Łukašenka blasts Academy of Sciences as useless

December 3, Pozirk. The Academy of Sciences has failed to promote “advanced scientific and technological development,” Alaksandar Łukašenka has told officials from a working group that has been analyzing the state-run research center since June.

“We have very few groundbreaking scientific achievements,” his press office quoted him as saying. “We don’t see the expected impact of the academy’s activities. There is no monetization of the Academy of Sciences’ research and development. And that is the main criterion for assessing its effectiveness.”

This situation begs the question whether Belarus needs the Academy of Sciences in its current form or whether it is better to focus on industry- and university-based research, Łukašenka noted.

The Belarusian ruler also criticized the State Committee on Science and Technologies and ministries for failing to secure R&D orders.

“Don’t industries have requests for scientific research?” he said. “How could it happen that projects in high demand and heavily funded by the state, such as drones, space [science], digital and biotechnologies, are literally handed over to the Academy of Sciences? How can we manage research in these areas without practitioners who understand what the economy needs?”

Earlier this year, Łukašenka accused the Academy of Sciences of “serious miscalculations.”

Also read: Łukašenka wants Academy of Sciences to contribute more to economy