Events

Lukashenko wants bigger focus on person-oriented research

MINSK, 23 January (BelTA) – While conducting fundamental research, scientists should keep in mind that their research outcomes should be translated into practice and benefit ordinary people, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with scholars in Minsk on 23 January, BelTA has learned.

The participants of the meeting told the president about their research projects and issues they are facing in their work.

One of the key topics was climate change. The scientists explained that the abnormally warm winter in Belarus was caused by a set of global factors. In their words, the recent five-year period was the warmest period in the history of weather observation. As temperature is rising, so is the probability of extreme weather conditions.

“To be honest, I do not have a lot of trust in those who produce weather forecasts. I had very tough discussions with them last year. During the busiest sowing or harvesting periods, our meteorological services could not produce a weather forecast even for three days. Everywhere in the world meteorologists  produce seven-day forecasts that can accurately predict the weather by the hour, but our services cannot,” the Belarusian head of state said.

After the issue drew the attention of the president, there were some personnel changes in the meteorological service and the situation has changed for the better. “Today’s three-day forecasts are 120% accurate,” Aleksandr Lukashenko joked.

“While indulging in our contemplations and strategic thinking we should keep in mind that there are things we need to take care of today, as these things will be here in 100 years, even after we are gone,” the head of state said.

He emphasized the need for a reasonable balance between strategic and tactical approaches to medical research. Patients’ interests should be at the heart of everything.

The scholars assured that they are following this principle. For example, the Aleksandrov National Research Center for Oncology and Medical Radiology has introduced technology that can help preserve cancer-affected organs, which was impossible several dozen years ago. The Mother and Child National Research Center has developed a comprehensive program of prenatal diagnostics and obstetric management of multifetal pregnancy.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks