Russian science faces crisis as scientist numbers hit new low
At the beginning of 2024, only 340,000 scientists remained working in Russia, marking the lowest count since the dissolution of the USSR. The primary reason for this emigration is budget cuts at universities, according to "Moscow Times."
Russia faces a significant decline in the number of scientists. As of early 2024, approximately 340,000 researchers were employed in the country, a decrease of 1,800 people since 2021, and the lowest level since the USSR's time. The independent portal "Moscow Times" reports that budget cuts affecting Russian universities are the main reason for this trend.
Data from the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow shows that since 2020, about 7,600 scientists have departed from national scientific and academic institutions. Compared to 2015, this number has dropped by 40,500, representing a decline of 11 percent. One of the primary factors behind this trend is the reduction in funds for science. Since 2015, funding has decreased by 14 percent in real terms, considering inflation.
The war in Ukraine and scientist emigration
The onset of Russia's full-scale conflict in Ukraine has further intensified the scientist exodus. Since February 2022, at least 2,500 researchers have left the country, including over 800 who have been published in leading global scientific journals. The greatest number, about 23 percent, have departed from Moscow universities such as HSE, Moscow State University (MGU), Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT).
Dmitry Dubrovsky, founder of the Program of Ethnic Studies at the European University in St. Petersburg, estimates that the actual number of scientists who have left Russia is between 7,000 and 8,000.
Dubrovsky noted that many scientists have faced persecution due to their political views and collaboration with colleagues abroad.
Following the dissolution of the USSR, nearly a million scientists were employed in Russia, the highest number globally. By 1995, this number had dropped to about 518,700; by 2000, it had decreased to 426,000, and by 2010, to 368,900. The current situation continues this downward trend, raising concerns about the future of Russian science.
