Russian Scientists Protest Against Cuts

As part of the government’s latest reforms, the Science Ministry has been integrated into the newly established Ministry for Science, Industry and Technology. On June 4th indignant Russian scientists demanded proper funding from the government. Scientists all over the country protested against the plans to cut budget funding. The protests were organized by the Russian coordinating committee for the science-related labor unions. Scientists in Moscow, St.Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Novossibirsk and other major Russian cities and scientific research centers gathered in the streets to picket the headquarters of the local authorities. Moscow scientists picketed the State Duma and the Finance Ministry. Previous budget legislation stipulated that 4 percent of budget revenues be spent on scientific research projects. Admittedly, the Finance Ministry never fully adhered to the legislation. In 1999, for example, only 1.85% of budget revenues were allocated for scientific research; in 2000 funds amounted to only 1.5%. The scientists fear that, as usual, they will get only half of the amount stipulated by law. Therefore, they insist the earlier percentage remain unchanged. In addition to the above the government also proposes to eliminate certain tax benefits that currently apply to scientific institutions.