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MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – Belarus and the United States of America intend to step up cooperation in laser physics and biotechnologies, BelTA learned from Vladimir Gusakov, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB).

The official noted that both the Belarusian side and the American one are interested in cooperation as equal partners. 2013 saw eight joint projects implemented, with five projects implemented in 2014. A number of projects are supposed to be implemented this year, including in the areas of laser physics, materials science, waste processing, biotechnologies, projects involving the Botanic Garden, and other ones.

During previous visits American colleagues highly appreciated the organization of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Academy’s accomplishments, and the advanced nature of the Academy’s scientific research. It was noted that the potential of both countries allows taking this cooperation to a higher level. According to Vladimir Gusakov, the development of materials for mechanical engineering and other branches of the national economy were mentioned among promising areas. Research in the area of laser physics, biotechnologies, medical technologies, the development of pharmaceutical products, and other areas are interesting for bilateral cooperation.

Matthew Hamill, Senior Vice President of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), confirmed the intention of the American side to step up cooperation with Belarusian research institutions. During the current visit among other things the sides are expected to discuss ways to assimilate scientific products into practice, into the real sector of the economy. Scientists of the two countries intend to establish friendly personal relations for the sake of continuing further work. “We are convinced that the days to come will be very productive for us and we will do excellent work together,” said Matthew Hamill.

A delegation of scientific circles of the United States of America is expected to visit the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 13-18 December. The delegation includes top officials of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, representatives of the Virtual Reality Applications Center of the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, representatives of Indiana University, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and other institutions.

The American colleagues will take part in the first Belarusian-American seminar on R&D cooperation. They will also hold negotiations with the administration of the Academy to discuss promising avenues of Belarusian-American cooperation in the area of science and education. Mechanisms to implement this cooperation will be talked over as well. Members of the U.S. delegation will visit the B.I. Stepanov Physics Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Food Research and Practice Center of the Academy, and the Academy’s history museum. Meetings have been planned with representatives of the State Science and Technology Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Belarusian State University.