09 February 2004 15:27
Putin and top scientists confer on how to stem Russia`s brain drain
[Presenter] Retaining scientific personnel was one of the main topics discussed at the meeting of the Science and
High Technology Council today [9 February]. The meeting was held at the Moscow Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and was
chaired by Vladimir Putin. Prominent academicians Vitaliy Ginzburg, Zhores Alferov, Yuriy Osipov and other scientists
attended the meeting.
In his opening remarks, the president drew attention to the need to attract young specialists to science, which means
a direct link should be established between the results of one's work, remuneration and career promotion. In
addition, the president promised that he would instruct the government in the very near future to increase grants to
scientists working in the defence sector up to R30,000.
[Putin, addressing the meeting] Recently, as a result of the already improved economic opportunities, we have
seriously increased state investment in scientific research and training of specialists. Of course, I realize that
practically all of those gathered here would say that we have lost so much and that this is not enough but I must say
that since 2000 the federal budget's expenditure on science has gone up 2.5 times and on education it has more than
trebled. I repeat that yes, perhaps in absolute figures this is not enough but this is what is realistic and what the
state, proceeding from the budget's possibilities, was able to do and what it has done.
[Presenter] Another important topic is integration of science and education. According to Vladimir Putin, young
people, irrespective of their financial circumstances and place of residence, should have an opportunity to realize
their abilities.
The president touched upon the problem of the brain drain from Russia separately. According to Putin, all conditions
should be created for the return of scientists and one should think about joint work of specialists throughout the CIS
space.
[Putin] As I have already said publicly on more than one occasion, capital and intellectual resources are
concentrated exactly where the best conditions for their application emerge. This is what you and I should think about.
Of course, I realize that not everything depends on those present here but in any case we should create - it is my duty
to create and I hope to do it with your help - the best conditions for scientific research in Russia. It is our duty to
ensure, above all, that knowledge, experience and scientific contacts of our fellow countrymen continue to serve first
and foremost Russian science and the whole of Russia. To ensure that, one should at least turn international scientific
cooperation into a two-way street. We know that some of our colleagues have come back, many are thinking of doing that -
as I have already said, we should create conditions for efficient work here, inside the country.
[RTR Russia TV] |
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