moscow

The exodus of trained scientists from the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is accelerating. A new report claims that last year the academy lost 668 scientists, including 384 with doctorates; these figures are up from 535 and 288 in 1997.

The report, prepared by the local Centre for Social Adaptation and the Philosophy and Law Institute of the Siberian branch of the academy, points out that only five to ten per cent of those scientists who left the academy went abroad, but that those who did are among the best in their fields.

The survey lists several reasons for the exodus. The first, named by almost 95 per cent of respondents, is the higher salaries that scientists receive abroad. The second, given by 80 per cent, is the declining prestige of science in Russia.

The third reason for leaving is a desire to get closer to new ideas, conferences and other scientific events. The final reason, identified by one third of respondents, is a fear for the future of children in Russia.

According to the report, Russia has paid a high cost for the emigration of its scientists, who were expensive to train. But it points out that those who leave Russia but stay in science are not lost completely as they often maintain links with former colleagues. Most say they would like to return when the situation in Russian science improves.

More damaging is the fact that many talented scientists move into business and other work unrelated to science.

The final loss to Russian science, says the report, is the low productivity of scientists experiencing harsh living conditions and low morale. One in four scientists at the Siberian branch of the academy live below the official poverty line, and over 40 per cent have a below-average standard of living.