Russia's Academy of Sciences' Reform: Causes and Consequences for Russian Science
This paper analyzes the origins and causes of the radical reforms undertaken in Russia’s academic sciences sector, which resulted in the fusion of three state academies in 2013.
Numerous claims made by the Russian government and experts against the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) have created tension between RAS leadership and the Russian government over the last decade. The central aim of recent reforms appears to be the liquidation of the existing governance structure of fundamental sciences in Russia, with no clear strategy in place for the long-term development and improvement of the country’s scientific output.
Download the full analysis
This page contains only a summary of our work. If you would like to have access to all the information from our research on the subject, you can download the full version in PDF format.
Russia's Academy of Sciences' Reform: Causes and Consequences for Russian Science
Related centers and programs
Discover our other research centers and programsFind out more
Discover all our analysesKazakhstan After the Double Shock of 2022: Political, Economic and Military Consequences
The year 2022 represented a dual shock for Kazakhstan. In January, the country faced its most severe political crisis since independence, followed in February by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which cast uncertainty over the borders of post-Soviet states. These consecutive crises profoundly shaped Kazakhstan’s domestic and foreign policy.
How the Russian Army Changed its Concept of War, 1993-2022
The traditional and high-intensity war that has occurred in Ukraine since Russia decided to invade raises a key issue: did post-soviet Russian strategic thought really prepare Russia for waging this war?
Russia's Nuclear Deterrence Put to the Test by the War in Ukraine
From the outset of its “special military operation” (SVO) against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia, which possesses one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, has adopted aggressive deterrence measures and a resolutely menacing rhetorical stance.
Moldova's Crucial Parliamentary Election. What's at Stake?
On the occasion of Moldova’s National Day, August 27, 2025, Chișinău hosted a high-level European delegation composed of Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Donald Tusk, who sought to reaffirm their support for the country’s sovereignty and pro-European course. This unprecedented and highly symbolic visit took place at a pivotal moment. Moldova is preparing for decisive parliamentary elections on September 28, whose stakes extend far beyond the national framework.