Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-11-17

Prof. Turkevich hos mode a specially Of
the study Of Soviet science and hos
written ond leetured extensively on
thot subject.
most of their work in special
institutes and laboratories where
they are furnished with fine equip
ment. good technicians and large
number of junior research assist
ants.
A 25-man executive body OF the
academy. the Presidium, is in
charge of pure science and engi-
neering research in the Soviet
Union. 1t formulates scientific
policy, decides the capital eXpend-
iture and yearly operating budget.
approves research programs. grants
awards and admonishes laggards.
Leader Has Prestige 9
The president of the academy,
Alexander Nikolaevich NeSmey-
anov, is man of great prestige
in the Soviet Union. An outstand-
ing organic chemist and a man of
quiet charm and refinement. he
has remarkable record of admin
istrative accomplishments.
AS rector of the University of
Moscow he planned and built the
complex of buildings that DOM
mate the Moscow skyline. as head
of the academy ne established the
liaison between science and gov
eminent, as a science leader he re-
peatedly presents to his country
the goals that Soviet science must
achieve.
In addition he has organized in
the last five years the most ex-
tensive scheme devised by man for
the exploitation of scientific find
ings-the special journal which
the academy publishes. Last
years issues of the journal were
equal in size to so volumes of the
Encyclopaedia Britannica.
To sum up, it can be said that
Soviet science is organized more
extensively than any other science
and it has fine leadership.
Schools Are Geored to 1t
1t is important to remember. too.
that the educational system in the
Soviet Union is geared to science.
The youngsters in the elementary
schools spend 80 per cent of their
time on science. The secondary
school has a uniform curriculum
for all students throughout the
expanse of the Soviet Union and
science constitutes as per cent of
the instruction.
Competition to enter universities
is keen and those that enroll re-
ceive monthly stipend of 400
rubles. The choice of vocation
seems to be free. However, on
graduation the student is assigned
to work for two years at a plant
or laboratory by the government.
This is how the student repays the
state for his education. Since
scientists have positions of high
salaries and esteem, many of the
Soviet youth go willingly into SCI
ence. Thus Soviet science has a
large corps of young enthusiastic
scholars.
On the other hand, Soviet SCI
ence has weaknesses inherent in
the Soviet system-rigid control
and interference by the govern
ment and the Communist party.
Just before World War II and
particularly during the period of
1947-54 the party tried to decide
scientific problems not by expert
mentation or scientific discussion
but by vote of the Central Com
mittee. All who disagreed, lost
their positions. The result was
death of the science of genetics in
the Soviet Union and a disap-
pearance of a number of prom
inent scholars. Soviet scientists
were isolated from contact with
the West.
But with the advent of the
Khrushchev regime. science seems
to have regained its freedom. The
government and the party do not
make scientific decisions. Many
scientists have been rehabilitated.
And there has been greater free
dom of contact with the West.
Soviet science has responded to
this freedom with spectacular sue
cesses literally visible to the world.
When and where the iron hand
of the party will fall again on
Soviet science is difficult to deter
mine. Until it does, however. Sow
let science will challenge that Of
our country In every major field.