Russia and neighboring Belarus step up cooperation in R&D

Next year may see the launch of 17 large-scale Russo-Belarusian projects in applied sciences, Belarusian portal Naviny.by reported, citing Alexander Shumilin, the chairman of Belarus’ State Committee for Science and Technology. According to the government official, these are projects in areas such as biotechnology, medicine, space research, information and telecommunications technologies, new materials, nanotechnology, and laser technology. 

“Already now we have projects that will be assisted in the development of a concept, in getting approval, and in finding adequate sources of funding,” the Committee chairman said. 

“We in our Union of Belarus and Russia [a supranational initiative designed in the 1990s in order to jointly develop economic, cultural, scientific and other endeavors] pay much attention to doing joint projects. This is important for Belarus as such efforts help pool resources for large-scale projects, and Belarus couldn’t afford the colossal costs of such endeavors all by itself. Our market is too small for the results of large projects to be introduced solely to our home turf,” Mr. Shumilin said.