Established in 2008, the Presidential
Prize is awarded to young Russian researchers for making
a significant contribution to developing Russian science
and creating new equipment and technologies for promoting
innovative social and economic development, as well
as strengthening Russia’s defence capability.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon,
friends,

I am delighted to see you.

A good tradition has been
established: ahead of Russian Science Day, we hold this warm and solemn
ceremony. Prizes for scientific achievements are presented to young people – talented,
outstanding representatives of the younger generation of researchers.

Before
we begin the official part and the presentation ceremony, I would like to extend my best wishes to you on the upcoming holiday and ask you to convey my deepest gratitude to your schoolteachers — since it is at school that
everything begins — as well as to your university professors, academic
supervisors, and colleagues in laboratories and research centres. After all,
great achievements are usually made in cooperation with colleagues. I would
also like to convey my best wishes to anyone who, like you, has devoted their
lives to the pursuit of new knowledge, to education, to serving scientific
progress, and, ultimately, to their country and their people.

You are
blazing your own trail in science at a challenging time. Like the generation of Russian nuclear scientists and space explorers, both you and your peers who are
still university students or postgraduate students, you face ambitious, inspiring and truly historic challenges – creating
solutions and products that surpass foreign counterparts and secure Russia’s technological
leadership in key, promising areas.

Russia needs your and your colleagues’ discoveries, inventions and scientific contributions to achieving the country’s national development goals.
For this, you have the most important asset – the support of your mentors,
who represent our outstanding scientific schools, and, of course, your talents,
fundamental knowledge, and the drive to become pioneers.

Based on your
own, non-standard or unique solutions, you should create innovative products
and in doing so move forward and take the lead. Our young researchers’ ambition
to become leaders is one of the most important prerequisites for Russia’s
scientific and technological superiority, which we certainly must and will strive
to achieve. This is the goal that we are setting ourselves in a number of areas, and we want this country and future generations to be aware of your
accomplishments and proud of Russian science.

The idea in this regard is to create a special display at the Russia National Centre to enable visitors, both Russian citizens and foreign guests, to become better
acquainted with the achievements of our prize winners and the best projects offered
by young Russian scientists.

It is
certainly important to enhance public esteem and the prestige of the new
generation of researchers, as well as to popularise your work. However, there
is no doubt that adequate financial support is also of huge importance and essential for achieving whatever is planned.

In this context, I would like to make a brief
remark regarding the Russian Science Foundation. Let me note that since 2018,
the year in which the Foundation commenced operations, recipients of its
presidential grants – nearly 25,000 researchers under the age of 35 (with
specific gradations: up to 33 years and up to 35 years, as you are surely
aware) – have received over 45 billion rubles to support their projects.

The fact that you have achieved significant
scientific results, evolving from early-career researchers to leaders of successful research teams, demonstrates that the Foundation’s mechanisms are
functioning adequately and effectively.

Another critical point is that the overwhelming
majority of the Foundation’s grant recipients continue to build their
scientific careers in Russia. Correct me if I am wrong, but this stands at approximately 58 percent. Some remain at their home institutions, while others
transition laterally to different Russian organisations. A small number – around
five to seven percent – relocate abroad. Notably, a comparable proportion is
now returning to Russia.

We will persist in creating conditions for gifted
scientists and specialists to realise their creative potential for the benefit
of our homeland and citizens within our borders.

I should add that, in line with the Foundation’s new strategy, its suite of grants for young scientists will expand
this year. Henceforth, with the Foundation’s support, they will be able to lead
research groups not only at academic centres but also within high-tech
enterprises.

Incidentally, I wish to highlight that young
scientists are already actively engaged in the Foundation’s applied projects,
co-funded with leading domestic companies such as SIBUR, R-Pharm, EFKO, and others. These partners support research, act as technological customers, test
prototypes at their facilities, and promptly establish production capacities
for commercialising new products.

This effective model of science-business
collaboration will be systematically employed in implementing national projects
for technological leadership.

In partnership with Russian companies, we will
concentrate the necessary resources on scientific development to strengthen the research foundation underpinning technological progress. By 2030, we aim to increase domestic research and development expenditure to no less than two
percent of GDP. This will position Russia among the world’s leading nations in terms of science funding. The primary source will be the state budget. With the inclusion of major technological partners, this figure will grow further.

I am detailing our plans so that you and your
colleagues are informed and assured: in science, as in all other areas, we are
mapping out prospects for years and decades ahead. We firmly believe that
science and its advancements are fundamental to Russia’s sovereignty and future, shaping our development, security, and, most importantly, the quality
of life of our citizens. Great scientific discoveries always open new
opportunities for people, and I greatly value your contribution, as well as that of your colleagues, to this creative and interesting work.

Friends,

As I introduce you, our today’s winners, I am
pleased to highlight that young scientists are channelling their efforts and talents into key areas of scientific knowledge, confidently taking
responsibility for fields where we strive to achieve technological superiority
and establish ourselves as global leaders.

Thus, Yelena Korochkina’s extensive research
holds significant importance for strengthening food security in our country.
Her work has led to the development of feed additives, along with innovative
selection and accelerated reproduction technologies for farm animals, aimed at enhancing the reproductive potential of domestic livestock farming.

Natalya Cherkashina’s research focuses on developing innovative materials essential for advancing space exploration. The polymer composites she has introduced effectively provide long-term protection
for astronauts and electronic equipment against cosmic radiation. These solutions
have potential applications in the lunar programme, deep-space missions, and complex technological initiatives within the nuclear industry.

Another development in materials science, this
time for radio-electronic devices, comes from Vadim Popkov and Kirill
Martinson. Their team of young scientists has developed an innovative domestic
technology for producing critical materials used in the industrial
manufacturing of radio communication and navigation systems. This advancement
is not only significant for widespread civilian applications but also plays a crucial role in national security.

Among today’s laureates is Konstantin Titov,
whose research focuses on a strategically important field: he is developing
advanced electronic warfare systems and equipment, making a significant
contribution to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

In conclusion, I would like to highlight
another important point. It is inspiring to see that today’s prize winners not
only reach remarkable scientific achievements but also build strong, large
families and raise children. This provides invaluable support in life and contributes
to professional success.

I wish you all the best and extend my congratulations on receiving your laureate badges and today’s prizes.

All the best and thank you for your attention.

(Ceremony for presenting the Presidential
prizes.)

Friends,

Once again, my congratulations. I invite you to join me for tea – let us sit together and talk.