Dmitry Chernyshenko: "The plan for the Decade of Science and Technology aims to achieve technological leadership."

      Under the chairmanship of Vice Premier Dmitry Chernishenko, a meeting of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology was held. Participants discussed interim results of implementing the Decade initiatives through 2025 and preparations for the V Congress of Young Scientists. "The Decade of Science and Technology, announced by President Vladimir Putin, aims to enhance the role of science and technology in addressing key development challenges of the country. Its main goal is for Russia to achieve technological leadership. A dedicated plan has been developed to promote modern scientific knowledge and generate real socio-economic impact. One of the main annual events—the Congress of Young Scientists—has since this year been included in the national project 'Youth and Children.' This event traditionally brings together representatives of the scientific community, business leaders, as well as government and public organization representatives from Russia and abroad," noted Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernishenko, who also co-chairs the Coordination Committee. Last year, over 7,000 people from 85 regions of Russia and abroad participated in the Congress of Young Scientists. The Decade initiatives are strengthening the human resource potential of the scientific and technological sector. "Hosting the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia is undoubtedly a very important initiative by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. It aims to popularize scientific achievements and create conditions for careers in science. I believe the organizers and all participants are successfully fulfilling these objectives," said Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov emphasized that the Decade shapes the correct perception of science and the scientist profession. Surveys show an increasing share of parents supporting their children’s careers in science—now over 60%. "We also see a growing interest among youth in engineering specialties, linked to extensive work within the Decade. Compared to 2022, admissions to engineering programs in 2024 increased by 7%, from 213,000 to 228,000 students," the minister highlighted. Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky reported that scientific volunteering is developing, research into the heritage of the Soviet scientific school continues, and the network of children's science sites is expanding—currently, there are 55 in 41 cities across Russia. The 'Science and Innovation' domain offers 26 services for the research community. In Russian regions, 12 new routes of science-popular tourism have been launched, bringing the total to 87 nationwide. "Since the beginning of 2025, over 3,000 Decade events have been held, covering more than 4 million people. This reflects the scale of work done and sets a high bar for the second half of the year. The development of existing formats continues, and new areas are emerging so that more young people see science as an opportunity for professional growth and participation in the country's future," he added. Sofia Malyavina, General Director of the ANO 'National Priorities,' which operates the Decade of Science and Technology, shared: "Since the start of the Decade in 2022, we have organized over a hundred excursions and lectures 'Science Nearby,' created dozens of thematic TV projects and podcasts, and attracted more than 100,000 school and university students to participate in competitions. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, there have been over 24,000 publications about science—on television, radio, in print, and online. The interest in this topic is growing, and our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible learn about scientific achievements and the professionals behind them." GRIOR Youth Leader Grigory Gurov noted that the scientific volunteer community comprises over 60,000 people, with an additional 3,000 volunteers joining in 2025: "Rosklyos has launched the 'Science and Technology: DARE AND DISCOVER' initiative jointly with the Movement of the First, aimed at popularizing science among children and youth, including through the flagship 'First in Science' project. This year, we plan to launch at least 600 scientific clubs of the First in 30 pilot regions. We support young people eager to develop in science and create conditions for children and youth to implement their ideas and propose innovative projects within the national project 'Youth and Children,' initiated by the President of Russia." Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and head of the interdepartmental working group on the preparation and conduct of the Congress of Young Scientists and satellite events, spoke about the upcoming 26–28 November 2025, V Congress of Young Scientists. "In 2025, special attention is paid to expanding the international component of the Congress—active work is underway to invite foreign scientists from friendly countries. The Congress has been represented at international communication platforms, including on foreign missions and during presentation sessions at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Mexico, Turkey, India, and Arab countries. Additionally, this year, the partner organization Friends for Leadership, created following the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students and operating in 130 countries, has joined the invitation campaign. To date, over 1,600 participants have applied to attend," said Kobyakov. Among the innovations for the upcoming Congress, the advisor named the BRICS Social and Humanitarian Research Forum held during the event. Exhibitor clusters dedicated to industry, technological development, healthcare, ecology, and digitalization will also be organized. Alexei Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom State Corporation, discussed the Congress activities related to nuclear topics and the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry. Dmitry Artyukhov, Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, highlighted regional experiences in implementing the Decade initiatives. Natalia Virtuozova, Director of the 'Russia' National Center for the Decade's tasks, spoke about efforts to promote science fiction through exhibitions, international discussion platforms, and educational programs. The flagship project of this work is the International Symposium 'Creating the Future.' Elena Shmeleva, Head of the Education Fund 'Talent and Success,' Viktor Sadyovnichy, Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and Aleksey Komissarov, Rector of the Presidential Academy, made proposals for projects and events within the Decade and the Congress. FAQ: President Vladimir Putin announced the Decade of Science and Technology from 2022 to 2031. The thematic objectives include attracting talented youth to research and development, facilitating their involvement in solving society’s and the country's crucial challenges, and increasing public access to information about scientific achievements and prospects. The operator of the Decade is the ANO 'National Priorities.' The V Congress of Young Scientists will be held from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the federal Sirius site. It is a key annual event of the Decade in Russia, bringing together prominent leaders of domestic science, representatives of leading scientific schools from various regions, research and educational organizations, government bodies, industry partners, business representatives, and young scientists, engineers, contest winners, grant recipients, students, and schoolchildren from Russia and abroad. Scientific and educational activities of the Congress and the demonstration of advanced science-intensive technologies promote the popularization of Russian science achievements, raise the prestige of the scientist profession, and attract young scientists and developers to the sector. To involve the Russian scientific community in solving priority regional challenges, satellite events have been held annually since 2022. From June 2 to 4, 2025, a satellite event took place in Krasnodar Krai; additional satellite activities will be held in Tula and Sakhalin regions throughout the year. The Congress and satellite events are conducted within the framework of the national project 'Youth and Children.' The organizers are the Roscongress Foundation, the Government of the Russian Federation, and the Coordinating Council for Youth Affairs in Scientific and Educational Spheres under the Presidential Council for Science and Education. Press Service of the Governor and Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.