Новости 20.07.2025
Vyzov Foundation Holds a Session on the Sidelines of SPIEF
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On June 20, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) hosted a session held by the Vyzov Foundation, titled ‘Welcome, or No Entry: A Challenge for Science.’ It was moderated by Sergey Brilev, President of the Global Energy Association. Experts
representing the government, business and the scientific community discussed opportunities for developing international communications in science and enhancing the Russia's technological potential.
Russia’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov stressed in his speech that international cooperation remains a priority for Russian science.
“Russian science is open to anyone who is friendly and willing to cooperate with us. We have a lot of evidence for that. For example, the young and daring VYZOV Prize has shared the results of its submission campaign at SPIEF, and those numbers testify
to the widespread interest in what we do. But most importantly, alongside our scientists with their unique, word-class competencies and recognition, not only in Russia but also abroad, we have always had the infrastructure for Big Science, and it
keeps evolving. Whatever the situation is, it is important to not lose heart but to look for new strategies for collaboration. International cooperation remains a priority for us, but we need to rethink it and chart our course even more elaborately
to the benefit of Russia,” Valery Falkov said.
Valery Falkov
Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Gazprombank and a Member of the Vyzov Foundation Council, described the award as an effective vehicle for supporting scientists in Russia, and for developing international relations in science. He explained
why it is important to invest not only in technology, but also in projects related to the promotion of science.
“Our bank has been financing science for many years, realizing that new industries only emerge out of science. We need to support scientists, attract young talent from abroad, bring back the specialists who left our country years ago, and, of course,
popularize science. The idea of establishing the Vyzov Foundation and the VYZOV Prize was organic to us. The purpose of the Foundation is to promote scientists and include them in the expert community. And thanks to the award, we have access to
the best expertise in the country, sometimes in the world, in any and all technologies," said Dmitry Zauers.
Dmitry Zauers
President of the Vyzov Foundation Natalya Tretyak emphasized the growing interest that scientists from around the world are showing for the VYZOV Prize. This year, the award’s international category, ‘Discovery’ attracted the largest number of submissions,
receiving 155 submissions from scientists based across 39 countries.
“A large number of submissions come from European countries such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and a few others. We have received some very strong submissions from the United States, and a lot of submissions from BRICS nations, including
China. Kazakhstan is leading this year by the number of submissions posted. This level of interest for our National Prize from international scientists testifies to the reputation enjoyed by Russian science. We are genuinely respected worldwide.
This shows the trust that people have in both the award’s Scientific Committee and in our country in general. The VYZOV Prize demonstrates that Russia is open to international cooperation in the area of science. So, in response to the title of
this session, we can say with confidence, “Welcome, entry is open,” Natalya Tretyak said.
Natalya Tretyak
The session also featured Mr. Rifat Akram Hamoudi, Professor with the Research Institute of Medicine and Public Health, University of Sharjah (UAE), who spoke about joint projects with Russian scientists.
“Cooperation between the University of Sharjah and Skoltech began in 2020. We launched a joint project that proved to be very useful in the practical field: artificial intelligence for biomedicine. We realized that Russian universities are very
advanced in natural sciences and known for that all over the world. We have our own experts in biomedicine, but we don't have the kind of experts in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence or quantum computing that you do. Russian science
is at the forefront of research,” said Professor Hamoudi.
Rifat Akram Hamoudi
One of the world’s leading researchers in the area of biomedicine and pharmacology, neurobiologist Raul Gainetdinov, Director of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, and Laureate of the VYZOV Prize as ‘Scientist
of the Year,’ shared his vision on how to promote international cooperation in science.
“The United States has now cut funding for the National Institutes of Health by half. Donald Trump has shut down 3,000 research grants since the start of this year. An enormous number of young researchers are literally being thrown out into
the street. We should accommodate them, introducing mega-grants for scientist from the United States and other countries. Can you imagine the current state of science in Israel? Or in Iran? I spent twenty years working in the West, and I know
how difficult it is to make it to a professorial position there. That is why we need to invite young scientists to Russia and offer them an opportunity to grow here as scientists,” Raul Gainetdinov said.
Raul Gainetdinov
Irina Timofeeva, Professor with the St. Petersburg State University’s Institute of Chemistry, Laureate of the Russian President's Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists, spoke about the importance of international internships.
As someone who has taken them several times herself, she believes there are no boundaries for science.
“International exchange is not only about mutual enrichment with scientific experience, but also about getting to know other countries’ cultures and traditions. This makes a scientist more versatile and erudite. People often ask me, “What
if international internship leads to certain young scientists choosing to settle abroad rather than return to Russia?” I can tell you that I had many opportunities to stay and work abroad, but I always had one desire: to come home to my
native city of St. Petersburg, continue communicating with my international colleagues, but work to advance Russian science,” said Irina Timofeeva.
Irina Timofeeva
Presidential Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy offered his opinion on the importance of maintaining and promoting international dialogue in areas such as science and culture.
“Scientific diplomacy is one of the most crucial topics today. It emerges not only in natural sciences, but also in humanities. It is practically impossible to shut our nation out of scientific cooperation. If foreign researchers can't come
to Russia, and we can't come to them, then CIS member states will serve as venues for meetings that attract scientists from all over the world. However, there are also sensitive things such as classified information. There are certain
types of research that any nation will guard most rigorously. But as far as fundamental science, space exploration or pharmaceuticals are concerned, everyone realizes that a lot depends on international cooperation,” Mikhail Shvydkoy said.
Mikhail Shvydkoy
You can watch a video of the session at the
SPIEF official website.
