Semenov E.V. (2007) Russian Foundation for Basic Research: springs of a novelty in management of a Russian science. Science. Innovations. Education, Issue 3, pp. 194-203.

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: http://www.riep.ru/upload/iblock/4cc/4cc0c159c12b15b057e799d5523bc7ce.pdf (дата обращения 25.05.2020)

Abstract

The article analyzes the experience of the organization and activities of the RFBR. The author notes that the Fund partially fills an extensive niche intended for an extensive network of funds. The Foundation specializes in competitive selection of initiative projects in the field of fundamental science. The RFBR as a state self-governing organization is under the general control of the Government, but in dealing with specific issues has great freedom of activity. The Fund’s staff is the administration and 13 departments, of which 6 are scientific departments and 7 are auxiliary. The most important part of the structure of the Fund is its expert system. The Fund adopted a three-level examination with the control of each subsequent level over the previous one, a combination of confidentiality with collegiality was introduced. The examination procedures are thought out so that they protect the experts from possible pressure from the apparatus, applicants and any administration. Ultimately, this system protects the contestants, since it eliminates the possibility of arbitrariness, although, of course, does not eliminate the possibility of errors. The article outlines the range of problems that the Fund faces in its activities. Serious problems arise with the objectivity of the examination. In the conditions of the collapse of science, including scientific ethics, in the context of the survivability of the administrative tradition, which is also burdened by innovations such as corruption, the formation of an independent examination institution is extremely difficult. This institution can take place only there and only when and when there is a taste for it. An expert should find more meaning in objectivity, not lobbying. The author concludes that the creation of such a structure as the Russian Federal Property Fund has indeed proved to be extremely difficult. At the same time, the Fund, which is actually a form of self-organization of the scientific community, can afford a completely open discussion of more complex and sensitive issues than just the problems of lack of funding or poor own material and technical support. It is in the Fund’s interests to mobilize the creative part of the scientific community for joint cooperation.