Press release, 09.02.2017

YABLOKO Chair and deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia Emilia Slabunova submitted a bill on the restoration of independence of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). Slabunova suggests that the Academy of Sciences must become independent from the Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations and the government.

The bill suggests that Russia’s Government will be deprived of the right to appoint and dismiss President of the RAS. According to the bill, only academicians will have the right to elect the head of the RAS. At present the head of the RAS is elected by the general meeting of the Academy members from amongst its academicians. However, the Government must approve of the post. It also possesses the right to relieve the head of the Academy from office.

According to Emilia Slabunova, the principle of independence is one of the key elements of the status of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The bill also suggests that the RAS must be granted the right to appoint the priority areas for development of basic science and basic exploratory research. At present it falls within competence of the Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations. Emilia Slabunova claims that the scientific policy of the state must be shaped by the RAS.

Moreover, the reports on the situation with basic science and the major achievements of Russian scientists must become open to public in order to boost the promotion of science.

If the initiative is adopted by the Karelian parliament, it will be transferred for consideration of the State Duma.