The message reads, in part:

"This holiday dates back to the times of Peter the Great, who issued a decree establishing the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russian scientists have made many important discoveries and founded respected schools of research. Many of them have been awarded the Nobel Prize.

"Russian scientists have always been at the forefront of scientific, technological, and public thought, and the work of Mikhail Lomonosov, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Andrei Sakharov, Zhores Alferov, Vitaly Ginzburg and other outstanding thinkers was far ahead of its time.

"The achievements of modern young scientists and the unparalleled technologies they have developed are a shining example of the nation's considerable intellectual potential. Today, Russia is taking strategic steps to promote innovative development. These efforts are based on your intellect, innovative approaches, talent and creative endeavour.

"I am certain that many of the world's important discoveries – discoveries that will change millions of lives for the better – will be made by Russians."