Mikhail Mishustin presents Government awards in science and technology
Remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:
Colleagues, friends,
I am happy to greet you at the ceremony to present Government awards in science and technology. Today, we honour the results of many years of work in important fields of science.
The majority of our people have no connection to the world of scientific research, however, today everyone uses many things which only several years or even several dozen years ago were regarded as innovations or breakthrough solutions. They are for the benefit of people. This was the case with intelligent train driving systems, which have significantly improved transport safety, or new drugs, new treatment methods and new surgery technology that help doctors save lives and achieve better outcomes for patients. There are hundreds of examples like this in many areas.
The role of science in the economic and social development of the country continues to gain in importance. It is particularly significant today as Russia steadily responds to the challenges that are emerging due to the sanctions-related restrictions and the actions by unfriendly countries, which deny us access to foreign products.
We need to secure technological sovereignty. It is a very important objective that the head of state has set before us, emphasising that we need to have our own competencies in critically important sectors: not only basic solutions but entire production chains.
Major industrial projects to be carried out in the next seven years, which will receive public and private funding, are expected to become a key mechanism in this effort. A total of at least 10 billion roubles will be invested in each of these projects.
What sets these projects apart is that manufacturing must be based on domestic solutions, which are developed under national control, and the use of our design tools.
The first ten projects have already been approved. They cover diesel engines, engineering tools, robotics, microelectronics, small-scale chemistry and pharmaceutical products, as well as civil aircraft, including unmanned aviation systems.
Another
important aspect is the development of cut-through technologies. The President
emphasised their significance, their impact on the economy's structural
changes, the creation of new industries and the production of groundbreaking
products and services. He also instructed for the roadmaps for high-tech tracks
to be updated. We have signed agreements with a number of industry leaders for
the implementation of these plans. The Government has allocated over 65 billion
roubles in the budget for this purpose.
The resolution of these complex and large-scale tasks must proceed in close
collaboration with industrial enterprises, universities and research
organisations.
Our innovative researchers are tireless enthusiasts. They think in a daring and
unconventional way and believe in their ideas.
Today, it is essential to provide them with optimal conditions for conducting
fundamental and applied research and developing critical technologies. It is
the Government's responsibility to ensure that this is done.
This is why we continue developing a solid scientific foundation in Russian regions that can benefit both young and experienced, established researchers.
At present, 15 research and education centres are in operation which combine
the potential of nearly 160 universities, over 140 research organisations and
400 businesses.
Their research designs are primarily influenced by the prevailing industries in
each region, such as mineral extraction, agriculture, aircraft and
shipbuilding.
In the current year, on the President's directive, we have replaced half of the
instruments in the leading research organisations by allocating 15.5 billion
roubles for this purpose.
We are also upgrading and expanding the equipment of the research equipment
sharing centres. Additionally, the construction of seven Mega Science units is
underway. I am sure you are familiar with them: SKIF in Koltsovo, RIF on Russky
Island, and PIK high-flux reactor in Gatchina. These facilities can be used to
create new materials, understand the structure and mechanisms of substance
effects, and manipulate them at the atomic level.
Friends,
We have significant, large-scale and challenging endeavours ahead of us.
However, I firmly believe that our scientists will rise to this challenge, as
the opportunities for doing so are abundant.
I would like to particularly emphasise that not only is the significance of
science increasing, but its appeal is also growing. More and more of our young
people – bold and ambitious researchers – are entering this field.
Under the respective national project, over 700 laboratories have been
established, led by young scientists under the age of 39. By the end of next
year, there will be 160 more such laboratories.
Without a
doubt, they will attract many talented young individuals, designers who are
dedicated to solving important tasks for the country, with the support of the
events during the Decade of Science and Technologies. This year, 20 million
people attended these events. I sincerely hope that many of them will pursue a
professional career in science.
Friends,
Today, we are presenting Government prizes to the authors of the 20 best
high-level research projects. All of these projects have practical applications
in key areas such as medicine, engine building and engineering, equipment
design and materials development, as well as energy, environmental protection,
construction and agriculture. They are designed to address the challenges our
country is currently facing.
These scientific investigations contribute significantly to the progress of the
Russian industry.
Among
them, we have the cutting-edge production of turbine blades and body components,
the launch of unique equipment for the PD-8 engine, the creation of polymer
composite materials for PD-14 and PD-8 engine cowling systems, as well as the
production of integrated microcircuits for spacecraft and high technology for
use under extreme conditions. We also have the serial production of competitive
and high-performance diesel engines to be used in manufacturing tractors,
wheeled, caterpillar and other vehicles across many industries, the design
and efficient operation of "dry" air cooling units for large capacity
power units, the introduction of new welding methods and equipment, and the
implementation of digital control and product quality management in light
industry enterprises.
We also pay special attention to the development of the Northern Sea Route, a
strategically important and the shortest route between Europe and Asia. We are
currently building the necessary infrastructure and expanding the icebreaker
fleet, utilising modern solutions. Some of these solutions have been recognised
with awards today, such as the nuclear reactor unit for a universal
nuclear-powered icebreaker, the serial production of an innovative propulsion
complex for Arctic-class large-capacity vessels to transport liquefied natural
gas along the Northern Sea Route, and construction technologies for the Arctic
which will allow for faster and more efficient development of this region.
Among the prize winners are also the authors of new methods for diagnosing and surgically treating aortic and cardiac pathology, as well as rehabilitating patients with serious brain dysfunctions.
The scientists present here have also created
innovations in animal husbandry to provide people with high quality products,
and in the field of environmental safety for certain regions of the country.
All these are undoubtedly much-needed developments that meet the interests of
our economy and social sphere.
Dear prize winners,
I would like to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. Your intellectual
efforts are of great importance for our country and all its people. You are an
inspiration to talented young people who are just beginning their journey in
science.
I sincerely thank you for your hard work and wish you continued professional success.
Now, let us proceed to the award ceremony.
