Modernization of the institute granting academic titles to scientific and pedagogical staff of the Russian Federation

Taking into account, that science and education in Russia are related to certain priority areas designated by the State and the social development policy, this article is focused on the issues related to the modernization of the academic degrees’ system in Russia. This system is characterized by multiple imperfections that particularly influence the motivation of high-education teaching personnel. In this paper, the authors study several recent problems encountered in the current legal regulation governing the attribution of academic degrees in Russia while observing its inconsistencies and legal contradictions. The paper also contains an analysis of suggested proposals that could be added to the current legal texts, regulating the institution responsible for academic degree attribution. In general, the authors suggest a conceptual approach to modernize the mechanisms of normative legal regulation which organizes the attribution of academic ranks. It is suggested to improve the evaluation system of scientific publications used to evaluate applicants for an academic degree, and to establish a transition towards a point-based evaluation system based on the quality of scientific and educational work. The thesis formulated expresses the need to develop a system of social and material guarantees for the benefit of scientific and educational staff and the implementation of effective means to motivate their educational and research activity.