Problems of new Russian Academy of Science

By Vestnik Kavkaza

In summer 2013 a reform of the Russian Academy of Science began. Last year was the most difficult for the Academy. Huge efforts were made to conduct the reform smoothly and prevent damaging the scientific activities of the Academy’s scientists, Vladimir Fortov, the president of the Russian Academy of Science says: “We tried to make it the most painless for scientists who work in institutes… FANO became an operating structure, and today it provides financial and administrative management. The Academy of Science manages scientific studies in the country – not only academic ones. And both we and FANO have great responsibility.”

According to Fortov, the process of merging the three previously independent academies was very difficult, but no conflicts emerged.

The RAS president stressed that, as a result of the reform, a new charter of the Academy was adopted: “This is the 13th charter in the history of Russia. It happens quite rarely. It was a difficult process of adoption. There are great differences between the current and the previous charter. We included all necessary aspects to be an effective academy in Russia and the world.”

According to Fortov, Russian science and Russian academic science have proved their effectiveness and productivity, and they will continue to improve: “The effectiveness of our studies is acknowledged throughout the whole world. At least self-administration, democracy, electivity, freedom of scientific creativity are written into our charter. And we should implement them in practice. The new Academy should be a real aide to our country.”

However, despite the reform, old problems still remain: “Financial support is small, our infrastructure is almost exhausted, as well as equipment. Often our equipment is outdated. Such problems as salaries, young staff, accommodation, social benefits should be solved. Healthcare services are also a big problem.”