BRICS countries to create Unified Scientometric Database

MOSCOW, 7th October, 2024 (WAM) -- The 12th BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was held in Moscow as part of Russia's presidency of the group, according to TV BRICS.

Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, stated that technology is one of the most dynamic and intensive areas of BRICS cooperation.

He recalled that every year, the member countries launch new joint projects and initiatives. This year, the Russian side proposed to enhance cooperation in sharing information on scientific publications.

"We consider it timely to discuss approaches to forming a unified BRICS scientometric database based on the principles of transparency, openness, and independence", he said.

According to Minister Falkov, the participants supported the Russian initiative, and it was included in the Moscow Declaration of the BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation adopted at the meeting.

Valery Falkov invited researchers from BRICS countries to participate in the Young Scientists Congress, which will be held at the Sirius Federal Educational Centre from 20-22 November 2024. The event will include the BRICS Young Scientists Forum and the Young Innovators Prize Competition.

Meanwhile, Daniel Almeida-Filho, Secretary for Technological Development and Innovation at the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, stated that cooperation in education helps address common problems and challenges faced by the BRICS countries.

"It is important that we all stand united in our determination to use science, technology, and innovation to implement projects needed by all member states," he said.

He also noted that Brazil is working on preparing a scientific and educational agenda for its upcoming BRICS presidency.

Additionally, participants discussed the development of new areas of cooperation. In particular, a decision was made to establish a BRICS working group in the field of humanities and social sciences.

Furthermore, the BRICS Geographer's Day was established and will be celebrated on 18th August. Representatives of the ministries agreed on a joint event calendar for 2024-2025.