Since 2003, Platonov's encyclopedia publishing center was transformed into the independent think tank 'Institute for the History of Russian Civilization' (short name 'Russian Institute'), whose goal is stated as research and dissemination of the ideas of Metropolitan Ioann of St Petersburg and Ladoga (né Ivan Snychev; 1927–1995)Ioann (Snychev) (1927-1995), Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga 1990-1995, The Encyclopedia of Saint Petersburg; retrieved 10 April 2009.Ioann (Russian religious leader), Britannica Encyclopedia; retrieved 10 April 2009. with Platonov as the Institute's Director General.
