of Geology and the Institute of Seismology and Antiseismic Construction were merged to form the Institute of Geology ad Seismology.

The Institute of Botany and the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics were merged into the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics.

The Institute of State and Law and the Institute of Philosophy were merged to form the Institute of Philosophy, Political Sciences and Law.

The Institute of Demography and the Institute of Economy were merged into the Institute of Economy and Demography.

Besides, the Institute of Oriental Studies and Written Heritage and the Institute of Language and Literature are expected to be merged into the Institute of Language and Literature, Oriental Studies and Written heritage.

The decree also provides for establishment of the Center for Innovative Development of Science and Technologies under the Academy of Sciences and the Higher Attestation Commission (agency to oversee awarding of advanced academic degrees).