In his speech, the President noted that Russia is among top ten world nations in terms of public funds allocated for science: a total of 834 billion rubles (over $25 million) will be allocated for fundamental research programme in Russia through to 2020.
Vladimir Putin stressed that it is important to identify the priorities that will attract the majority of public funds. These priorities should be selected in the course of an extensive discussion involving representatives of academic and business community, and members of the public. The President also believes that it is necessary to improve the system of fundamental research funding.