The Russian Academy of Sciences has undertaken a structural reorganization of its commissions aimed at countering pseudoscience and the falsification of research. These duties are being transferred to a newly defined expert council, signaling a shift in internal governance rather than a simple dissolution of bodies. This move is described as a realignment rather than a retreat, reflecting a broader effort to streamline the Presidium’s numerous committees and councils.
Reports began circulating within VKontakte communities on March 6 about a reorganization affecting commissions dedicated to debunking pseudoscience and addressing research falsifications. One post within a discussion group on homeopathy framed the academy’s decision as a victory, noting that
solid forces in the Russian Academy of Sciences have secured a win. This sentiment highlights the sensitive tension between reform efforts and long-standing traditions within the academy.
Stepping forward to provide context, Stepan Kalmykov, who chairs the expert council of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that the commissions are not being liquidated but restructured. The reform is presented as a move to reduce the number of overlapping bodies within the Presidium, aiming to consolidate oversight and sharpen the focus on scientific integrity across disciplines.
Vedomosti reported that the restructuring decision was already contemplated in late 2022. Some voices from the informal scientific community, including members of the so-called July 1 Club, argued that the decision to proceed without broader consensus might contradict the academy’s traditions. This perspective underscores ongoing debates about how best to balance reform with institutional heritage.
Supporters of the commissions emphasized their practical impact. Members of the July 1 Club recalled that the commissions had made substantial contributions to the fight against pseudoscience by curbing questionable projects and protecting public finances. They asserted that the commissions helped halt ventures led by dubious actors, saving hundreds of millions of rubles from the national budget. The club’s record of these claims reflects a broader concern with accountability and value in public spending.
Vasily Vlasov, a professor in the Department of Health Management and Economics at the Higher School of Economics and a member of the commission on combating pseudoscience, commented to Vedomosti that the aim is not to end the transfer of responsibilities but to ensure the continuity of the commissions’ mission under the new structure. His viewpoint points to a preference for preserving practical activities while reorganizing governance to improve efficiency and accountability.