Russia proposes unifying BRICS scientific resources into shared databases

The 13th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation took place in Brasilia. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia, Konstantin Mogilevsky, the Russian side proposed the creation of BRICS-wide scientific databases covering key research areas. This was reported on the ministry’s social media channels.

"Considering that BRICS accounts for more than half of the world’s population, the group has a natural competitive advantage in this area. This should certainly be utilised: we are raising the issue of establishing international databases within BRICS in medicine, genetics, materials science, and other fields of knowledge"

Konstantin Mogilevsky Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia

He added that discussion of the initiative would continue within the relevant BRICS Working Group. The unified databases are expected to boost joint research and enhance the effectiveness of scientific cooperation.

Another important matter raised by the Russian side was the need to create a common list of scientific journals, the publications in which would be recognised by all BRICS countries. According to the Deputy Minister, this initiative would allow research results to be acknowledged within a shared scientific space.

In addition, during the meeting in Brasilia, a protocol was signed on the accession of new BRICS members to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation. The document has been in effect for 10 years, during which time over 155 joint projects have been implemented.

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