This is perhaps best demonstrated in reference to a conference I attended that was run by four American scholars to teach their Russian colleagues how to write articles and to construct research in a manner that would be more exciting and interesting to a Western readership. The Russians, clearly overwhelmed by the task to place the importance and impact of their research second to mass appeal, struggled to add a flashy spin to their abstracts during one of the workshops. When I told a British friend of mine about the premise of the conference, he had a similarly confused reaction and told me a story, or perhaps a myth of sorts, that nicely sums up the conference and perhaps transition in Russia altogether. To remedy the problem, the Americans spent millions on the research and development of a space-friendly pen. The membership is eclectic and is largely composed of faculty from the various institutes, academies, and universities throughout the city, but also includes local journalists and members of the city duma.
All members volunteer their time, expertise, and resources.
These events made me appreciate not only the challenges that lie behind collaborative efforts but also the immense accomplishment and degree of initiative that, in the face of current political and economic turmoil, may often be valued only as small steps. Students are required to undertake an individual research project and submit a major paper. The first place finalist in each category is offered a scholarship to St. Petersburg State University. Tuition has increased while student stipends have greatly decreased, the result of which is that many students have been unable to continue their education. Free tuition offers enormous opportunity.