Putin calls for rigorous scientific review of national programs and education materials
The Russian president emphasized that the nation’s major initiatives, including national projects, regional development schemes, and the textbooks used in universities and schools, must pass through a rigorous scientific evaluation process. In remarks delivered during the 300th anniversary celebration of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the message was clear: any significant project, whether focused on infrastructure, industry, or regional growth, should first be subjected to objective scrutiny by the Academy, ensuring that the ideas driving growth are grounded in solid research and verifiable evidence. This stance reflects a broader commitment to aligning policy with science in a way that strengthens the credibility and durability of strategic plans, and it signals a preference for accountability through peer-reviewed assessment as a foundation for national advancement, as reported in official Kremlin communications.
The president underscored that scientific and technological programs in critical domains—space exploration, microelectronics, genetics, quantum science, and biotechnology—should be conducted under the leadership and guidance of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The aim is to anchor progress in organized, expert governance that can coordinate diverse research efforts, align them with national priorities, and harness the Academy’s extensive network of researchers and institutions. By placing these fields under centralized stewardship, the administration seeks to elevate the quality of outcomes and ensure that breakthroughs translate into tangible benefits for technology, industry, and society, a viewpoint that has been reiterated through state communications and scientific briefings.
Earlier, in January, a directive was issued to include the creation and deployment of small spacecraft as part of a broader space services initiative within the national space program. The government, along with key ministries, was tasked with integrating this objective into existing space development plans, highlighting a strategic push to expand capabilities in autonomous access to space, satellite services, and related technologies. This integration reflects a policy approach that ties space activity to essential infrastructure and service provision, aiming to advance Russia’s position in aerospace markets and to foster domestic capabilities that support broader economic and scientific aims.
During a separate meeting with scientists, the head of state declared a shift away from dependence on Western technology, framing this approach as a move toward greater national self-reliance in strategic technologies. The discussion pointed to a broader theme of reducing external influence in critical domains while building internal capacity through targeted investments in research, development, and education. This stance aligns with long-term efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains, cultivate homegrown expertise, and promote innovation ecosystems that can withstand external pressures and supply disruptions, a point repeatedly noted by the scientific community in public briefings and policy discussions.
Meanwhile, government efforts to initiate a new national project focused on transportation were already underway, signaling an expansion of infrastructure planning beyond existing programs. The move signals an emphasis on integrating modern transportation needs with research-driven solutions, including potential improvements in logistics, urban mobility, and regional connectivity. By weaving transportation into the broader framework of national projects and scientific oversight, the administration signals its intent to create a cohesive strategy where infrastructure, technology, and science reinforce one another, driving growth and modernization across the country.