Report of Chairman of Presidium of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik on 13 November.

“I am primarily interested in improving the performance of the Academy of Sciences. Why did we replace the chairman of the Academy of Sciences? So that things would get better. It was time to sort out the situation. I am sure you, too, had previously been immersed in matters concerning the Academy's work. So, what is your vision? How do we move forward? I have said many times that there is no future without science. That's the nature of our time,” the head of state said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, questions are being raised once again about strengthening the accountability of clients for scientific research and innovations, and about the connection between production and science in general. “There is such a matter. It will always be there,” the head of state said. “Previously, it sounded like this: ‘We have invented something, but industry, agriculture, transport, or someone else doesn’t want to take it. Just take a look, we have invented a great marvel and they don’t want to take it’.”

In this regard, the President emphasized that the final word should lie with the head of the Academy of Sciences. He must study what a given institute of the National Academy of Sciences is offering to a specific enterprise and make a decision. The responsibility will also lie with him. “If you push through a solution that is unviable, we will see it immediately. We will see it in practice. You will be held accountable for it. If the decision you make truly brings benefits, then [the rewards will vary] from state awards to financial incentives,” the head of state said. “Therefore, there is no need to discuss and raise the issue here of who wants it and who doesn’t. Besides, you are not far: pick up the phone, call me – a decision will be made instantly. We will figure out who can do what and who cannot.”

Vladimir Karanik reported that his main task, which he directs all scientists towards, is to develop what is in demand by the real sector of the economy, rather than trying to push on them whatever they have managed to create.

Aleksandr Lukashenko supported this position. “That is correct. Absolutely,” he said.

“If a development is successful and proves to be highly sought-after, then that is commendable. Because science should still be a step ahead of our practice and even our consciousness. Therefore, we must look at the result of this invention,” the President added.

In turn, Vladimir Karanik noted that the Academy of Sciences is already “turning to face the real sector of the economy”. “Everyone is noting that the level of interaction with specific enterprises has sharply increased. This applies to BNBC, dairy processing plants, and the agro-industrial sector. It is encouraging that they are already starting to approach us,” said the head of the National Academy of Sciences.

The President pointed out that the main thing is for scientists to be able to respond to these requests from the real sector effectively, productively, and beneficially. “The interest [from the enterprises] will be significant, because, as you can see, the pressure from my side, and from the ministers, from the government, is intensifying. Officials will be scrambling left and right to deliver solid, tangible results,” the head of state emphasized.

The head of the National Academy of Sciences raised the matter of elevating the status of scientists in Belarus. 

“You raise the matter of enhancing the status of scientists. In the society. And say that it may encourage more young people to pursue scientific careers on the whole. Not only in the Academy of Sciences. It is not the first time this matter has been raised. You know my stance. You may have a similar stance particularly after your work in the real sector of the economy,” the head of state said. “I know what the work of a person of science is. I am ready to assist with ensuring maximum payments but I need results. If we simply elevate the status [of scientists] by doubling the wages, it is unlikely we will get anything in return. This is why it is necessary to dive deep and make sure that the scientists are real ones. And in order to elevate the status. Instead of what we have usually done: let’s pay for academic dissertations, let’s pay for something else and so on.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that it may be necessary to add something somewhere but the status of a scientist is determined by their accomplishments. “If you have accomplishments, if you have results, then [you’ll get] any money,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

The President mentioned unmanned aerial vehicles as an example. For instance, if someone brings a drone that is practically invulnerable in the face of radioelectronic warfare or weapons. “Get money for the invention, for the product that you put on the table,” the President said.

Another example is the electric car that Belarusian scientists have been promising to present for several years now. “So many promises have been made! Where is that electric vehicle? We’ve helped and the Academy has spent quite a lot of money. There is no automobile. Well, what status are talking about?” Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered.

“This is why if there are accomplishments, inventions, concrete results, then you will get paid for it. In other words, the state should pay for results. And we will help scientists, sparing no expense,” the President formulated the main requirement. “I say it once again: we may be underperforming somewhere, we need to change. So that scientists would come and work and would not be poor. Because it takes time to invent something… But results should be paid for. It is the key thing. It is my solid stance.”

The President noted that his meeting with the NASB head paves the way for a large-scale event with the scientific community. “This is the first step toward holding our major conversation with scientists,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. The event is scheduled to take place on 17-23 November. The exact date will be determined later depending on the President’s schedule, including international engagements. “You will have the opportunity to prepare for this meeting, for this serious discussion. We need less formality. If a scientist has anything significant to say on the agenda we set, let them speak – we will listen,” the President said.

“Corresponding members and academicians must be present and understand our requirements. We, and I personally, do not intend to flatter scientists. Why? Because they are intelligent people who should understand that without results, there will be no benefits,” the head of state emphasized.