The scientific activities of universities: state and problems of the institutional and structural development

The study describes the scientific activities at Russian universities in terms of their efficiency and the use of research findings in the academic process. The proposals are made to initiate and improve research. The paper notes that the research-activity situation at universities is treated negatively as a few teaching staff is involved in real research projects and the developments of the faculty are not always in demand in practice. The author identifies the reasons for such a situation, including a failure to consider the specific nature of university scientific activities which play a subordinate role and are essential for keeping the educational process up to date. The study substantiates the forms of the institutional and structural development of science at universities, i.e. research groups and schools of science.