Lukashenko signs decree on the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

Lukashenko has signed a decree 'On the Activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus' aimed at improving the scientific sector, the organizational structure and operations of the NASB, as well as its subordinate organizations, strengthening their scientific and production potential, and increasing the practical orientation and efficiency of research.

The decree dissolves, reorganizes, and transforms several state scientific institutions and NASB research centers. This optimization aims to eliminate duplicate functions and focus institutional capabilities on priority state applied tasks in technology and engineering, further enhancing research effectiveness.

The new version of the NASB Charter has been approved.

To strengthen management and increase personal accountability of the Academy's leadership for its scientific and economic performance, the President granted the status of state civil servants to the Chairman of the Presidium of the NASB, his deputies, and the Chief Academic Secretary.

Accordingly, the Chairman of the Presidium gains authority to make personnel decisions, including appointing and dismissing heads, deputies, and academic secretaries of subordinate organizations.

Powers of the Presidium and its Bureau have been expanded through delegation of certain functions from the General Assembly to enable prompt decision-making on Academy matters.

The decree establishes the maximum staff size for the NASB apparatus in line with ongoing optimization.

The election procedures for full members (academicians) and corresponding members of the NASB have been improved, with additional criteria introduced for assessing scientific achievements.

Maximum nomination ages are set (70 for academicians, 60 for corresponding members), along with requirements for a doctoral degree and professor title, leadership of scientific, technical, or industry programs, and significant contributions to science through scholarly and practical works in the declared specialty.

The President of Belarus is granted the right to confer academic titles by decree to individuals who have made significant contributions to the national economy and to national and global science.