Russia’s Regions Boost Science with 1M Ruble Research Grants

Nizhny Novgorod Forum Awards 22 Young Scientists Grants Up to 1M Rubles Each

Over 200 young researchers gathered in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast for the 'Scientific Antifragility' forum. The event highlighted regional efforts to boost science and technology during Russia’s Decade of Science and Technology (2022–2031). Participants included scientists, officials, and grant winners who received up to 1 million rubles each for their projects.

The forum was organised by several key institutions, such as the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Ministry of Education and Science and Neimark University. Gulnara Bikkulova, the university’s director, stressed its role in training specialists for the knowledge economy.

Award ceremonies recognised 22 grant winners, each receiving up to 1 million rubles to fund projects in science, technology, and engineering. The event also featured a strategic session with scientists and a meeting with Ekaterina Solntseva, Deputy Chair of the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Government. Researchers raised questions about regional priorities and innovation opportunities, receiving direct responses from officials. Governor Gleb Nikitin addressed the forum, thanking scientists for their work and reaffirming the region’s ambition to become a global technological leader. The discussions led to recommendations for expanding grant support and shaping a new agenda for the Regional Council of Young Researchers. The forum serves as a key platform for strengthening Nizhny Novgorod Oblast’s scientific ecosystem. Its outcomes align with national goals to attract young talent into research and development.

The event concluded with clear steps to enhance regional scientific growth. Grant funding, policy discussions, and strategic planning were central to the forum’s results. These efforts aim to position Nizhny Novgorod Oblast as a leader in innovation during Russia’s Decade of Science and Technology.