Scientists in Russia are concerned about how funding for scientific research will be distributed this year. According to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the government will support science with RUB 350 billion ($6.1 billion), the same amount as in 2014. Most of the funds will be awarded through a competitive process, with RUB 115 billion for basic research and the remainder for applied research. A state commission will determine the projects to receive funding. According to some scientists, with no system of state funding, much science would be left without financial support. They assert that a small group of scientists—possibly those with the strongest connections to the science and education ministry—would likely receive most of the government funds.

Source: Chemistry World