"The mechanism is one – to pay for results." Lukashenko on approaches to improving scientific activity
February 9, 2026
Financing of scientific activity and remuneration of scientists should primarily depend on the result. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on the draft decree on improving scientific activity, a BELTA correspondent reports.
The head of state recalled that the issues of domestic science development were recently discussed at a broad meeting (meeting on the development of the scientific sphere and activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on November 21, 2025. - BELTA note): "Then a number of old new issues were raised. Unfortunately, there was nothing new in the speech of Vladimir Stepanovich (Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik. - BELTA note) about the development and, perhaps, reform, modernization of our Academy of Sciences. But we agreed that we would prepare a draft decree on improving scientific activity in general, and you would submit this draft decree for consideration."
"After familiarizing myself with the draft decree, I have a lot of questions. And I would like to discuss these issues with you. But then at the meeting, we agreed that if it is about money, about payment, then the mechanism is one - to pay for the result. There is a result - we pay. There is no result - there will be no money. No matter how our undoubtedly smart scientists present this issue," the head of state emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko asked to report how the submitted draft decree ensures the achievement of goals and what tools are proposed for this. "So far, not much is clearly visible: basic funding and opportunities for scientists to teach in universities. Well, who is against it? No one is against it. And today, in my opinion, this process is developing successfully," the President noted. - And what about the efficiency, the results of scientific activity? There are reference norms, as lawyers say: "The government will determine this." So why are we submitting a draft decree then?"