Mr Putin and Mr Alfyorov discussed problems currently facing science in Russia.
The previous day, Mr Putin sent Mr Alfyorov a message of congratulations, which read, in particular:
“This is not only your personal triumph as a scientist; it is also an outstanding victory for Russian science. Today is a real celebration for all your colleagues, friends and students, and for all the millions of Russians who were proud to hear the good news from Stockholm. This is the first time in many years that the Nobel Committee has awarded this prestigious prize to a Russian physicist. Your discovery is the technological key to the third millennium and marks a bold and decisive breakthrough in the era of new information technologies.
Your decision to donate the prize money to research is the fine and noble deed of a true citizen”.