The Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Viktor Sadovnichy, says he approves the reform of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Sadovnichy says even though there are vehement disputes over the project in the academic community, he is optimistic about it. According to the head of the oldest and largest university in Russia, the most important aim is to make Russian science competitive.
According to the government-sponsored project of reform, the Russian Academy of Sciences will be joined with the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. The property of the new body will be managed by a special governmental agency.
The reform is criticized harshly by Russian scientists and the opposition. Opposition leaders believe the reform will increase corruption and waste and sabotage research projects.
