"Education has been brought to the fore - it became a national priority," Mr Zubkov stressed in his speech at the ceremony. According to him, "education is fully in line with Russia's strategy of transition to the economy of knowledge, grounded in innovation and high-tech development, which is inconceivable without skilled professionals."

Mr Zubkov noted, "The Government has been gradually addressing the task of streamlining education. These efforts have significantly changed the education market." In particular, "we have higher quality and more accessible education; higher and secondary education was brought closer to labour market demands; employers started participating and implementing the state vocational training policy."

"The amendments to the law on science and education allowed us to use the education potential of academic science in full, ensuring young people's involvement in research," the First Deputy Prime Minister stated.

Mr Zubkov reported that 139 prominent scientists and educators were given the Government Award.