The «Academic» mandarin variety is the result of long-term breeding at the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Obtained in 2002 by selection among seedlings of hybrid No. 10 («Kovano Vase» x hybrid 3252). Trees are of medium size with a dense, spreading crown and rough bark; shoots are arc-shaped, ribbed, and sometimes covered with first-order thorns. Leaves are of medium size, broadly lanceolate, shiny and corrugated, with a serrated edge.
Fruits are round-flattened, average weight about 87 grams. Peel is thin (2–3 mm), smooth, oily, orange and easily separates from the pulp. Inside – 11–12 segments with thin membranes; core is partially filled, almost no seeds. Pulp is bright orange, very juicy, acid-sweet, with a moderate aroma. The pulp-to-peel ratio is approximately 68 : 32, sugar content – 7.2%, acids – 0.8% and vitamin C – 30.2 mg/100 g.
«Academic» is distinguished by high yield, early ripening period (September–October) and resistance to pests and diseases. Due to these properties, the variety is considered promising for industrial cultivation and is valued in breeding work to improve fruit quality. As part of the national network of genetic resources, it is included in the collection of 22 original interspecific hybrids, and also participates in projects to create nomenclature standards of domestic mandarin varieties.
