Research climate in Russia: barriers to realizing the research potential of youth

Recruiting young people into science and creating favorable conditions for the realization of their research potential is one of the important goals of the innovation economy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the research climate in Russia and the barriers to self-realization of young scientists. The theoretical and methodological basis is the institutional approach. The research climate is understood as a set of institutional opportunities for realizing the potential of scientists. The empirical method is the questioning of young scientists from 18 to 40 years old (N = 1 276) from 63 subjects of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted from May to August 2022. The sample included «professional» scientists employed in scientific and educational organizations, and «potential» scientists (students of universities). The results of the study show that young scientists most often feel financial dissatisfaction with scientific activities, and are worried about the socio-economic situation in Russia in connection with current events. According to the majority of respondents, science will undergo negative changes. Based on the results of the study, practical recommendations were developed to improve the research climate in Russia: a variety of grant programs and information work to promote them, the introduction of preferential mortgages with state support for young scientists, targeted assistance to young scientists belonging to socially vulnerable segments of the population. It is necessary to consolidate the concept of a young scientist in the law and increase the upper age limit for support programs (up to 40 years for candidates of sciences and 45 for doctors). The conclusions and recommendations presented in the article can be used in the field of science and higher education management.