This document aims to improve the system of state funding for scientific and scientific-technical research, as well as to align subordinate regulation with the law "On Science" and budgetary norms. It also envisions the creation of a unified model of state support for science.
Among the key tasks of the project is the establishment of a unified procedure for the implementation of basic, program-target, and grant funding for scientific activities, as well as a clear delineation of funding sources from the republican budget, the Science Fund, and sectoral state bodies. The document emphasizes that grant funding will become the main competitive tool for supporting initiative and innovative scientific projects.
Furthermore, the project clarifies the powers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the authorized state body in the field of science, the National Academy of Sciences, and the relevant state bodies, as well as improving the legal mechanisms for the operation of the Science Fund as a specialized financial instrument.
The accompanying note states that the existing system of regulatory regulation of science funding has been formed fragmentarily, which hinders the uniform application of legislation. The conducted analysis revealed the presence of duplicative and contradictory norms, as well as a lack of clarity in the distribution of powers among state bodies.
The project proposes to approve a new procedure for basic, program-target, and grant funding, which will establish general rules for funding science, delineate sources and forms of state support, as well as define planning procedures in the context of the budget process. The document emphasizes the coordinating role of the authorized state body while maintaining the independence of the budgetary powers of the National Academy of Sciences and sectoral state bodies.
A new Regulation on the Science Fund is also approved, which will be defined as a specialized financial instrument for supporting initiative, innovative, and priority scientific projects. This Regulation highlights grant funding, establishes competitive mechanisms for project selection, and defines flexible financial management tools for the fund, including the possibility of reallocating funds and introducing a moratorium on funding certain areas. Funding for the Science Fund will be provided from the republican budget.
The project also includes a proposal to reaffirm the Regulation on the organization and conduct of independent scientific expertise, with an update to the name of the authorized body.
With the adoption of the new document, the Cabinet's resolution "On the Approval of Regulatory Legal Acts on Issues of Funding Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities and Conducting Independent Scientific and Scientific-Technical Expertise" dated April 12, 2024, will lose its force.
In addition, the project corrects subordinate acts concerning the conditions of remuneration for employees of scientific organizations. Changes are made to the Cabinet's resolution dated February 7, 2025, "On the Conditions of Remuneration and Staffing of Employees of Scientific and Scientific-Technical Organizations," clarifying the circle of state bodies responsible for funding scientific activities.
