But not tortured to catch up?

Egor Zeroeev, candidate biol. Sciences, scientific secretary of the Institute of Biophysics of the SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk), member of the Coordinating Council for Youth Affairs in the scientific and educational fields under the Presidential Council for Science, Technology and Education.

Of course, I understand that Krasnoyarsk is very far from Washington and US President, but yesterday I came across his speech at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Sciences. Speech is voiced three weeks ago. It is somehow not enough about her, although, at least, in tone it is epoch-making.

Firstly, the text of this speech is a finished lecture on the topic "Why the country needs a fundamental science." It is necessary to make a qualitative translation and distribute to our officials and politicians under signature. Well, and secondly, speech contains specific goals and long-term plans of American politics.

Perhaps one of the key quotes is as follows: “At such a difficult moment are those who say that we cannot afford to invest in science ... I categorically disagree with this. More than ever, science is important for our well -being, our safety, our health, environment and the quality of life. ”

And then Obama pronounces sound, understandable and specific things. The fact that the investment in a specific area of ​​physics, chemistry or biology may not pay off for decades. That is why science should and will be financed by the state. And this financing will now be increased several times. Obama compares the current situation from the middle of the last century. Then, after launching the Soviet Union, America decided to make a breakthrough in the scientific field. Then the foundations of American technological superiority were laid.

By the way, Obama is in solidarity with me - the state will not engage in the implementation of technology. This should be done by the market. And for this, a permanent tax discount is introduced for companies that invest money in research and development of new technologies.

Then there are quite clear priorities of the US research and educational policy. Firstly, these are investments in new energy sources. Obama sets the task to actually abandon fossil fuel sources for energy production by 2050. “A nation that in the 21st century will be a world leader in the use of pure energy, will be a world economic leader. And I believe that America can and should be this nation. ”

The next priority is healthcare. Research financing in modern medicine, in particular, is increased, aimed at combating cancer. Total computerization of the entire healthcare system is planned.

Another direction that is allocated about a third of the whole speech is the popularization of science and an increase in the level of school education. Unlike our officials who often rest on the fact that our education is the best in the world, so there is nothing to change, both begins with problems. He admits that now the level of school education in the United States does not correspond to what a modern person should be. To increase it, it is planned to strengthen the role of natural sciences and mathematics in the school curriculum, to attract scientists to education problems. The role of science will be strengthened at all decision -making levels, up to the government. "With the beginning of my presidency, the days, when science was behind ideology, passed."

“May God keep America,” the American presidents traditionally end their speeches. In order to preserve Russia, no less ambitious plans will be needed. (Based on materials from the article www.newslab.ru/blog/283420 .)