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MINSK, 20 June (BelTA) – The European scientific community thinks highly of the potential of Belarusian scientists and is ready to step up cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in the area of human sciences and natural sciences. The statement was made by Gunter Stock, President of the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (aka the federation of All European Academies or ALLEA), before the session of the ALLEA Board in the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 20 June, BelTA has learned.

Gunter Stock said: “Belarus has been a member of the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities for over 20 years and supports all our initiatives. Although I cannot say Belarus’ participation in our projects is equipotential, the scientific community of Europe would like to note the very high level of fundamental and applied sciences in your country. This potential is very important for us. We intend to advance and deepen cooperation. Today we focus primarily on natural sciences. It is an important area in learning more about the outside world. We hope that scientists of Belarus will make their own tangible contribution.”

The President of the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities also explained that the session in Minsk would look into a number of matters concerning the organization of research activities in Europe, including the determination of top-priority projects and their financing possibilities. In particular, as for scientific cooperation new avenues of interaction between the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and European scientific institutions will be explored. “Science for the sake of science is the motto of our cooperation. I am convinced that Europe will find a lot of interesting things in outer space exploration, optical physics, and many other areas,” stressed Gunter Stock.

In turn, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) Vladimir Gusakov noted that Belarusian and European scientists should broaden their cooperation. “Research and development should play the key role in ensuring sustainable and balanced development in Europe,” he said. “We hope that the resolution of the problems facing science at present will directly bolster the competitive ability of European countries. We are convinced that success can be achieved only through joint efforts.”

Vladimir Gusakov mentioned it is necessary for Belarus and European countries to vigorously work together in the area of space research, biotechnologies, and nanoindustry. Communication between scientists should be established for that purpose. “The fact that a session of the ALLEA Board is taking place in Belarus confirms the interest in Belarusian science and its recognition at the international level,” he stressed.

The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (aka ALLEA) comprises 58 academies of sciences and humanities from 40 European countries. The federation is the most influential association of scientific organizations in the European space. The federation is intent on exchanging information and experience between academies of sciences, on facilitating the establishment and continuation of high standards of scientific research and scientific evaluation. The main areas of the work include the organization of events for creating pan-European research space, protection of intellectual property, mass media coverage of scientific problems and development trends, and R&D management.