Sociological analysis of the working conditions of scientists at the institutes of the Russian academy of sciences

The article sums up the results of a research conducted by the author on various aspects of work done by scientists at the RAS establish-ments during which the scientist’s working conditions have been analyzed. The methodological approach to the study of researcher’s working conditions has been revealed, and the notion of “working conditions” has been defined in relation to scientific activity. Scientists’ various activities, to which an evaluation of working conditions can be applied, have been examined. These areas comprise: the work organization of research teams, provision of research teams with equipment and materials, international scientific ties, cooperation of research teams with other research and academic institutions, evaluation of scientific results, further training, career path, salaries, living conditions. Problems typical of each of the above areas concerning the RAS researchers have been described. The article presents conclusions on tendencies in the changing working conditions of the RAS researchers between 2004 and 2008, recommendations are given how to improve the working conditions in RAS.