Generations in Academe -- A Sociologist's View

Offers a review of statistics related mainly to age composition of active scientists employed in the research institutions of the Ukrainian and, respectively, Russian academies of Sciences. The core in both groups, so author, is a generation in advanced age close to or after retirement threshold. Attempts to rejuvenate age structure yielded so far no expected results, moreover, the median generation withers away attracted to better paid jobs. What remains is to regard this group of academics as a real integrator permitting to accumulate, to ensure succession & enrich traditions. This is obviously a contradictory, though constructive role to play in a future society of 21st century knowledge. Adapted from the source document.