Minsk, December 3, 2024 – The Europe Today: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed the critical role of academic science in the nation’s progress during a meeting with the working group analyzing the activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB), according to media reports.
Opening the meeting, President Lukashenko emphasized that the future of Belarusian science and its practical application were paramount for the country’s advancement. “Without effective academic science, the development of the country will be problematic. With the science we have, we will not be able to accelerate and achieve success,” he remarked.
The working group, established in June 2024 under Lukashenko’s directive, operates on a permanent basis. Its mandate includes evaluating the practical orientation and effectiveness of NASB’s research, promoting the implementation of scientific developments in the economy and social sectors, fostering import substitution, and enhancing the export of scientific and technical products.
The President receives annual reports from the group detailing findings and proposals to address identified challenges. This meeting follows the group’s inaugural session on 30 July 2024, where Lukashenko underscored the necessity of prioritizing science. “It is impossible to develop without it. But recently, I have observed significant miscalculations by the Academy of Sciences, particularly in areas where we should already excel, such as animal husbandry and crop production,” he noted.
The need for a focused examination of NASB’s activities arose from appeals by government officials and scientific experts. Lukashenko highlighted both achievements and dissatisfaction within the scientific community, emphasizing the importance of addressing shortcomings. The working group, led by the Chairman of the State Control Committee, is tasked with involving specialists to ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic decision-making in NASB’s development.
“This is a serious moment for us to evaluate and make decisions that will shape the trajectory of Belarusian academic science,” Lukashenko concluded.
