In an attempt to revamp science at its universities and silence critics who claim inadequate funding for basic research, particularly at the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Russia’s government has implemented several programs to encourage more university research other than RAS. The programs include a “national research university” program, which now includes 40 universities. Other efforts include competition for grants of up to $5 million to attract foreign researchers and a fund to sponsor research projects by university groups. The government’s emphasis on applied science has placed basic science on the backburner. RAS still carries out the majority of Russia’s basic research, but government funding is just $1.6 billion per year. Among the alternatives to RAS for research funding is Dmitry Zimlin’s Dynasty Foundation. It awards competitive three-year grants to up to 130 young theoretical physicists and mathematicians. The foundation plans to expand into the disciplines of biology, chemistry and earth sciences.

Source: Science