Dissertation defending procedure has been simplified for applicants for academic degree

The procedure for defending a dissertation has been simplified for applicants for an academic degree. Now, graduate students with at least 10 scientific publications significant for the development of science, engineering, and technology will be able, if they wish, to submit a dissertation in the form of a report containing a review of such articles. This will allow graduate students to pay more attention to their research. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the corresponding changes to the regulations on the awarding of academic degrees.

In 2021, a similar dissertation defense procedure was established for applicants for the degree of Doctor of Science. It was then determined that applicants for doctoral degrees in the humanities, economics, and social sciences must have at least 50 scientific publications. From now on, this rule will apply to other scientific fields. Thus, the same requirements are established for all scientists defending their doctoral dissertations.

In addition, changes to the regulations on the awarding of academic degrees provide for the possibility of creating “one-time” dissertation councils. This is necessary to defend specific scientific works, the specifics of which do not coincide with the competencies of the permanent dissertation council.

Another change concerns the phased introduction of electronic document management when submitting certification files of applicants for academic degrees. It will significantly speed up the process of state scientific certification. From the end of October 2023 to April 15, 2024, along with a paper copy of the certification file, dissertation councils will submit electronic versions to the Ministry of Education.

To do this, representatives of dissertation councils will have to use the Federal Information System of State Scientific Certification. After the specified period, certification cases will be considered only electronically.

Earlier, Bashinform News Agency wrote that Russia is introducing new rules for awarding the academic titles of associate professor and professor.

Author: Alfiya Agliullina