Russia told to ensure long-term support for science

The lack of continuity of Russian government support for large initiatives could lower the quality of research carried out in the country, says Euroscience.

In an article published on the Euroscientist website, the Euroscience association of researchers blames Putin for taking away all the assets of the Russian Academy of Science, which were transferred to another public agency, the Federal Agency for Scientific Organisations. 

Euroscience also criticises Putin for his ad-hoc support for initiatives such as the creation of a Russian Silicon Valley in the town of Skolkovo, south of Moscow. Out of the 400-hectare of buildings planned for this area, “only a few” have been built, the group said. The project missed its deadlines due to a case of corruption unveiled by a public inspection, the association added.