Lukashenko wants Belarusian science to be ahead of the curve

Tuesday, 30.07.2024 - 17:53

It is impossible to advance economically without a real breakthrough in science, hence the domestic science should be ahead of the curve, not lag behind, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to review the performance of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on 30 July, BelTA has learned.

Taking part in the meeting was a working group that was set up upon the instruction of the head of state to analyze the performance of the NASB in June 2024. It operates on a permanent basis and studies the applicability and effectiveness of research output by NASB, the use of their solutions in the economic and social sectors, the development of import-substituting products and technologies, and the export of science and engineering products. Every year, the working group will submit a report to the president where it will take stock of its work and lay out proposals for resolving identified issues.

The head of state emphasized in his opening remarks that Belarus is now at such a development stage when it is impossible to make any further progress without science. “Therefore, science is of paramount importance,” he noted. Belarus promotes both applied and fundamental research. Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why this working group was formed: “We assign a high priority to science, it is impossible to move forward without it. Yet, lately I have seen that the Academy of Sciences has made serious mistakes. Such things happen. Researchers have to go along unbeaten paths, wrap their head around serious problems, reach new heights. Therefore, naturally, mistakes happen. But what alarmed me was that the miscalculations made by the National Academy of Sciences were inexcusable, as they were made in the areas where we have some expertise: in animal breeding, in plant growing,” the president said.

According to the president, research centers run by the NASB are no better than similar facilities that operate outside the National Academy of Sciences. “But they should be the best,” the head of state emphasized.

The creation of the working group was prompted by appeals from some specialists and government members. “They urge me to take a serious look at the development of academic science and make decisions in all areas of research,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to the president, the work of the academic community gave rise to many questions: “There are some successes, along with serious disappointments.” The permanent working group is headed by the chairman of the State Control Committee. He was tasked with engaging credentialed experts in the work of the group and getting to the core of the issues facing the NASB.

As this group started working not so long ago, Aleksandr Lukashenko warned against rushing into conclusions and called for a detailed discussion of a wide range of tasks, goals and objectives of the group. “The conversation should proceed along these lines. I do not want the NASB senior officials and scientists in attendance to think that we are going after the National Academy of Sciences. We are not. We need to carefully study the problems facing the Academy of Sciences and make appropriate decisions, because we can’t proceed any further without science,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.

The group should submit its first report at the end of the year, after which the decisions mentioned above will be made. If someone believes that it is necessary to take immediate action, the president invited them to speak up. “Don’t rush into conclusions. The issue is very serious,” the head of state advised.

Speaking about the development of science in general, the president emphasized: “We live in an era of unprecedented development opportunities for our country. Opportunities are huge. We cannot miss them. We have a solid base and certain expertise in traditional industries and new areas of the economy. Yet, it will be impossible to achieve another milestone without a real breakthrough in science. Science must be ahead of the curve, in no case should it lag behind,” the head of state emphasized.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, during his entire tenure as president, he has viewed science as a powerful driver of all transformations in the society.

“The development of domestic science is top on the list of the government priorities. We did not let our science and scientific solutions go down the drain. We did everything possible to preserve them.” The time has come to ask scientists to show results of their work, the president stated: “What fundamental, strategic solutions will we have under our belt as we will be drafting new medium- and long-term development programs? Are we capable of ensuring our technological sovereignty in the current conditions?”

According to the president, this is not only and not so much about sanctions. “We have already gotten used to them [the sanctions]. They are temporary. I am talking about the insanely rapid development of the world, especially Asia, the East. Yet, the West is not dragging its feet, either. The last NATO Summit declared “technological breakthrough” its fourth priority (up to the creation of central bodies at the Alliance level),” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.

“These are quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biology and digital transformation. We should not lag behind,” the president went on saying.

The head of state emphasized that the government and society are on board regarding the importance of these tasks, which is evidenced from recent opinion polls. “When asked about the priorities of the country's development, Belarusians put high-tech industries that ensure a technological breakthrough and access to foreign markets, as well as high-tech industries in the agro-industrial complex in first place. This is a strategically correct approach. Roads, housing, education, culture, sports - all this will develop if we ensure high-tech competitive production in the country. It will have an impact on exports, salaries, taxes and the budget,” the president said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, in order to be successful in new markets, it is necessary to do an in-depth market research and offer exactly those products that a particular market needs. University science, industry science and academic science should collaborate to achieve this goal. The efficiency of this collaboration is yet to be analyzed, the president noted. He warned against spreading resources and efforts thin given that Belarus is a relatively small country.

“The domestic science should drive the country's economy. That is, there should be an appreciable result for the state and people, especially at the present time,” the Belarusian leader demanded.

The president emphasized that he does not downplay the role of fundamental science. It allows looking beyond the horizon, which is also important, and this kind of science will develop in Belarus.

“But today applied research is coming to the forefront, as it can push the country forward,” the head of state emphasized.

Międzynarodowe Radio Białoruś

Радио "Беларусь" / Radio Belarus

Internet broadcasts

Now Playing:

19.00 Nowości z Białorusi (PL)

Next:

19.20 Ludzie i losy (PL)

Internetcast Schedule
Satellite Schedule (see satellite parameters here)

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Dear
English Service
Radio Belarus,

Greetings to all staff and listeners of English Service of Radio Belarus.
We listen your webcast program. Your program quality is very nice. Your website is colorful & documented.
We liked your programs, News, and Current Affairs Program. We are interested about Culture, life style of Belarusian people, historical places, Tourist attraction and destination of Belarus.
Please send some program schedule (A19), Calendar , sticker, view card, Promotional items of Radio Belarus for our club members and students.
21st June was fifth International Yoga Day observed across the world. The theme for Yoga Day 2019 was "Yoga for Climate Action”. On this day, which is dedicated to inner and outer well-being of human body, people across the world practice yoga in groups. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, a physical, mental and spiritual practice.
We send you some photos related the program which was held in our area on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Our club members are also practice some Yoga.
We are waiting for your reply.

