High temperature superconductivity research in the USSR

Abstract

The rapid developments in high temperature superconductivity research in recent years have confronted the USSR with its first real test of restructuring (perestroika) in science. The breakthrough in this field in 1986–1987 posed a number of major problems for the traditional Soviet system in science. In particular the field required the cooperation of scientists from different fields and the ability to respond rapidly to the new developments. Soviet science has not been noted for its rapid response in its planning, its supply system and its information and publication procedures. In addition, the investigation of the new substances required modern sophisticated equipment, the provision of which has been a particular weakness of Soviet science. Academician Osip'yan saw the new field as a key test of perestroika in science and largely as a result of his influence it was used as a test-bed for new ideas for the organisation of science. It became the first of a new series of major programmes in which funds were allocated to groups of scientists on a competitive basis and the groups themselves, rather than their organisations, controlled the use of these funds. Despite some success in keeping up with world developments the programme has been hampered by bureaucracy and the lack of modern equipment. The study highlights the changes which have occurred in Soviet science under Gorbachev and shows that many aspects of the traditional system still remain.