dependence on imports of foreign vaccines and drugs while providing improved and affordable support to the health and agriculture sectors (Chapter 4)

• nurturing a new generation of young Russian leaders in biological science and technology (Chapter 5)

Progress in each of these areas can improve the basis for achieving a vibrant and sustainable capacity to address both the immediate and the long-term social, economic, and security needs of Russia that are intertwined with biological science and technology. Such progress can also provide new opportunities for international engagement that benefits the global community more directly.

Chapter 6 of this report highlights several cross-cutting issues directly related to expanded and more effective U.S.-Russian cooperative activities. It calls for a new high-level intergovernmental commission to promote cooperation. A further significant goal is the continued integration of former defense facilities and associated technical personnel into the broader civilian scientific infrastructure of the country. Sources of financing to sustain programs that help prevent the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases are also important. New funding sources can reduce obstacles to international cooperation while encouraging a true partnership between the scientific communities of Russia and the United States.

Finally, a number of figures, tables, boxes, and appendixes provide supplemental information and perspectives on recent developments in Russia. The committee does not endorse these documents and comments nor the accuracy of the data presented, but the committee believes that they contribute to the context for the report.