Recipients include employees of enterprises and research organisations working in the fields of medicine and healthcare, energy, chemistry, metallurgy, the exploration and mining of mineral resources, the exploration and extraction of oil and gas, construction, agriculture and light industry, computer hardware and software, engineering and transport, as well as in the field of national defence and security.

Minister of Education and Science Dmitry Livanov and the heads of specific ministries and departments will attend the ceremony.

* * * 

The annual Government Prizes in Science and Technology have been awarded since 1995 in line with state priorities regarding the development of science, technology and engineering. The 2011 Government Prizes in Science and Technology were awarded to 431 persons.

A total of 40 prizes worth 1 million roubles each have been established, including 10 awards for projects in the field of defence and security. Seven awards worth 500,000 roubles each have been established for young scientists.

The prizes are awarded for the following achievements:

• Research and development projects that have culminated in the creation and widespread use in production of completely new technologies, techniques, instruments, tools, equipment, materials and substances;
• The practical implementation of inventions that open up new areas of engineering and technology;
• Research and development projects used during the exploration, mining and processing of mineral resources;
• Highly effective science and technological inventions that have been applied in the production, processing and storage of agricultural products;
• Impressive results in research, development and practical implementation of new methods and equipment in the field of medicine and healthcare;
• Scientific, design and technological achievements in construction, architecture and the housing/municipal utilities sector;
• Projects that contribute to the solution of environmental and conservation problems;
• Research and development projects that improve the efficiency of the real economy;
• Research and development projects in the interests of national defence and security, the results of which have been used to develop new military and special purpose equipment.

- Projects are nominated for the awards by government authorities and institutions. All projects are examined in advance during an extensive public discussion and are selected in a two-stage elimination procedure and by secret ballot.

The prizes include a cash bonus, a certificate and an honourary winner's badge.