Russia postpones important scientific projects: everything you need to know
Russia’s ambitious plans to expand its scientific research infrastructure have suffered significant delays, reportedly due to international trade sanctions and budget constraints. These setbacks, announced by officials last month, affect three crucial projects aimed at advancing research into molecular structures and materials. These projects include a new synchrotron light source, modernization of an existing facility and an expansion of a neutron research center.
Trade sanctions and economic tensions are hampering progress
According to one report by Science.org, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky indicated that while the causes of delays vary, a major challenge comes from international trade sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. The report highlights that these sanctions have disrupted the import of specialized equipment needed for projects such as the $900 million Siberian Ring Photon Source (SKIF). SKIF was originally scheduled to begin preparatory work in 2023, but SKIF’s timeline has been extended to at least 2025, the report further adds. Engineers are now trying to produce certain components domestically or secure them from countries like China, which has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
Modernization of the Kurchatov Synchrotron radiation source has stalled
The Kurchatov Synchrotron Radiation Source (KISI) in Moscow, originally scheduled to be upgraded in 2026, has also been postponed and is now expected to be completed in 2028. This facility is Russia’s existing source of X-rays for molecular research and will be critical while SKIF remains under construction. However, continued budget constraints and equipment shortages could pose further challenges.
Expansion of the Neutron Research Center faces budget and trade challenges
The expansion of the International Center for Neutron Research in Gatchina, which wanted to increase the number of research stations from five to 14, has also been postponed. This project, estimated to cost $1.2 billion, is intended to increase Russia’s ability to analyze materials using neutron beams.
While Andrey Rogachev, director of the Landau Phystech School of Physics, states Given the importance of these facilities to Russia’s scientific progress, others, such as independent researcher Sergei Vitebsky, remain skeptical about the feasibility of meeting the new deadlines. Vitebsky says these delays highlight deeper challenges related to financing and the country’s strained wartime economy, casting doubt on the government’s ability to complete these projects on short notice.
State Duma’s Alexander Mazhuga, deputy chairman of the Commission on Science and Higher Education, has expressed optimism, claiming that Russia remains committed to its scientific ambitions. However, repeated delays have raised questions about the realistic timelines for these ‘mega projects’, some of which have been postponed several times since their initial announcement in 2018.
