OREANDA-NEWS The competition of young scientists has started in Russia. This was stated by the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov, speaking at a press conference at MIA Rossiya Segodnya on December 20. The competition, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences, is aimed at supporting innovative scientific developments and the latest research in priority sectors of the economy: chemical industry, agricultural production, pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy, and digital technologies.

"This is a big deal to popularize science and attract young scientists to high–tech business," he said, adding that it is important for young people who have many roads ahead to see that there is an opportunity to engage in science and high-tech business. According to him, the attitude towards everything that is now called the big word "technological sovereignty" is changing a lot; and this is happening not only at the level of public policy, but also at the level of large companies that are beginning to actively invest in it.

"The participants are one young scientist or a team of students and young scientists. Age categories are doctors of sciences up to 40 years old; candidates of sciences up to 35 years old; those who have not yet defended themselves, up to 30 years old; plus students," she noted, adding that the team can consist of no more than three people, of whom at least one team member must be a young scientist.

The competition is held in four categories: "artificial intelligence and quantum technologies", "alternative energy sources", "new materials and chemical processes", "genetics and biomedicine".

Applications for participation, which will last until March 1, 2024, are accepted on the career guidance platform "Elevator to the Future". At the second stage, applications will be selected according to formal criteria – technical expertise for compliance with nominations, application requirements, work and participants (March 2-20). The third stage will include open presentations of scientific papers in face-to-face and online formats, scientific expertise and announcement of winners (March 21 - June 1). Then the winners of the competition will receive cash prizes – 300 thousand rubles each.