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25.01.2013

Lukashenko encourages youth to pursue career in science

MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expects talented young people to pursue a career in science. 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.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the need to enhance the role of science in elaborating socioeconomic development targets and plans. The President noted that the country needs researchers able to generate unconventional and out-of-the-box solutions.

The President said that today the alternation of scientific generations is a relevant issue. The average age of doctors of science at university is 61 years; candidates of science are 10 years younger. Fewer people choose to pursue postgraduate studies. “What is the number one problem? Is it all about small grants and small salaries for fledgling scientists and other material factors? Or is it about inadequate work to encourage young talented people to pursue a career in science?” the head of state asked.

“Some complain that we earmark about 1% of gross domestic product for science, while abroad the figure makes 2%, 3% or 4%. However, the bulk of resources provided for research in foreign countries is invested by commercial companies that pay for results. However, Belarusian scientists only create intellectual products that sometimes cannot be commercialized. More than that, researchers and manufacturers cannot even fully use resources of the innovation fund,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“Let us be pragmatic. If you need more resources, we will figure out how to find them. But we will do it only if you tell us clearly how these resources will be spent. In this case you will be responsible for the intellectual and commercial results,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the State Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles does not only perform supervisory functions. It is also expected to provide assistance to young scientists while preserving strict requirements to the quality of dissertations. The commission should be able to identify a promising idea and support it despite some technicalities. It should also promote the status and prestige of scientific research.

In 2012 a doctor's degree was granted to 46 seekers, a professor’s degree was bestowed upon 33 people. “A lot has been invested in each of you, now your duty is to share your expertise and knowledge with younger generations. You will have to maintain our academic traditions, support a high level of research methodology Belarus is famous for around the world. The most important thing is bringing up dedicated enthusiasts who are ready to share their talent in the interest of their native country,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko praised the achievements of Vladimir Kalinov from the Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences. His research is used for designing nuclear reactors and space equipment. The President also singled out Dmitry Migas from the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, whose work opens new horizons for optics and nano-electronics. “Surgical methods developed by Head of the National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Center Oleg Rummo save lives and health of patients from around the world,” the President said. Alexander Lukashenko also praised the contribution into archeological studies made by Denis Duk from the Polotsk State University.

The President congratulated the attendees on the degrees and their professional holiday – Belarusian Science Day.