Posted: 22.01.2025 12:37:14

Technologies of the future

Belarus’ NAS has selected top ten significant research and developments for the country

Every year, Belarusian scientists diligently work to create unique advancements across a myriad of sectors — ranging from physics, chemistry, and medicine to new materials, and beyond. Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has selected the ten most significant fundamental and applied research projects that hold considerable importance for the progress of both domestic and global science, while also having a substantial impact on the development of the country’s economy and addressing its social, environmental, and other challenges. 

1. Taming microbes  

A team of authors from the Centre for Laser Optical Technologies for Medicine and Biology at the B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics under Belarus’ NAS has developed and implemented methods to enhance the bactericidal properties of medicinal substances through the use of the photosensitising properties of their protoporphyrins. These methods have been developed collaboratively with leading medical professionals and are successfully being applied in practice.  

2. High precision  

Researchers from the B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics under Belarus’ NAS have created a high-precision installation for measuring the temporal characteristics of ultrashort laser radiation pulses. This apparatus enables the determination of pulse duration, temporal shape, and phase over a spectral range from 530 to 1,600 nm, with durations ranging from 5 fs to 10 ps and a resolution of up to 50 as, as well as pulse repetition rates from 10 Hz to 1 GHz, with a relative uncertainty of measurements of no more than five percent.  

3. Even better  

A team of authors from the Scientific and Practical Centre for Materials Research under Belarus’ NAS has developed a technology to produce and theoretically substantiate the mechanism for enhancing the electrical and magnetic properties of electroceramic materials (based on complex oxides of transition metals) intended for microelectronics. The experimental data obtained expands the existing knowledge concerning the structure and properties of electroceramic materials based on complex oxides of transition metals, which are promising for the creation of new functional materials necessary for the production of high-capacity electric capacitors, magnetic sensors, capacitive electromagnets, elements of electric memory, microwave filters, and other electrical engineering devices.  

4. Standard is key  

Scientists from the Institute of Applied Physics under Belarus’ NAS have developed national standards and ensured metrological traceability of measurements in evaluating the quality of materials and structures using magnetic control methods. Within the framework of this research, National Standard No. 68 for units of power for specific magnetic losses and magnetic induction in the range of 50 Hz to 200 kHz has been developed. National Standard No. 4 for magnetic induction units over the 0.05 — 2.0 T range has been modernised as well.   

5. Wood chemical products  

A team of researchers from the Institute of Chemistry of New Materials under Belarus’ NAS has created new catalytic systems for synthesising wood chemical products of various functional purposes. The forest, which covers approximately 40 percent of Belarus, is also our ‘green gold’ that serves as a valuable raw material for chemical processing. In the institute’s laboratory for wood chemical products, innovative approaches have been developed for utilising volatile components from wood resin and essential oils through the application of new catalysts.  

6. Fighting diabetes  

A team of authors from the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering under Belarus’ NAS has developed a new biomedical cellular product for treating diabetes mellitus, alongside methods for controlling its quality using artificial intelligence. The results obtained have laid the groundwork for an innovative treatment method for Type I diabetes, which has successfully passed clinical trials, was recommended for use by the Healthcare Ministry, and is now utilised in medical practice.  

7. Personalised treatment  

A team of scientists from the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry under Belarus’ NAS, the Institute of Physiology under Belarus’ NAS, and the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering under Belarus’ NAS, led by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Vasily Bogdan, Academic Secretary of Medical Sciences Department at Belarus’ NAS, has developed and experimentally validated the effectiveness of angiogenesis modulators based on circular DNA for creating promising gene therapeutic agents. There has been created a novel direction for our country in regenerative medicine. Significant scientific results have been obtained, including those with global priority. The prototype of the first domestic gene therapy medicine for treating chronic limb ischaemia has been substantiated.  

8. Successful forecasting  

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Oleg Kuznetsov, Director of the Republican Scientific Research Unitary Enterprise Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds under Belarus’ NAS has scientifically substantiated the mechanisms of development and devised original technologies for forecasting the course of virus-associated tumours.

9. Intelligent agriculture  

A team of authors from the Republican Scientific Unitary Enterprise Institute of Systemic Research in Agroindustrial Complex under Belarus’ NAS has come up with a comprehensive set of organisational and economic measures and mechanisms for advancing intelligent agricultural production. This development is crucial for the progress of both domestic and global science; it will significantly impact the country’s economic development by forming an effective organisational and economic mechanism for the development of intelligent agricultural production at both macro and micro levels.

10. Earthly and spiritual foundations  

A team of authors from the Centre for Belarusian Culture, Language, and Literature Research under Belarus’ NAS has devised a concept for the ethno-cultural development of historical and ethnographic regions of Belarus to foster national identity. In 2023, State Scientific Institution Centre for Belarusian Culture, Language, and Literature Research under Belarus’ NAS completed the publication of a fundamental six-volume series titled Ethno-Cultural Processes in Historical and Ethnographic Regions of Belarus in Past and Present. The ethnographic and regionally-local uniqueness of Belarus has been revealed through a comprehensive analysis of the rich spiritual and material heritage of the regions.