Andrey Allakhverdov
Moscow--In mid-July, just as Russia's parliament was winding down for its summer recess, politicians provided a double bonus for the country's scientists: The parliament finally passed the long-awaited federal science law that will guarantee scientists freedom of access to unclassified information and freedom to publish and apply for grants without having to gain permission from their bosses. At virtually the same time, the science ministry presented its Doctrine for the Development of Russian Science, an outline for the management of research, that was adopted by special presidential decree after an 18-month delay. Scientists and government officials consider both documents to be milestones.