Research activities of the Academy are focused on development of fundamental science and applied research for the accomplishment of such objectives as IT implementation in the study process, elaboration of public administration guidelines and attraction of the gifted youth to the research sphere. The Academy also promotes development of research potential and personnel professional advancement via engaging talented students in research activities in relevant and prospective directions of the present-day science. Each year the institution organizes events for undergraduate, MA and PhD students and teaching staff. Annual contests for the titles “Scientist of the Year”, “Young Scientist of the Year” and “Student of the Year” can be mentioned among such science promotion events.

Contest “Scientist of the Year”

The main objective of the contest is to recognize most effective scientists and researchers among the Academy’s staff.

This objective encompasses the following accompanying tasks:

• to promote creative and intellectual activity of Academy’s scientists;
• to advertise outstanding achievements of Academy’s scientists;
• to increase the quality of research activities.

The contest is held annually among Academy’s teachers and researchers according to their efficiency performance rates.

Applicants are nominated by Academy’s governing body and departments from among the staff representatives who actively participate in research activities and have shown high job performance rates during the year.

Each applicant fills in a questionnaire and submits it to the Commission’s secretary no later than 15 days prior to the contest or another date provisionally stipulated by Rector’s order.

Besides that, contest participants should enclose a recommendation letter, copies of diplomas, publications, expert evaluations and other documents attesting their excellence in research work. Achievements that are enlisted in the questionnaire but are not supported by corresponding verifying documents or certificates will not be included into the participant’s profile and reviewed by the Commission.

Contest “Young Scientist of the Year”

The main objective of the contest is to recognize outstanding young scientists among the Academy’s staff members, PhD and MA students who achieved significant research results in the previous year.

This objective encompasses the following accompanying tasks:

• to promote creative and intellectual activity of Academy’s young scientists;
• to increase the quality of research activities.

Contest “Young Scientist of the Year” is held every year in January among Academy’s teaching and research staff representatives under 45 years old (Sc. Drs), under 35 years old (PhDs) and under 31 years old (no degree – for MA and PhD students).

Contest call is announced each December and an Expert Commission is created especially for the purpose. Academy’s leading scientists and researchers are invited to join the Expert Commission.

Contest participants have to fill in a questionnaire and submit it together with copies of diplomas, publications, expert evaluations and other documents attesting their research achievements.

Contest winners are selected by the Expert Commission.

Contest “Student of the Year”

The contest is held in January as a rule and is traditionally timed to the national holiday – the Day of Belarusian Science.

Objectives of the contest:

• to promote creative and intellectual activity of Academy’s students;
• to improve research performance of Academy’s students;
• to invigorate research activities at the Academy.

Heads of departments select the nominees among Academy’s students and submit their shortlists to the Expert Commission together with thorough profiles of applicants’ research achievements and corresponding attesting documents (copies of published abstracts, articles, award certificates, et).