With best wishes,
SHIVENDU PAUL
PRESIDENT
METALI LISTENERS' CLUB
INDIA

Answer:

Dear Shivendu Paul and Metali Listeners' Club,

dthank you for your comment! We'll send you some of our souvenirs ASAP.
Stay tuned and 73,
RBI

Hallo Radio Belarus,

ja der Dieter Leupold ist jetzt auch hier im Gästebuch vertreten... Super, bald sind wir alle zusammen hier im "Belarus Hörerclub", Dieter könnte 1.Vorsitzender werden und Jana und Elena Ehrernmitglieder, Helmut Matt Schriftführer, Alfred Albrecht Beisitzer und ich mache Hausmeister:-) Lutz Winkler wie fit bist Du bereits wieder, für Dich finden wir auch eine nette Aufgabe:-) Beste Grüße und ein schönes Wochenende.

Dietmar

Answer:

Lieber Dietmar,

das stimmt, für alle finden wir im Hörerklub eine Aufgabe!:)
Liebe Grüße und einen guten Start in die Woche!

I recently learned my surname is not Polish, but Belarusian. I heard you on shortwave in the past and am so happy to listen online in English. We hear nothing about Belarus here in the US so I am so glad to learn about your country. Keep on broadcasting in English. I also joined the Hoererklub on Facebook as I can understand German. If you have information or a station pennant, I will very much appreciate it.
Sheryl Paszkiewicz, 1015 Green St, Manitowoc WI 54220 USA
Answer:
Dear Sheryl, thank you very much for listening to us! We'll send you some of our souvenirs as soon as we can. By the way, if you're interested, you can participate in our "The Old Country's Loving Call" project and send a greeting to Belarus. You can find more detailed information at http://www.radiobelarus.by/en/content/hukaje_eng
Also, in case you like sports, here's the link to an international competition of ours "My Greetings to 2nd European Games" http://www.radiobelarus.by/en/content/games_eng
73 from the entire staff of RBI! Прывiтанне з Малой Радiзмы :)

Hello from Birmingham United Kingdom!
My name is Michael.
I really enjoyed listening to your program on the Hotbird satellite 13e. I very much love listening to your news and current affairs.
Ask you to send me a small gifts. I hope you guys are all good.
Lots of love from UK
Especially enjoying learning about Belarus. History and culture
Michael Rogers
Flat 2 463 City road Birmingham
B17 8LG
United Kingdom
Answer:
Michael,
thank you very much for listening to us! We're glad that you enjoy our programs. We'll send you some of our souvenirs as soon as we can. Best regards and stay tuned!

Hello. I am a new listener to your English service. I listen on the Radio 1 News app. I enjoyed listening to the news. Do you have any information on shortwave broadcasts you can send me?
Thank you,
Joe Cosimo
23 Ivy Ln, Dupont, PA 18641 U.S.A.
Answer:
Dear Joe, thank you for listening to Radio Belarus International! We're glad that you enjoyed our news. RBI broadcasts on shortwave only in German on 6005 and 3985 kHz. News and programs in English are available via our website and satellites. We'll also send you a postcard and a small souvenir as soon as we can. 73!

Hello,
My name is Younes Lazazi, I am from Algeria.
I am very happy that radio Belarus has started broadcasting in Arabic.
I would like to receive stickers and printed matter of the station and the Arabic and french services if possible.
My address:
Monsieur Younes Lazazi 14 rue Maza Boualem El-Harrach 16009 Alger Algérie
Thank you.
Answer:
Dear Younes Lazazi,
we're happy that you like our boradcasts. We'll send you some of our printed materials via mail in the nearest future. 73!

Dear English Service Radio Belarus,
Greetings to all staff and listeners of English Service of Radio Belarus. We listen your webcast program. Your program quality is very nice. Your website is colorful & documented. We liked your programs, News, and Current Affairs Program. We are interested about Culture, life style of Belarusian people, historical places, Tourist attraction and destination of Belarus.
Please send some program schedule, sticker, view card, Promotional items of Radio Belarus for our club members and students.
We are waiting for your reply.
With best wishes,
SHIVENDU PAUL
President
Metali Listeners' Club
India

Answer:
Dear Shivendu Paul,
thank you very much for listening to us! Your club is among our most dedicated listeners. We will send you some of our promotional products as soon as possible. 73!

Hello!
Did the arabic programmes start? I don't see them on your Internetcast schedule page. Thanks!

Answer:
Hello! The Arabic programmes have been on air since October, every Monday. You can see the schedule and listen to them on our Arabic page http://radiobelarus.by/ar

Frequencies

FM transmitters and frequencies:

Rakitnitsa - 106.2 MHz
Hrodna - 95.7 MHz
Svislach - 104.4 MHz
Heraniony - 99.9 MHz
Braslau - 106.6 MHz
Miadzel - 102.0 MHz

Satellite broadcasting:

see satellite parameters here

Broadcasts

Daily News Review 11.4.25

Download:

Daily News Review 11.4.25