In 2022, the trajectory of Russia’s scientific workforce shifted noticeably as the cohort under 30 grew for the first time in years, alongside a broader rise in the share of young researchers overall. This shift marked a reversal from earlier trends and drew attention to the vitality of the country’s research culture. A senior official in charge of science and higher education highlighted this development in a detailed discussion with media outlets.
According to the official, Russian science has been getting younger. Historically, the term young scientist referred to someone under 39 years of age. The data show that this group has expanded significantly since 2010. Between 2010 and 2022, the share of researchers younger than 39 climbed from 35.5 percent to 44.1 percent. Importantly, the year 2022 saw a real increase in the number of scientists under 30, breaking a long-standing pattern in which the under-39 group grew while the under-30 group tended to shrink.
Regarding the overall size of the research and development workforce, Russia ranks among the top global contributors. The total number of researchers in the country stands at approximately 669,870. The official attributed this noticeable revival of scientific activity and demographic growth to a sustained package of state measures designed to strengthen the research ecosystem.
Over the past several years, scientific work has become more visible and appealing to a broader audience. At the same time, policy efforts have targeted the cultivation of new talent in science. A notable component has been the establishment of numerous youth laboratories that provide hands-on experience and training. A landmark program involved collaboration between leading scientists from Russia and abroad. It facilitated the creation of large regional teams, guiding them to secure substantial mega grants ranging from 15 to 100 million rubles. These initiatives, implemented on an annual basis, were designed to accelerate research leadership and catalyze innovation across the country.
In discussing these trends, officials have also addressed concerns about brain drain. The narrative emphasizes that the count of scientists leaving the country has been overstated, and that the overall scientific base remains robust due to deliberate investments in education, infrastructure, and international collaboration. The broader implication is a steady strengthening of Russia’s research capacity through coordinated policy action and sustained funding streams.