The Russian State Duma has granted the Federal Security Service (FSB) the right to intervene in the work of scientific organizations and universities to prevent the leakage of classified information abroad. The relevant bill was passed immediately in both the second and third readings.
According to the document, Russian scientists will now have to coordinate their interactions with foreigners in areas approved by the government. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education will be responsible for keeping records of international cooperation agreements. The FSB will oversee the process.
In particular, the service will gain full access to the Unified State Information System for Accounting of Scientific Research, Experimental Design, and Technological Work for Civil Purposes. Universities, research institutes, and other "scientific activity entities" will be required to submit information about all planned projects involving foreigners to this system. The FSB will check this data for “national security threats.” The explanatory note states that coordinating with security agencies “will strengthen control over the transfer of scientific results outside Russia.”
The law, except for certain provisions, will come into force on September 1, 2025. For scientific organizations and universities performing state assignments funded by the budget, the new rules will begin on March 1, 2026, and for all others — on September 1, 2028.
Scientists interviewed by T-Invariant noted that the bill is formulated so vaguely that it could trigger a new wave of anxiety and persecution within the scientific community, similar to what happened to specialists working on hypersonics. The requirement to coordinate all international contacts with the FSB “will only increase the sense of fear.”
