Supporting talented youth: new decree

On March 5, Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree aimed at improving the procedures for rewarding talented youth and young scientists, as well as granting support in the fields of science, education, healthcare, and culture. The decree retains all existing forms of social support but introduces new elements, including the establishment of a Unified Republican Council for Supporting Talented Youth, replacing four previous collegial bodies. Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, has been appointed head of the council.

The decree establishes standardized criteria for rewards, improves the multi-stage selection of candidates, expands procedures for deprivation and restoration of rights for rewarded individuals, updates the management of databases on talented youth, and regulates the establishment of property rights on research outcomes created with grant support. Academic scholarships have also been increased: for the second half of the 2025/2026 semester, students with grades 9–10 will receive up to 300 Belarusian rubles at BSTU and up to 390 Belarusian rubles at Belarusian State University.

The decree emphasizes the importance of the existing presidential funds, established 30 years ago, and aims at further state support for the best representatives of Belarusian youth.

Context

In Belarus, there previously existed special presidential funds to support talented youth, initiated during its 30th anniversary.