First International Science Laboratory Opens in Minsk

June 30, 2004

On June 29, 2004, the Stepanov Institute of Physics in Minsk, Belarus, hosted the official opening of the International Science Laboratory, a joint scientific research venture between the Stepanov Institute, The Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing (Saarbrucken, Germany) and the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).

The International Science Laboratory (ISL) is a research center providing long-term and sustainable cooperation between of CIS and Western scientists in one laboratory, targeted at the achievement of significant results both in fundamental and applied science. The cooperation is based on joint exploitation of research equipment, scientist exchanges, and combined competence of all parties engaged in ISL. The ISL will address research and technology development issues toward progress on optical and laser diagnostics, creation of new marketable high tech equipment and products for industry and health care.

The ISL Program was adopted by the ISTC in 2002 to further integrate CIS former weapons scientists in the world scientific community. The agreement founding the ISL in Minsk was signed by its parties in December 2003. The ISL will be located at the premises of the Stepanov Institute of Physics of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences (NAS), and is funded by the European Union.

"Creation of this International Science Laboratory marks a new stage in the integration of Belarus into international science. It recognizes the high level of Belarusian science, and provides a framework of efficient cooperation between scientists of different countries, setting a precedent for other initiatives possible through ISTC", Academician Myasnikovich, President of NAS said in his opening address. "I would like to congratulate our colleagues from the Fraunhofer Institute, the International Science and Technology Center, and all Belarusian scientists who support this significant effort."