Russian Ministry of Education and Science Presents Events during Russia’s BRICS Chairship

On 5 April 2024 the Higher School of Economics National Research University in Moscow hosted the seminar ‘BRICS Science and Technology Cooperation’.

Welcoming the seminar participants, Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky said that BRICS is viewed as a platform for mutually beneficial and equal cooperation in the creation of a multipolar world order.

“One of the clear indicators of the reliable partnership among BRICS countries is not only the preservation of relations, but also the intensification of cooperation as a counterbalance to unilateral sanctions and the destruction of traditional values. For example, while Western countries are freezing joint projects and agreements on interaction with Russian organizations, BRICS member countries are in favour of expanding cooperation,” he said.

During the year of Russia’s BRICS chairship, the ministry plans to hold more than 20 events. In addition, it considers organizing an internship and exchange programme for young researchers, conducting international land and sea expeditions, including along the Northern Sea Route, as well as establishing BRICS Geographer Day.

Today, 13 thematic working groups are already coordinating projects in a wide range of areas: from astronomy to new materials and biotechnologies. This year, there are plans to implement up to 150 joint practical projects, of which more than 100 will involve Russian specialists, including young scientists. Joint BRICS scientific and technological research on the climate and environment has been the most productive, taking into account the geographical representation of the member states, which are located in all climatic zones of the globe.

Mogilevsky pointed out that BRICS includes countries that are experiencing rapid economic growth, which will enable the association to largely dictate the global research agenda.

Leading Russian universities are also actively involved in scientific and technological cooperation with BRICS countries. They are introducing additional initiatives to bolster collaboration.

One example of this is the discussion platform, which was organized by the National Research University Higher School of Economics. The seminar included expert sessions and a roundtable.

Chaired by Yuan Zhou, an associate professor at China’s Tsinghua University, the meeting participants discussed BRICS policy in scientific and technological cooperation. The discussion about joint projects in science and technology was moderated by Gustavo Salati, an associate professor at Brazil’s University of Campinas. A meeting chaired by Dirk Meissner, head of the Laboratory for Economics of Innovation at the Higher School of Economics, took a closer look at the results and effects of scientific and technical cooperation.

The Roscongress Foundation is managing the events of Russia’s BRICS chairship.