February 8 is Russian Science Day

Russian Science Day is celebrated on February 8, scientists spoke about themselves

On February 8, Russian Science Day is celebrated.

On February 1724, Emperor Peter I approved the creation of the Academy of Sciences in Russia, which became an important event in the history of Russian science. While this date was not celebrated in the Soviet state, scientists considered the penultimate Sunday of April their professional holiday, linking it with the creation of a plan for scientific and technical work by Vladimir Lenin. After the collapse of the USSR, Russia’s first president, Boris Yeltsin, returned the historical date of Science Day in 1999, but some scientists still celebrate the day according to Soviet tradition in April.

Almost half of Russian scientists who participated in the RTU MIREA survey dreamed of engaging in research activities already at the age of 11 to 15 years. Of the 2 thousand respondents under the age of 40, including graduate students, associate professors, candidates and doctors of science from all regions of Russia, 11% expressed a desire to become scientists in preschool age, 35% – under 10 years of age, 48% – at the age of 11 up to 15 years old, and only 8% are in graduating classes (17-18 years old).

Those who expressed an interest in science during their school years cited various factors that influenced their decision. These could be documentaries and feature films about science, stories of great scientists, examples of relatives or friends. They were also inspired by significant events in the history of science, both positive (space developments) and negative (man-made disasters). The majority of respondents (84%) named the main motivation for becoming scientists as the desire to make a discovery or change the world for the better. Another 11% mentioned high earnings, and 5% mentioned social recognition and approval.