“Depopulation trap” in the reproduction of Russian science. RUDN Journal of Sociology. 2026. Vol. 26. No. 1. Pp. 31-48. DOI: 10.22363 ...

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://journals.rudn.ru/sociology/article/view/49825 (дата обращения 24.07.2026)

Abstract

Russian science is going through a difficult period that falls under the definition of a «depopulation trap»: the number of research scientists is decreasing, and each new generation of scientists is smaller than the previous one. In demography, this phenomenon is characterized as a transition - a qualitative transformation of living conditions that contributes to a reduction in the birth rate. An analogue of the transition in science is the abbreviation of «avatars» - highly qualified scientists who play the role of «guides» to science for university graduates. The number of scientists with PhD degrees, and especially doctoral degrees, is decreasing annually. The average age of candidates of sciences exceeds 50 years, and doctors - 64 years. If this trend continues, it will be difficult to form dissertation and academic councils in many scientific fields in ten years, which will further complicate the process of reproduction in science. Currently, postgraduate studies cannot cope with the function of reproducing highly qualified scientific personnel: only one out of ten graduates of postgraduate studies completes their studies with a thesis defense, and only one out of twenty plans to continue working in science after the defense. Urgent changes are needed in scientific policy, in the field of support for postgraduate studies and scientific youth, so that the situation changes for the better.