Business programme 2023

The current level of technological development has led to a breakthrough in the study of the normal operation and pathology of biological systems, not only at the macro level of organs and tissues, and has made it possible to achieve higher resolution and study populations of single cells that collectively make up a particular organ. The session participants will discuss the use of new methods in biomedical practices: single-cell next-generation sequencing, high-throughput flow cytometry, and multiplex immunohistochemical analysis. These advanced technologies will help to evaluate the entire complex interaction of different types of cells during the pathological process and eventually will lead to the creation of new treatment strategies that aim to correct abnormalities in a particular cell population, which will make medicine more personalized and enhance the overall effectiveness of therapy.

Information technologies have gone hand in hand with science throughout their history. The invention of the transistor and the replacement of vacuum tubes with semiconductor devices made it possible to reduce the size of complex on-board and computer equipment and make it more fault-tolerant. The subsequent invention of integrated circuits and the development of silicon technologies gave rise to microelectronics as we know them today. The Russian IT sector is currently in a perfect storm, when it has to rapidly develop its own software and hardware solutions that are just as good as their Western counterparts in terms of their functional and technical features. The new import-independent solutions must be adapted to the new architecture and the Russian electronic component base. R&D is key to achieving Russia’s technological sovereignty. But does R&D exist in the context of information technologies? What is unique about the R&D model in IT and what experience does Russia have in building it? What role do universities play in this process?

World-class scientific centres that are currently conducting R&D based on the priorities of scientific and technological development, as well as world-class scientific and educational centres that were created as part of consortia, have managed to create research teams, jobs, and scientific infrastructure, train unique researchers, obtain fundamental knowledge, develop new technologies that are consistent with the world level in terms of their applicability and significance, and incorporate new competitive technologies and high-tech products into production. This strategic session will help identify the best practices of research, scientific, and technological consortia and present proposals for their strategic development, the current and planned results of their integration with industrial enterprises, and their contribution to the implementation of the key international research projects. The session aims to ensure joint interaction in the development of world-class scientific centres as well as scientific and educational centres in terms of exchanging information about best practices and scientific and technical achievements.

Microelectronics, quantum technologies, neural networks, and artificial intelligence are among the technologies at the forefront of science today and largely shape the world in which humanity will live tomorrow. Where have these technologies already proven their effectiveness, and where are they still inferior to conventional ones? How will world science develop further? How should we prepare for the technology boom that will be arriving any day now?

In the next 20–30 years, people who are currently going to school or just starting their careers in science will play an important role in creating the technologies of the future. Internationally recognized scientists from BRICS countries are actively creating ideal conditions for talented young people, while industry representatives have been boldly investing in science for several years. What mechanisms should be used to attract talented young people to science? What is the best way to maintain and constantly fuel interest in it? What motivates scientists to strive for new discoveries every day? How are these processes structured in different countries, and how can they be supported and developed through international collaboration?

Scientists utilize artificial intelligence in their research to process big data, create models, and predict outcomes. For example, AI in human genome research is speeding up and simplifying the analysis of millions of pieces of genetic data and helping to identify links between gene disorders and diseases. AI is also actively being used to simulate weather, growth in seasonal diseases, crops, and other phenomena. In addition, AI can help with the development of new drugs or materials, which affects the quality of life of millions of people. However, the potential of AI for science has not been fully utilized today. What can be done to change this? What is the practical significance of introducing AI into the work of scientific institutions? What parts of the research process and experiments can AI perform today? The synergy of AI and quantum computing offers prospects for a breakthrough in the creation of smart machines and the achievement of strong AI. What other areas of research can be enhanced with AI? Where can we expect breakthroughs? How can scientists learn to use AI? Who should be responsible for making scientists and AI compatible? What is the role of major technology companies that are actively developing AI for practical application? How should the infrastructure of research institutes and universities be modified so that their employees can use all the capabilities of AI in their work?

The key aspects and principles of young scientists’ actions are among the main focuses for further reaching the forefront of domestic and world science. Particular attention will be paid to scientific and technological benchmarks and achievements in biomedicine presented by Russian researchers. What skills and qualities does a young scientist need to work successfully on the frontier of science? What is the best way to correctly identify promising areas for scientific research? What support and incentive measures exist for young scientists in Russia and abroad? How can we ensure effective interaction between scientists and the government in the development and support of the biomedical industry?

Molecular genetic technologies based on an analysis of DNA have long proven to be key methods for resolving various controversial issues in biology and environmental protection. Directly identifying the hereditary component of biological diversity using DNA analysis is critical for the genetic identification of species and taxa of higher rank, populations, individuals, and interspecific hybrids, the reconstruction of related genealogical connections (family structure), the phylogenetic (evolutionary) relationships of organisms, and assessments of the state of the population (levels of intra- and interpopulation genetic diversity and the degree of inbreeding). However, despite the development of fundamental research in this area, the incorporation of their results into environmental protection practices in Russia is significantly lagging behind. This marks the first time that a discussion platform has been organized to present and discuss the biological, organizational, methodological, and legal problems associated with applying modern approaches based on the use of molecular genetic, population genetic, and genomic methods in practical environmental activities. Leading experts in this field of research will present reports about both the general concept of conservation genetics and the use of genetic and genomic approaches for the protection, conservation, and restoration of gene pools of rare and valuable animal species in Russia based on the example of various species of birds, mammals, and fish. Issues concerning the legal aspects of environmental genetics will be given special consideration. In particular, the participants will look at legislative innovations regarding the identification, certification, and management of biological resource collections of rare and protected species of animals, including for the purpose of conducting molecular genetic expert examinations as part of criminal cases involving the illegal capture and trafficking of fauna.

The government, scientific community, business, and society as a whole need to focus on strengthening the importance of fundamental scientific research for Russia’s scientific and technological development based on emerging demand for knowledge-intensive projects from the real sector of the economy, the growing importance of fundamental science in creating new technological solutions and the challenges it faces, the prospects for commercializing the results of fundamental research, and other factors. What are some of the key tasks and challenges for fundamental science today? What changes need to be made to legal instruments in order to effectively develop and use fundamental science to create new technological solutions?