In St. Petersburg, the International Nano-Optoelectronics Workshop (iNOW-2014) completed its work. Within the event, organized by the ITMO University in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Academic University, scientists from around the world discussed the key issues of modern science and shared information on the latest developments in the field of nano-optoelectronics. 

The work of iNOW-2014 has begun on August 10 in Luga. Since August 17 meetings of the school-workshop took place on the basis of the Academic University in St. Petersburg. During the summer school, scientists, heads of research laboratories and representatives of industrial companies gave lectures on the latest advances of semiconductor technology and nano-optoelectronics. Young scientists have learned about the use of quantum dots for the development of nanoscale lasers, the establishment of biological, environmental sensors and drugs to fight cancer cells. As a part of the rich educational program bench sections and round tables on topical problems of modern science were held.

Professor Frank Glass, the coordinator of the Russian-French laboratory "Nanostructures of semiconductor compounds: synthesis, properties and devices», and Professor Diter Bimberg, the director of the Institute of Solid State of the Technical University of Berlin, told in an interview about the importance of the participation of Russian universities in the international schools-workshops, about their impressions of visiting Russia, about Russian education and research system as a whole.

- How often do you come to Russia? What impressions do you have about working in our country? How, in your opinion, is participation in events like iNOW important for the Russian high universities?

F.G.: We cooperate with a number of Russian laboratories, that’s why I visit Russia once a year. This is my sixth visit. In my opinion, participation of Russian universities and the ITMO University in particular in such events as International Nano-Optoelectronics Workshop, is difficult to overestimate. In the short term scientific seminar schools promote the training of highly qualified specialists to carry out scientific research. In the future, these professionals will be able to attract funding for basic research.

D.B.: My first visit to Russia took place in the 90s. It was a very difficult time for the country. I had to live in spartan conditions in the hostel. Then I worked in the offices of major European companies. I remember that I was able to reach an agreement with the Moscow office of my company about the scholarships for best Russian students and teachers. This project is still alive. In general, I want to say that I have a good relationship with many Russian scientists. One of my Russian friends even worked in the University of Berlin, about ten years ago.

- Do you think that the attitude to the science in Russia has changed since then? And what about the funding of research in Europe?

D.B.: In my opinion, the attitude to the science in your country has become much better now. Research and development of the Soviet Union were largely focused on the defense industry. Today the situation has changed, and the demands of industry have become much wider. I am glad that your state funds scientific research on various topics. Being a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Fund "Skolkovo" I participated in the formation of letters to the President of the Russian Federation, in which I emphasized the importance of increasing funding for research and particularly programs for support of young scientists.

F.G.: With regard to funding, I can say that the area in which we work relates to basic research, and the results of our developments can bring commercial benefits only decades later. Therefore, industry and business are not always interested in funding us yet. In my view, support for basic science is a direct obligation of the state. In Europe in recent years, many industries are in recession, so research is funded not as good as we would like.

- You say that the state should support the basic science. And what type of projects are the first to receive government funding in Europe?

F.G.: Last grants that we won are related to the formation of joint research laboratories. This project allows us to purchase the most modern expensive equipment, which is available to be used by employees of several laboratories in the consortium. This is analogous to the shared centers that exist in Russia today.

- What programs for support of young professionals do exist in Europe today?

D.B.: In Germany, research is well funded and young professionals are highly appreciated. Young scientists are happy to continue studying science after defending a thesis. The government is trying to support not only native Germans by creating jobs for them with favorable conditions, but also foreign students who come to us for training.

 

It should be noted that participation in organizing of such events as the International Nano-Optoelectronics Workshop iNOW-2014, is carried out in the framework of the program "5 in 100" and contributes to the competitiveness of the ITMO University among the world's leading research and education centers.