doing science in uncertain times在不确定的时期做科学.pdfVIP

Essay Doing Science in Uncertain Times Mikhail Gelfand scientist living in Russia is This year, the direct funding of science to support existing actively working often asked two questions: constitutes only 1.78% of Russia’s groups at a reasonable level. A“Why haven’t you left?” and national budget (an additional 0.46% “Is it still possible to work there?” The is allocated to the space program), Funding best response to the fi rst question although the law stipulates that this There are several mechanisms is, “Why should I?”—which either fi gure should be at least 4%. Still, this for distributing funds for research. terminates the conversation or leads funding amounts to 46.2 billion rubles The major share comes via Russia’s to a stimulating discussion about the (approximately US$1.6 billion), more Department of Science and the Russian fate of the world. The second question, than twice the amount spent in 2000. Academy of Sciences. The Academy, however, deserves a serious answer. In Although this fi gure looks negligible unlike its Western analogs, not only fact, this is the question that every one compared with spending on science in acts as a consulting body of experts, of us keeps asking ourselves. the United States and many European but also has the authority to distribute There is no simple answer. The countries, it could still be suffi cient money (Figure 1). The funds come biggest problems we face are brain drain, inadequate infrastructure,