Events
Belarusian scientists promised higher wages in exchange for results
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. An archive photo
MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko is ready to assist with raising the wages of scientists as much as possible but the scientists need to produce results in exchange. The head of state made the relevant statement as he heard a report from Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik, BelTA has learned.
The head of the National Academy of Sciences raised the matter of elevating the status of scientists in Belarus.
“You raise the matter of enhancing the status of scientists. In the society. And say that it may encourage more young people to pursue scientific careers on the whole. Not only in the Academy of Sciences. It is not the first time this matter has been raised. You know my stance. You may have a similar stance particularly after your work in the real sector of the economy,” the head of state said. “I know what the work of a person of science is. I am ready to assist with ensuring maximum payments but I need results. If we simply elevate the status [of scientists] by doubling the wages, it is unlikely we will get anything in return. This is why it is necessary to dive deep and make sure that the scientists are real ones. And in order to elevate the status. Instead of what we have usually done: let’s pay for academic dissertations, let’s pay for something else and so on.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that it may be necessary to add something somewhere but the status of a scientist is determined by their accomplishments. “If you have accomplishments, if you have results, then [you’ll get] any money,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
The president mentioned unmanned aerial vehicles as an example. For instance, if someone brings a drone that is practically invulnerable in the face of radioelectronic warfare or weapons. “Get money for the invention, for the product that you put on the table,” the president said.
Another example is the electric car that Belarusian scientists have been promising to present for several years now. “So many promises have been made! Where is that electric vehicle? We’ve helped and the Academy has spent quite a lot of money. There is no automobile. Well, what status are talking about?” Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered.
“This is why if there are accomplishments, inventions, concrete results, then you will get paid for it. In other words, the state should pay for results. And we will help scientists, sparing no expense,” the president formulated the main requirement. “I say it once again: we may be underperforming somewhere, we need to change. So that scientists would come and work and would not be poor. Because it takes time to invent something… But results should be paid for. It is the key thing. It is my solid stance.”
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
