According to him, "the state is duty-bound to keep up as it can fundamental science, leaving the choice of its priorities for the academic and university scientific community." Fundamental research is arranged above all according to the branches of knowledge, rather than directions of technological development, he said.
"It is no mere chance that expenses on basic research in the new budget classification are focused, beginning in 2005, in the 'national issues' sector," Krivolapov said.
He said that Russian scientific-technical priorities are approved at the top level. A mechanism for regular adjustment of the priorities is provided for - at least once in four years.
Noting that the promotion of basic science is a strategic national priority, Krivolapov stressed that Russian basic science is living through a deep structural, but not systematic, crisis.
He recalled that "the scientific-technical potential of Russia is not yet being reproduced. Over 60% of the top-skilled scientists (doctors of science) in the national research organizations have overstepped the 60-year-old threshold."
