Lukashenko: Time for radical modernization of Belarusian science

MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – It is time for a radical modernization of the Belarusian economy and science. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he presented diplomas to doctors of science and professor certificates to researchers and educational research workers on 25 January, BelTA has learned.

“We cannot afford dispersing funds for the sake of satisfying purely academic curiosity. The Belarusian science should be tailored to satisfy requirements of our sovereign state and its structure should become more compact,” said the President. Alexander Lukashenko believes that it is important to clearly determine what strategic areas Belarusian scientists should explore on their own, what areas it is advisable to work on together with foreign colleagues, and what foreign research products it is more profitable to buy.

“Research into the society, the man should give us a profound understanding of the global changes going on in the world. They cannot but affect us. Look at how radically the world has changed, what colossal information flows affect every person. Along with progressive things they bring about the unseen before capacity to manipulate individuals and huge masses of people,” remarked the President. In his words, the nature of all these phenomena requires a closer study for the sake of enjoying the benefits of computer civilization while protecting oneself from new threats.

“Fundamental scientific discoveries certainly belong to the entire world. But the countries that generate new knowledge enjoy the cutting edge in the commercial use of these ideas, in the export of high-tech products that generates billions in profits,” said the head of state.

“Moreover, those, who are the first to spread a technology, advance to the leading positions in the world. Therefore, well-developed science is one of the things that guarantee the national security,” stressed the President.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that solid scientific traditions and schools evolved in Belarus back in the Soviet times. “We have managed to preserve and multiply this resource,” believes the head of state. “A science of its own is an inalienable attribute of any developed nation”. The President noted that Belarusian scientists work together with the world’s best physicists to discover new particles using the Large Hadron Collider. Innovative methods of Belarusian medics are successfully used to combat diseases. Belarusian specialists are successful at the development of information technologies and biotechnologies, the creation of new varieties of plants and nanomaterials.