- Born on July 17, 1949, in Leningrad (now St Petersburg).
- 1971 – graduated from Zhdanov Leningrad State University; Doctor of Physics and Mathematics.
- 1971–1991 – junior researcher, laboratory head, deputy director for research, leading researcher at the Ioffe Physical Technical Institute of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, Leningrad.
- 1991–1993 – Vice President of Advanced Technology Centre, St Petersburg.
- 1994–2001 – Director of Regional Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development, St Petersburg.
- From 2000 – Chairman of the Academic Council of the Centre for Strategic Research North-West Foundation.
- 2001–2002 – Deputy Minister of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation.
- From June 2002 – First Deputy Minister of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation.
- From December 2003 – Acting Minister of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation.
- March 9, 2004 – appointed Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
- Since May 21, 2012 – Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.
- State award – Honorary Diploma of the Government of the Russian Federation.