Current Aspects of Legal Personality in the Framework of Mega-Science Projects

Abstract

The paper deals with the rights and obligations of participants of mega-science projects in relation to individual projects that are being implemented or are being prepared for implementation. Particular attention is given to the role of the state in organizing the work of unique scientific installations of the mega-science class and the interaction of various subjects of scientific collaborations. It is proved that in the process of scientific collaborations functioning various aspects of the personality of the collaborations themselves become up to date. Their individual elements, in particular the freedom of entry into mega-science projects and legal confirmation of the rights and duties of subjects, the combination of public and private interests when performing activities within the framework of scientific collaborations become of importance as well. Currently, states participate in mega-science projects through the transfer of significant public powers to specially established non-profit organizations — state corporations, as well as through the establishment of international intergovernmental research organizations with the rights of legal entities. The legal personality of public and private subjects of mega-science projects, which is formed by a regulatory act or contract, indicates a strict framework for proper and possible behavior and creates the need to use coordination tools based on the principles of reciprocity and common interests of participants. The paper examines the practice of legal regulation of interaction between the state and private entities when creating mega-science projects in Brazil, where legal entities responsible for the creation of the project are recognized by law as a subject with public responsibilities, and are subject to state authorities on the basis of the so-called management contract. The parties to such agreements do not have opposite interests, their interests coincide and are aimed at achieving public goals. Through these agreements, different entities structure their obligations and rights in the common interest and benefit from each other, provided that they effectively perform the actions stipulated in the agreement. The organization that has concluded such a contract is obliged to properly perform the tasks assigned to it. To the extent that it performs these actions properly, it will have the right to demand that the state perform its respective duties. Therefore, the management contract allows changing the structure of legal personality not only of individuals, but also of the state.