Russian Scientists Flee Amidst Growing State Control and Pseudoscience

RURussian Federation|

A significant exodus of scientists from Russia continues as state pressure and ideological control increase, according to the independent publication Novaya Gazeta Europe, which estimates that at least 2,500 researchers have left the country since February 2022. The exodus reflects a broader deterioration in the scientific community, where authorities prioritize pseudoscientific contributions aligned with the Kremlin over genuine research, exacerbated by the regime's tightening grip on academic freedom.

Irina Rastorgujewa reports that on February 8, 2025, the Russian Academy of Sciences organized a dictation titled "Science in the Name of Victory," aimed at glorifying Soviet achievements in World War II, as President Vladimir Putin promotes the decade of science and technology from 2022 to 2031. This initiative, with participation from prominent academic figures like Viktor Sadovnichy, reflects a trend where scientifically unverified notions are being propagated in educational systems, overshadowing substantive scientific progress.

In this climate of repression, real scientific endeavors suffer neglect while the government invests in questionable projects, including the development of smart textiles and nanorobots. As Russia faces increasing isolation, the scientific community fears losing entire fields of expertise essential for advancement.

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