Valery Falkov, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, announced the launch of an updated Megagrants program. This initiative aims to deepen international cooperation among Russian universities and scientific organizations. The refreshed framework features competitive elections and grants in two core areas: funding scientific projects and supporting rising researchers. The ministry’s press service confirmed the update.
The program, devised with the backing of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, centers on transparent, competitive selection and grant distribution across two pathways. One pathway provides substantial financial resources to scientific projects led by top researchers across diverse fields of science, ensuring that ambitious studies receive tangible backing.
Falkov stated that participants whose projects are approved will be eligible for funding of up to 100 million rubles per year for up to five years. By decision of the Grant Council, an additional 50 million rubles per year could be allocated to support research for a further three-year term, extending the program’s impact.
The second pathway focuses on nurturing promising young scientists. Participation is open to candidates who are 35 years of age or younger at the time of application. The maximum grant available under this track is 15 million rubles per year, payable over two years, with the possibility of extending the fund for up to two additional years on the same terms.
Prior to outlining the participation criteria for the new format, members of the Russian Government Grant Council approved the nine scientific fields eligible for project submission. These domains include mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology and life sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, earth sciences, humanities and social sciences, and engineering.
The council also established the criteria for leading scientists to oversee projects and the indicators used to assess scientific activity and the prospects of young researchers seeking entry.
Falkov commented on the status and ages of Russian scientists, underscoring the importance of cultivating both seasoned researchers and fresh talent within Russia’s scientific landscape.