The President of Russia: Vladimir Putin took part in an annual meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin May 22, 2012, took part in an annual meeting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which reviewed the Academy's achievements in 2011.

Vladimir Putin outlined his vision for the future development of Russian science in view of the challenges facing society and the state.

In particular, he said: “We need to do serious intellectual work on development projects, the projects of the future. We need a system of long-term economic, scientific, technological and defence forecasting. We must also learn to sense and analyse the problems of modern Russian society… We also intend to adopt a proactive approach to involving research organisations and universities in implementing the innovative development programmes of state-owned companies.”

The President of Russia said: “We are currently preparing a unified long-term programme of fundamental research. It will be based on clear and understandable criteria and designed to integrate the work undertaken in the state academies of sciences, universities and state research centres. It will be focused on research that will allow Russia to reach the level of the most scientifically and technologically advanced countries.”

Vladimir Putin also expressed confidence that by 2020 at least five Russian universities should join the top 100 list of the world’s leading universities.

“The tremendous role of Russian science is obvious, especially the Academy of Sciences. I consider the creation of a solid foundation in the natural sciences, and humanities a mandatory, indispensable condition for Russia’s modernisation breakthrough and a key to ensuring Russia’s leading role in the world” – said the President of Russia.