The scientific mentoring program is set to roll out across Russian universities in 2023. This initiative was announced by Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Deputy Head of the Government of Rosst. He highlighted that there are currently about 52,000 scientists in Russia who are under the age of 39, representing a sizable pool of emerging talent poised to drive future research and innovation.
The aim of the program is to establish a dominant education system rooted in Russia’s own pedagogical traditions while integrating cutting-edge technologies. Chernyshenko emphasized that scientific associations and councils of young scientists will play a key role in shaping and refining the mentoring framework. Their input is expected to help align mentorship with national research priorities and the needs of early career researchers.
This approach is designed to cultivate a clear pathway for talent development, guiding aspiring researchers from initial applicant status through to the attainment of the Doctor of Science degree. The mentoring model seeks to create structured support at every stage of a researcher’s journey, ensuring that promising individuals receive guidance, resources, and opportunities to advance their careers within the Russian scientific ecosystem.
To begin, the program will be implemented at six universities: Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Pacific Federal University for Nationalities (PFUR), Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after MV Lomonosov, the State Academic University for the Humanities, Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation, and Petrozavodsk State University. These institutions were chosen for their diverse strengths and regional reach, enabling a broad pilot that can inform future expansion. Their faculties will collaborate to design mentorship tracks, sponsor research projects, and provide structured professional development for early career scientists.
Experts expect the initiative to foster stronger integration between higher education and research, promoting collaboration across disciplines and regions. By pairing experienced mentors with ambitious young researchers, the program aims to accelerate the training process, improve research outputs, and expand the pipeline of qualified scientists ready to contribute to national development goals. As the pilot unfolds, stakeholders will monitor outcomes, refine the guidance framework, and share best practices to maximize impact across the Russian academic landscape.