economic condition, the Russian government itself is becoming an increasingly likely source of new financial support for such efforts.

In summary, there is a clear need to change current patterns of Russian funding for research in biology and other disciplines relevant to controlling infectious diseases. An important criterion for the allocation of available resources to research groups is their likely impact not only on scientific advancement but also on economic and social progress. No longer can science be simply an afterthought in the funding process with allocations based on “whatever-is-left-over.” Rather, to be leaders, the Russian scientific community needs to show in very specific and persuasive ways how it is making major strides toward meeting the health-related needs of the Russian people.