Abstract

The first four selections in this issue are devoted to the question of the future of science in Russia. A. V. Iurevich and I. P. Tsapenko outline the depressed state of Russian science today and the tendencies that, unless checked, will bring about its complete collapse. The precipitous decline in government financing of research has not been offset by support from international foundations or private business in Russia. The salaries of scientists are among the lowest in the economy—below the official subsistence level. In the last ten years the ranks of scientists have been reduced by half: some researchers are unemployed, others have gone into commerce or politics, and others have emigrated. Those who remain in the research institutes are often underemployed, lack up-to-date literature and equipment, and have few opportunities to publish their results. It is not surprising that scientific productivity measured by the number of discoveries and inventions has fallen drastically. The government ignores this situation because the scientific community lacks political influence. The public at large is too preoccupied with economic and political matters to give any thought to science or feel any sympathy for the scientists. The authors predict that if the trends of the last decade continue, Russia will be reduced to a source of raw materials, a country without science, advanced technology, higher education, and intellectual leadership. A strong science policy is urgently needed