"The mechanism is one – to pay for results." Lukashenko on approaches to improving scientific activities
Funding for scientific activities and remuneration for scientists should primarily depend on the results. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on the draft decree on improving scientific activities, a BELTA correspondent reports.
The head of state recalled that issues of domestic science development were recently discussed at a broad meeting (meeting on the development of the scientific sphere and activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on November 21, 2025. - Ed. BELTA): "Then a number of old new issues were raised. Unfortunately, there was nothing new in the speech of Vladimir Stepanovich (Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik. - Ed. BELTA) on the development and, perhaps, reform, modernization of our Academy of Sciences. But we agreed that we would prepare a draft decree on improving scientific activities in general, and you would submit this draft decree for consideration."
"After familiarizing myself with the draft decree, I have quite a few questions. And I would like to discuss these questions with you. But then at the meeting, we agreed that if it's about money, about payment, then there is one mechanism - to pay for the result. There is a result - we pay. No result - there will be no money. No matter how our undoubtedly intelligent scientists present this issue," the head of state emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko asked to report on how the submitted draft decree ensures the achievement of goals and what tools are proposed for this. "So far, not much is clearly visible: basic funding and opportunities for scientists to teach at universities. Well, who is against it? No one is against it. And today, in my opinion, this process is developing successfully," the President noted. "And what about the effectiveness, the results of scientific activity? There are reference norms, as lawyers say: 'The government will determine this.' So why are we submitting a draft decree then?"