Presenting certificates to Belarus’ newest doctors of science and professors, Mr. Lukashenko acknowledged the important role played by science in the life of society and the responsibilities of the country’s scientific elite. “Gaining a degree as a doctor of science, or the title of professor, is quite an accomplishment here in Belarus, as I always encourage the State Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles to reject obviously weak and outdated works,” he noted.
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Mr. Lukashenko views scientific personnel training as a vital step in improving research teams’ efficiency. He views the vigorous efforts of our scientific elite as the driving force behind the creative potential of any research institute or educational institution. He emphasised, “The healthcare industry is a good example, with many dissertations on medical subjects defended in Belarus of late: in the spheres of clinical medicine, military surgery, oncology, endocrinology, reproductive health, epidemiology, and medical biology.”
Mr. Lukashenko believes it to be essential that we accelerate innovative development, ‘training more highly-qualified specialists in a number of priority and in-demand industries’. He noted the spheres of biotechnology, microbiology, electronic instrument-making, the energy sector, chemistry and production of mineral fertilisers, as well as the development and enrichment of natural resources, and the production and processing of farm produce.
Taking part in the ceremony to present certificates to our new doctors of science and professors were various specialists in natural and technical sciences, physics and mathematics. Addressing those gathered, the President told them, “It’s important that your developments are in demand: relating to new composite materials, and devices for the transfer, reception and processing of information, as well as relating to superconducting nano-electronics, and new optic elements.”
The event was attended by a number of specialists in humanitarian sciences: lawyers, sociologists, economists, and art historians. Mr. Lukashenko underlined, “You are committed to studying the objective laws governing modern society and its economic systems, preserving our historical and cultural legacy, and enriching the spiritual wealth of the nation. Specialists in humanitarian sciences are entrusted with a special mission, which they must fulfil.”
The Head of State drew attention to 2015 having been declared the Year of Youth, noting, “State youth policy has already positively influenced the situation in science. Young researchers constitute 25 percent of the total number of scientists and such young talent is being constantly supported. Over 500 people were granted Presidential scholarships between 2010 and 2015.”
The Head of State remarked on his pleasure at seeing young doctors of science in the hall, commenting, “You must make a tangible contribution to science before you are 40, to set a good example to the younger generation.”
After the ceremony Mr. Lukashenko chatted with scientists, discussing how best to improve the quality of education and tie it more closely to the production sphere. He is convinced that students need first hand experience of real application for new technologies, including in the sphere of military medicine and devices. One participant mentioned concerns over the recognition of foreign scientific diplomas in Belarus but the President was able to assure those gathered that the country has a system to ensure protection of Belarusian science from pseudoscientists.
By Veniamin Mikheev
