Leading organization and its role at the stage of expert evaluation of scientific-qualification work

The article focuses on the role and significance of the leading (opponent) organization as an important element in the defense of a thesis. Based on the data obtained from a random sample of authored reviews, statistical analysis of the effect of geographical factor on the occurrence of informal relations between the leading organization and other participants of the examination of the scientific qualification work is carried out. The main tendencies of their interaction are analyzed, problems are identified and proposals for improving the quality and objectivity of thesis research assessment are stated.