On the occasion of Science Day, marked in Belarus on the first Sunday of January, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, addressed her Belarusian colleagues. She emphasized the importance of science as one of the key social institutions in today’s world. She also explained why science cannot fully develop while Belarus is ruled by the current political regime:
“The development of science requires funding, broad international cooperation, and, of course, a healthy professional community within the country that dares to think independently, exchange ideas, and initiate new projects. In 2021 and 2022, Belarus recorded the lowest research and development expenditure in the last 20 years: 0.47% and 0.48% of GDP respectively. The minimum acceptable indicator showing a relatively decent level of science in the country is believed to be 1% of GDP. In recent years, there has also been a significant decrease in academic staff. The 2022 data showed the lowest indicator in the last 20 years. Lower than in 2000. The number of defended dissertations has fallen dramatically as well”.
In addition, Tatiana Shchyttsova announced that, in collaboration with the Free Belarusian University, a program will be launched for repressed Belarusian scientists to defend doctoral dissertations and habilitations. Defenses will take place in Belarusian at Polish universities.
Ms. Shchyttsova’s full speech is available in Belarusian.
