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Premier Fico to Support SAV, No Worries About Politicising Science
Thursday 21 January 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, January 21 (TASR) - The Slovak Government intends to support science, particularly research and development activities of Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) despite a difficult current financial period, said Slovak Premier Robert Fico after his Thursday's meeting with SAV Chairman Jaromir Pastorek.
Fico wants private sector and state institutions to get more involved in science. "I have a science-research background myself, as I worked at legal institute. I'm fully aware of how important science is for Slovakia," said Fico.
Pastorek emphasised that the talks he held with Fico were apolitical and professional. According to him, science is a driving force that should determine the course of society, especially during times of economic crisis. Science is currently underfinanced; however, "initiatives (to change status quo) are already emerging".
Fico expects SAV to draw up a strategic document on the 'development of Slovakia to 2030', the compiling of which can't be assigned to bureaucrats at ministries nor private companies on order, but must be drawn up by qualified experts.
The Slovak Premier also promised €500,000 in aid to SAV. The money will be devoted to the development of an archaeological open-air museum and the Slovak encyclopaedia Beliana.
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