The Unique U.S.-Russian Relationship in Biological Science and Biotechnology Recent Experience and Future Directions (2013) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Summary
Summary
Pages 1-10
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
Their specialists have repeatedly demonstrated how bioengagement can advance science, contribute to economic and social progress, and promote international security. Many of these scientists have developed longterm professional and personal relationships across the ocean that have helped advance their scientific capabilities and broaden their global perspectives.
|
From page 2... ...
The broad-ranging assessment in this report of lessons learned and of future collaboration opportunities should help ensure that the governments and the scientific leaders in both countries now give adequate attention to the many dimensions of and rewards from U.S.-Russian bioengagement. BIOENGAGEMENT IN THE LATE 1990s AND EARLY 2000s Following the splintering of the Soviet Union into 15 independent states, officials in Washington, Brussels, and other western capitals, in cooperation with Russian government counterparts, launched a number of bilateral and multilateral programs to help limit internal and external brain drains of Russian scientists whose salaries were no longer adequate for meeting even minimal needs.
|
From page 3... ...
Russian scientific publications in internationally accredited journals, while still very limited in number, are commanding increased scientific interest. At the same time, emigration of outstanding young Russian scientists in recent years has been a serious loss that limits Russia's scientific capabilities.
|
From page 4... ...
The likely positive impacts of collaboration certainly deserve appropriate recognition by the two governments in their policy and budget decisions affecting bioengagement. At the policy level, the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission established in 2009 has provided an important mechanism for encouraging political support of new bioengagement initiatives, as well as for coordinating and facilitating ongoing collaborative programs.
|
From page 5... ...
Activities of special interest are the following: • The Skolkovo Foundation is supporting the establishment of a flagship high-technology education-research complex headquartered near Moscow, which is being designed with the participation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. • The Skolkovo Foundation also provides research and development grants in the five priority areas listed above, primarily to Russian companies, with occasional involvement of Russian institutes and universities working with international partners.
|
From page 6... ...
These and other biology-related outreach initiatives of the Russian government emphasize biomedical applications, with most of the government funding provided to companies, including state-owned companies, and to applied research laboratories and service organizations. The basic research capabilities of the country -- particularly the capabilities of laboratories that are organizationally linked to the Russian science academies, universities, and research branches of several ministries -- also need strengthening, with international collaboration an important mechanism to achieve upgraded capabilities.
|
From page 7... ...
financial support for bioengagement programs, strengthened capabilities of Russian institutions to be effective partners, and greater Russian government interest in biotechnology, increased support for future bioengagement deserves careful consideration. Common scientific interests, complementary activities under different but related geographical circumstances, and unprecedented experience of specialists from the two countries in effectively working together for more than a decade are unrivaled.
|
From page 8... ...
Also, the increasing interest of the two governments in working together to encourage private-sector initiatives has been important in encouraging the long-term evolution of a market economy in Russia. The two governments have decided to terminate most security-driven bioengagement activities, and particularly the enhancement of physical protection of biological materials in Russia, given the strengthened capabilities of the country to address its own internal security concerns.
|
From page 9... ...
• Understanding and preservation of biodiversity. • Research with dangerous pathogens requiring specialized biocontainment facilities and highly experienced staff capabilities.
|
From page 10... ...
Other potential impediments to cooperation relate to tax and customs aspects of joint projects, restrictions on international shipments of biological materials, intellectual property rights associated with joint projects, and compliance with export control requirements.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.