Belarusian science lauded for achievements, urged to march on

MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) - Belarusian science has something to be proud of but has no time to rest on their laurels, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a ceremony to award Doctor of Sciences diplomas and professor certificates to scientific and pedagogical workers in Minsk on 9 February, BelTA has learned.

"In our country, people of science enjoy great respect and support from the state. Maybe it's not enough but we do do what is in our power. You know how much effort and money have been invested to preserve the continuity of scientific schools and achievements of past times, to create the conditions for the development of modern science. When offering some technologies and training in these technologies to foreign leaders and specialists, including in Zimbabwe, I always emphasize that we are so smart because we stand on the shoulders of the giant science of the Soviet Union. This should never be forgotten. Your contribution is great, but we have something to rely on: both in science and in statehood, manufacturing industries, social matters. We have preserved the scientific schools, and you have taken them further. We have achieved certain results and we can use them in our country, as I estimate, by 50%," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The country has to export the rest, the president explained. "I would like us to make more use of new technologies that you invent. But alas… and you know why it is so," the head of state added. “We do have something to be proud of. Everyone who visited the science and technology exhibition Intellectual Belarus made sure of this. Once I instructed the Academy of Sciences to prepare such an exhibition. They did a good job. But there's work to be done.”

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the event aroused a lively and sincere interest, and this is the result of joint efforts of scientists from the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from various industries and universities. An impressive gallery of promising domestic developments will be shown in each region of the country; the corresponding schedule has already been drawn up. So, soon the exposition will travel to Gomel Oblast. It has also attracted interest from other countries, for example, in Zimbabwe which the president recently went to on a state visit.

"Nevertheless, you, scientists, understand more than anyone that in science there is no time to rest on your laurels and there is no time to revel in your successes. Especially today, when our country confronts unprecedented political challenges, all of us, and science in the first place, must look only forward, and do it both for the benefit of people and in the name of creation. In other words, all your innovations should contribute to the development of culture, strengthen the economic power of the state and ensure our national security,” the Belarusian leader said. “Here, a lot can be done. Believe me. The way we are developing in economy and security, the tasks that we are facing, which can deliver huge financial results - I look at it and already begin to have doubts. We seem to be able to do something, but we are not very good at marketing. This, however, needs a separate conversation with the government.” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished the scientists to achieve the highest pinnacle of scientific success. Not just to say a new word in science, but to make the entire world talk about your achievements. “It is not the status but the name that remains in history. As I see it, there is no greater goal for a true scientist than to ensure the continuity of his/her achievements, to raise a galaxy of successful students, and, of course, to glorify the Fatherland. I believe that if a scientist leaves behind a trail of students, or at least one student who is sure to surpass him/her, it is an even greater achievement than what you have achieved today,” the president said.

The natives of Belarus, Nobel Prize laureate in physics Zhores Alferov, one of the founders of the Belarusian truck industry, Hero of Belarus Mikhail Vysotsky, physicist and organizer of science in optics and spectroscopy, laser physics and infrared technology, Honored Scientist of Belarus Nikolai Borisievich did exactly so. The head of state cited them as an example for a reason. “They are gone, but they have left a bright mark. Their followers are your colleagues. That is why it is especially gratifying to see you, accomplished doctors and professors, together with your successful students. It shows that you are not afraid of competition with young, ambitious scientists, perhaps even dreaming of surpassing your teacher. Moreover, you are proud of them. It means Belarusian science will definitely have a future,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Set ambitious and definitely noble goals. May luck, support from family and friends, and respect from the scientific community accompany you on the way to achieve them,” the Belarusian leader said.