Experts noted the growth of Russians' interest in science

In Russia, citizens' interest in new technologies and space is growing. Medicine and artificial intelligence also remain in the focus of attention. At the same time, Russians began to discuss scientific news with friends and relatives more often, according to the results of the annual poll of the Nauka channel, which were presented to Izvestia on December 25.

This month, the number of respondents interested in modern scientific achievements amounted to 65%. In 2023, the indicator was at the level of 56%. In 2021 - 64%, in 2022 - 68%. And only every fourth respondent said that he was not interested in science.

At the same time, 73% of Russians believe that it is important for ordinary people, not scientists, to be aware of the achievements of modern science. In addition, this topic has become more often condemned in the country. More than half of respondents talk about successes in this area with friends and relatives, 51% talk about it from time to time (in December 2023 - 48%).

In the rating of science areas of interest to Russians, new technologies and nanotechnology are in first place. Among the popular topics: biology and medicine, as well as IT, including neural networks, machine learning, artificial intelligence, electronics, nanotechnology, psychology.

At the same time, experts found out that the number of Russians who would like their children to work in the scientific field has decreased and is 44% (in December 2023 - 48%, in 2021 and 2022 - 60%).

Earlier, on December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia could achieve funding for science up to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) before the planned 2030. He also said that the country would pay special attention to issues related to the training of qualified engineering personnel.