Union programs for the development of Belarusian and Russian science were discussed at a forum in Moscow
The policy of the Union of Belarus and Russia on creating a favorable environment for innovative developments, modern competitive technologies, and interaction between scientists of the two countries was discussed in Moscow during the expert-media forum "Vectors of Development of the Scientific Environment in the Union State".
– These are difficult times for economic development, which negatively affects the state of Belarusian-Russian trade; its volume has decreased in recent years. It would seem that science is not a priority. But I remember past crisis years when the whole world was in a similar state, and interestingly, allocations for science sharply increased. After all, one can emerge from a crisis weakened, or one can emerge strengthened by investing money in science, technology, and modernization, – emphasized Grigory Alekseevich.
In 2016, it is planned to allocate about 3 billion Russian rubles for the implementation of union programs. Today, the minds and resources of the Union State are concentrated on such sectors as the space industry, medicine, nanotechnology, electronics, mechanical engineering, and a number of others. Advisor-Envoy of the Embassy of Belarus in Russia Pavel Lyogkiy reported that almost half of the budget is spent on the development of advanced technologies, about 50 union innovative programs have already been implemented, and time has shown their effectiveness. Currently, 10 more are under development, which will solve the tasks of import substitution, savings, and ultimately independence.
– The concentration of funds should be on breakthrough technologies. I would like the period from the start of program development to its approval to be shortened, for this, bureaucratic procedures need to be maximally simplified, – believes Pavel Lyogkiy. The head of the apparatus of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, academician Petr Vityaz, also spoke about the gaps in the legislative framework. Meanwhile, delays at the start of the implementation of a particular project can leave our scientists behind, as progress is moving forward rapidly. Petr Alexandrovich noted that cooperation between Belarusian and Russian scientists is established, science-intensive areas have been chosen for joint efforts, and the successes are obvious. Judging by the presentation of the Union State projects, this is indeed the case.
Space beckons, "MIR" is at the start
It might seem that Belarus can have in common with space technologies? A decade ago, this was the case, but thanks to the Union State program, our country has managed to develop this area, and now there is our satellite in orbit. That is, an independent Earth remote sensing system, which will allow us to abandon the services of other states for obtaining and processing information from space.
Today, scientists are engaged in space medicine, noted the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Anatoly Grigoriev. But it is not so much about the possibilities of treating astronauts in conditions of weightlessness, as about preserving health. Thanks to space medicine, the science of a healthy person has begun to develop. Scientists are convinced that there should be projects not of treatment, but of disease prevention. In addition, this area provides new knowledge about the reserve capabilities of the body.
Another undoubtedly strategic issue is the creation of proprietary software, a task that needs to be completed by 2020. Currently, all software used is developed by foreign companies, which poses a certain threat. Firstly, due to sanctions, which, as practice has shown, we may encounter, and secondly, due to information security concerns. "Our answer to Chamberlain," as the scientists themselves say, will be "MIR-POBEDA": an engineering calculation module, being created through the joint efforts of Russians and Belarusians. According to the developers, they know how to bypass foreign companies and achieve the best results.
Computer modeling opens up broad prospects – a revolutionary project that allows for reducing the cost of various works. For example, this technology enables highly accurate modeling of combine harvester cleaning systems to prevent grain loss, or temperature parameters of dump truck tires to increase their durability.
The "Autoelectronics" program has recently been approved – the creation of proprietary electronic comfort and safety technologies for automobiles, which constitute 40% of their cost. Nowadays, the DNA identification program, with its anti-terrorism and anti-crime focus, is of particular relevance. Thus, scientists will assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending individuals who have broken the law.
From Flax to Lactoferrin
– We live in interesting times and are on the verge of the greatest discoveries, where artificial life is already a reality, – noted Grigory Onishchenko, Aide to the Chairman of the Government of Russia. – The breakthrough in genetic engineering is undeniable.
Some Union State projects in this area can be called revolutionary. In particular, this refers to lactoferrin – a protein found in human breast milk. It is a kind of natural antibiotic with unique protective properties. Scientists have found a way to obtain it artificially, and an experimental population of goats producing lactoferrin has been created.
What does this offer? Opportunities for its wide use in pediatrics, dentistry, gynecology, gastroenterology, in the form of powder, tablets, capsules, suppositories to boost immunity, prevent diseases, and disinfect the environment. As well as a dietary supplement for artificially fed infants, including premature babies, which will help reduce infant mortality. In the future, the issue of producing medicinal preparations and infant formula based on lactoferrin will be considered.
Undoubtedly, the genetic passportization project is also important. For example, for agricultural crop varieties to verify the safety of imported goods into the territory of the Union State. A number of varieties of various crops already have corresponding passports, and scientists continue to work on this. Similar gene technologies are also applied to animals: cattle, pigs, horses.
Lately, the Union State participants have been actively discussing the possibilities of using flax, and not only in the textile industry. We are talking about creating fuel, gunpowder, and other products. That is why one of the developing union programs for 2015-2019 is "Innovative Development of the Flax Complex of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation," which should open new prospects for our northern silk.
And who are the personnel?
Raw materials run out sooner or later, so we need to focus on high technologies, noted the Deputy State Secretary of the Union State, Alexey Kubrin. And on people, thanks to whose intellect all this becomes a reality. Therefore, one of the tasks of our time is the popularization of science and the profession of a scientist, including among young people. How can the Union of Belarus and Russia help with this?
Firstly, to provide a platform for self-realization, and secondly, the means to implement the project. Grigory Rapota noted that it is worth considering a grant system to stimulate young scientists, but at the same time, one should not forget about the experience of distinguished representatives of science; a competent blend of generations is needed in working on various topics. Unfortunately, the problem of brain drain has not bypassed us either, so it is necessary to create the most favorable conditions for scientific personnel, to provide more opportunities for communication between young scientists of the two countries.
Petr Vityaz rightly noted: it is important to train personnel, but it cannot be done only at a desk, especially since technologies are rapidly developing. It is necessary to involve students in scientific developments, the activities of design bureaus, and create basic departments at enterprises. As for stimulating science as a whole and supporting young minds, great attention is paid to this issue in Belarus.
A Special Fund of the President for the Support of Talented Youth has been established, competitions are held among young scientists for grants, and the "100 Ideas for Belarus" project has become a platform for self-realization, and this list can go on. Representatives of the new generation demonstrate intelligence, capabilities, and ideas for the development of their country, proving their abilities in practice. The Belarusian High-Tech Park has also become an excellent platform for this, as its director Valery Tsepkalo said. It was young Belarusians who created the globally popular computer game "World of Tanks," which twice entered the Guinness Book of Records for the largest number of players simultaneously on the server.
Not so long ago, another Belarusian development became known – the short messaging service "Viber", which was developed by guys from Brest, and today this application is on almost every smartphone. Such examples prove that our youth are capable of much. This means we can be confident in tomorrow and a high-tech future. Especially when the efforts of two countries are combined for this purpose. As time shows, everything we undertake together succeeds.
Olga Maslovskaya, photo by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".