The law on the reform of the Russian Academy of Sciences was passed by the State Duma on September 18 and approved by the Federation Council. On the eve of its signing by Russian President Vladimir Putin and entry into force, it was discussed at the joint meeting of the Public Council. The Minister of Education and Science, Dmitry Livanov, and the chairman of the Council for Science at the Ministry, vice-rector of Moscow State University Alexei Khokhlov, outlined the key provisions of the reform, which is about to become reality.
Livanov listed the basic principles of the reform: scientific activities and financial and organizational activities will be separated, the property issue will finally be resolved and all three Academies, Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences will be merged into one. The reform will ensure transparency of any decision and will involve actively working scientists into organizational matters. The effectiveness of research institutes will be established, and a new employment model will be introduced, attractive, particularly for young talent. "As long as there is no such system, the trend of ageing of science and the brain drain will continue," the Minister said.
During the discussion, the representatives of the Public Council and the Council for Science at the Ministry of Education drew attention to a number of problems which, in their opinion, could arise from adoption of the law. Among other issues, the speakers raised the question of doctoral students, noting the need to increase funding for post-graduate schools, and to address the issue of student accommodation. Attention was also drawn to the lack of up-to-date literature in the research libraries of the institutes.
