LONDON—Younger directors will soon be appointed to about one-half of the 260 institutions directed by the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R. This follows the recent announcement by the new president of the academy, Guri Marchuk, that directors must retire at age 70 rather than holding their appointments for life, as is now the case. In addition to directors now being "prematurely" retired, many other senior scientists who enjoyed lifelong tenure will have to leave their posts when they reach age 65.
The rejuvenation of Soviet science is being hastened by theintroduction of "recertification" for researchers. According to Izvestia, more than 2 percent of the scientists have failed these tests and been dismissed, while an additional 5 percent have been demoted. The future of scientists who fail recertification is uncertain, but the septuagenarian directors now leaving their posts will continue to draw their present salaries after being given such...
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