The corresponding decision was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting on the development of genetic technologies. At the meeting, they discussed the material, technical and staffing of the industry, as well as cooperation of the real sector of the economy with the field of research and development.
“The scientific and technical program in the field of agriculture has already been extended until 2030. I propose to make a similar decision with regard to the program for the development of genetic technologies, to ensure its funding, adequate to the large-scale results that we need in this area. Genetic technologies today are the basis for advanced solutions in many sectors of the economy and the rapid development of new industries, ”the President noted.
He explained that, first of all, we are talking about “the release of effective drugs, environmentally friendly food, technologies for industry, including air purification, soil, environmental protection, and, finally, these are broad opportunities for climate projects, for the utilization of carbon emissions ".
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova recalled in her speech that the program for the development of genetic technologies has been implemented since 2019, and its head organization is the Kurchatov Institute Research Center.
“The total budget of the program until 2027 is 127 billion rubles, of which 111,5 is the federal budget. More than 100 scientific organizations and universities are involved in its implementation. Three world-class centers for genomic research in four areas, created in the form of consortia, continue to operate in four areas: biosafety, medicine, agriculture and industry. Over the past three years, 7,3 billion rubles have been allocated for their development, ”the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
The head of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, spoke about the staffing of the field of genetic technologies. According to him, the training of highly qualified specialists for the industry affects all levels of education, from school to graduate school.
“The lack of high-quality teaching materials on modern genetics was noted. After that, universities and research institutes developed the textbook "Genetics" for grades 10-11 and "Practical molecular genetics for beginners" for 8-9 grades. The Kurchatov Institute, together with the Academy of the Ministry of Education, has developed an online course on teaching genetics in schools. The Ministry of Education and Science, together with the Sirius educational center, have developed a list of equipment for equipping a basic class of genetics at school, ”the head of the department said.
Valery Falkov also noted that the number of budget-funded places in the areas of training in which disciplines in the field of genetics are studied, including residency and graduate school, have been increased. At Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk State Universities - key training centers - the growth was up to 30%. In addition, such educational programs as "Medical Biophysics" and "Medical Cybernetics", "Algorithms for Big Biological Data Analysis", "Integrated Structural Biology and Genetics" have appeared in Russian universities.
The minister noted that the department has selected 22 research programs in the field of genetics for the provision of grants.
“By 2024, they must provide training for at least 4,4 thousand specialists in the development and application of genetic technologies. The programs will be carried out by young researchers, postgraduate students who, as a result, will be able to defend a thesis and become specialists of the highest category. Seven programs are based on the principles of civil science. The essence of this approach is the massive involvement of students and ordinary citizens in research, ”explained Valery Falkov.
At the end of his speech, the head of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science drew attention to the need to improve education in the field of ethical and legal issues in the application of research results and changes in the genome and the importance of training personnel in the field of bioethics.