On May 23, 2011, Moscow welcomed the participants in the opening ceremony of the Russian-German Year of Education, Science and Innovation 2011/2012. There are more than 200 events in the action plan - both in Russia and Germany: scientific and research organizations, universities and innovative companies are going to organize conferences, symposiums, roundtable meetings and seminars to discover ways to expand cooperation between the two nations.

       Speaking at the opening ceremony, Russia's Minister of Education and Science Andrei Fursenko characterized the event as "a landmark, owing to which the two nations got a chance to assess the results already reached and launch a number of new projects." According to him, the Year of Education, Science and Innovations is set to sum up the preliminary results of cooperation in the scientific and educational sector, and pave way for new joint initiatives in science and technology.

       Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research Annette Schavan said in her turn that projects in the area of education, science and innovation would be number one priority for the parties as part of the Year's action plan. "Professional education will be the key sphere for cooperation in the educational domain. This is a universal opportunity for companies to obtain qualified workforce, while also an effective tool to address the problem of youth unemployment," - she added, noting that as far as scientific cooperation was concerned, the focus would be laid on supporting young researchers.

       Launching the Russian-German Youth Academy is one of the key priorities. The ministers signed an agreement thereof at the opening ceremony of the Year of Education, Science and Innovations in Moscow. Andrei Fursenko pointed out that the Academy would give young scientists an opportunity to interact actively and effectively with their foreign counterparts, for which lots of special occasions would be created. Importantly, the Academy would be doing all on its own, without unnecessary tutorials from senior scientific community. "Self-determination will be the cornerstone for this. Young scientists will be task-organized into joint research teams to address most pressing problems. We will offer grants as an incentive to boost mobility of young researchers."

       The Youth Academy will be organized similarly with science academies of Russia and Germany. "It will include scientists under 35 years, and will offer ample opportunities for the young generation to meet, exchange ideas and cooperate actively," - Annette Schavan emphasized.

       The idea of the Year of Education, Science and Innovation was voiced at a joint news conference of Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel following the 12th round of Russian-German interstate consultations. The leaders of the two nations decided to make steps in line with the Agreement on strategic partnership in education, scientific research and innovations, which was signed back in 2005. Yet another intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technical cooperation was signed in Munich in 2009.

       The Year of Science was declared in both countries and envisages over 200 events in four key areas, such as research of hi-end technologies, cooperation in advanced studies, support of young scientists and innovations. Research and development organizations, universities and innovative companies of Russia and Germany will hold joint conferences, seminars, roundtable meetings and seminars to address present-day global threats and challenges.