Brain drain continues to plague Russia
Published 03 November, 2009, 08:51
Edited 06 November, 2009, 19:37
Home to many pioneers of science, Russia has always been a land of learning. But today that reputation is at risk, with a lack of opportunities at home forcing many of the best and brightest to look beyond the borders.
With science and innovation still on a shoestring budget in Russia, not many youngsters dream about a career in these fields.
A recent poll says about 70 percent of first year students in Russian universities are open to pursuing a career in science. But by the time they graduate, only two percent are willing to do this. What about the rest? Well, the majority – about one third – would like to work abroad, but not necessarily in the field of their degree.
While Maksim Odnobludov, director of the company Optogan, specializing in nanotechnology, has been lured back with a promise of state support, his story is an exception rather than the rule.
It’s been a while since Maksim last had the chance to stroll through his home town of St. Petersburg. A young scientist and successful businessman, he’s been dividing his time between Finland and Germany where his invention – special diode modules – has been put into production. But now he's ready to take his company back to where it all began.
“It was a business decision”, says Maksim. “We think the time is right, the market is ready and the conditions are good to expand our business in Russia”.
However the majority of young talents are dreaming about moving abroad. While stemming the brain drain has long been a policy goal in Russia, physicist Irina Arefyeva says very little is being done. For decades she’s been studying black holes and working as an academic advisor to young scientists. And she’s seen a lot of them gravitating across the ocean.
“Despite all the difficulties, the number of talented students stays the same,” says Irina. “But they have only two options to succeed. To stay in Russia and go into business. Or if they want to remain in science – they need to look for positions abroad”.
Andrey Bagrov is one of Irina’s most promising students. Now in his first PhD year, he’s already refused an offer to study in Germany. Yet, he says, moving abroad is just a matter of time.
“If you place any Russian scientist in Stanford or Harvard, he’ll get far more recognition for the same work. As somebody who wants to make a name for himself in physics, I need to be in a place where I’ll be noticed,” Andrey says.
A formula of success for an individual, but an unsolved problem for the country.
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