“We put great hopes on the scientific and academic community to restore and develop the Donetsk People's Republic. I wish these words to be confirmed by our joint actions. Today, of course, we need to rely on our capabilities and on the potential we have. We are encouraged by research institutions, universities, the quality of training and the skills of specialists. We should definitely work in the direction of the effective cooperation between our state and the scientific community. It is possible if there is some initiative on your part. We have a unique opportunity to come forward. This is a period when priorities are set, but we lack new ideas and a conceptual approach to improve our industry. We need to develop, and we reckon on you and on the fact that our joint steps will be determined as soon as possible”, the acting head of DPR addressed to the audience.

During the meeting Denis Pushilin answered the questions of those present. First of all, the Head of the Republic spoke about the possibility to increase the funding of the scientific sphere following the suit of the Russian Federation.

 “Of course, we will look up to Russia, but for this purpose we need to replenish the budget and to develop the economy. It is impossible without understanding of the money source and the ways of economy development. It is also a sphere where I reckon on you. I'm waiting for your suggestions, for the so-called “road-map.” We gather here not just enumerate the problems, but to understand what we should do and what steps should be taken tomorrow and which ones should be planned for the years ahead. Today we can’t do anything without strategy and tactic actions,” he stated.

Organizational issues were also raised at the event, particularly, the necessity to adopt a law on scientific and technical activities.

 “Indeed, it is a long-simmering problem, and it is time to talk about the adoption of the law. Now I am ready to set the appropriate tasks in order to hold an extended meeting of the Committee, as soon as possible, which will make clear the issues to be refined. I think that this law will be adopted if not before the end of this year, then at the beginning of the next year,” said Denis Pushilin.

The acting Head paid special attention to the issue of the distribution of special funds earned by research institutes, namely, the assignment of the right to distribute to scientific organizations themselves. “It is a suitable suggestion and I am ready to support it. I am waiting for your suggestions on legal acts to regulate it. If there is enough supervision here, I can cooperate. It is necessary to give more powers and opportunities with a proportional increase in responsibility”, he said.

The meeting also discussed issues related to dissertation boards, recognition of documents in Russia, the revitalization of the relevant committees, payment of scholarships to postdoctoral students and the increased scholarships for postgraduate students, the DPR competition of young scientists and scientific developments.