Democratic tendencies in the new model of the state system of scientific promotion and issues of preserving a unified legal space

This article examines the Russian legislation and its implementation practice for independent conferment of a higher degree by institutions that have such delegated power from the state. In the new model of scientific promotion the article author emphasizes both positive and negative tendencies, drawing on local legal acts that are adopted by the above-mentioned sci- entific institutions and educational establishments and ones regulating the creation order, and the functioning of dissertation boards, and the procedure of conferment of higher degrees, and their assimilation with applicable federal laws. Particular attention in this regard is paid to the analysis of local provisions relating to academic specialties upon which higher degrees are conferred, as well as the procedure for establishing dissertation boards, requirements for members of dissertation boards, degree-seeking students, to dissertations, objectors, leading institutions, process of audio/video shooting sessions of the dissertation board and voting, to the procedure for filing of an appeal on the ruling of the dissertation board, etc. Conclusions are made on infringements of degree-student rights, narrowing the scope of requirements for fellows of scientific promotion, openness and transparency of procedures in contrast with the traditional model of conferment of the Doctor and Candidate (PhD) higher degrees. The article author submits that there are corruption aspects in local provisions. A critical overview of the local legal provisions of institutions led to the conclusion that it is necessary to make adjustments to the local legal provisions of institutions regulating activity of dissertation boards, the procedure of conferment of higher degrees.