Abridged Record of a Conversation with V.L. Komarov, November 13, 1944

Source: Tom 18

Abridged Record of a Conversation with V.L. Komarov, President of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, November 13, 1944

Comrade Stalin received V.L. Komarov in the Kremlin and discussed the state of affairs at the Academy of Sciences.

Stalin: How is the Academy doing? What are the main difficulties?

Komarov: The Academy has returned from evacuation and is resuming its work. The main difficulties are the shortage of qualified personnel — many scientists perished or became disabled during the war — and the material base, which requires restoration.

Stalin: The Academy of Sciences must be the headquarters of Soviet science. It must lead and coordinate all scientific work in the country. We need major scientific breakthroughs. Without science we will not be able to build a truly powerful state.

Stalin then asked about the state of individual scientific disciplines and institutions. He expressed interest in the development of nuclear physics, noting that this field would have enormous significance in the near future.

Stalin: We need to devote the most serious attention to the development of physics. This is a key science. The state will provide all necessary support.

On the question of scientific cadres, Stalin said:

Stalin: We need to nurture young scientists, give them independent work, not hold them back. A young person who shows talent should be given the opportunity to work independently, to make mistakes and learn. We have too many cases where a talented young person sits for years as an assistant, waiting for permission to pursue his own line of research. This must change.

On the Academy's material needs, Stalin promised comprehensive support and instructed that the relevant government bodies attend to the Academy's requests.

The conversation lasted approximately one and a half hours and took place in a warm atmosphere.

Note

Vladimir Leontyevich Komarov (1869-1945) was a prominent Soviet botanist and geographer. He served as President of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR from 1936 until his death. This meeting was one of the last between Stalin and Komarov, who died in December 1945.