Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday ordered the government to develop an information system to check theses and dissertations for plagiarism by March 31, according to a statement posted on the government's official website.
"The Education and Science Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, and Minister Mikhail Abyzov, in collaboration with the Expert Council of the Russian Government, shall prepare a plan for the introduction of an information system that checks universities' master's theses and PhD dissertations for plagiarism, as well as procedures for publishing theses and dissertations online," the statement said.
Medvedev issued the instructions following a meeting with experts on the issue of freedom of information on Feb. 6, where he said he supported a crackdown on plagiarism in Ph.D. dissertations.
Earlier in February, the Education and Science Ministry discovered that numerous dissertations at the Moscow State Pedagogical University had been plagiarized.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
