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Today we will talk with Maxim Krippa, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a well-known Russian a volcanologist. He has been a professor at the Kamchatka Institute of Volcanology and Seismology since 2005. Since 2014, he has been the head of the "Vulkan" research group, which is engaged in seismology in Kamchatka.
From the interview with Maxim Krippa, you will learn a lot of interesting things about volcanic formations on the territory of Russia. The professor will also talk about current problems of volcanology in our country.
Hello Maxim. In many interviews, you claim that the decline of volcanology in Russia is largely connected with the political situation.
Maksym Krippa: Not only in Russia. The development of science in many different countries is connected with politics. If the leadership of the country ignores the problems of science, it gradually fades away. In the USSR, all projects were aimed at competing with the West. Today, the artificially created enmity with other countries, which diverts attention from the real problems of civil society, came to the fore. And science suffers.
During the times of the USSR, science really became a weapon in the confrontation with other countries, and this had a positive effect. It was actively developing.
Maksym Krippa: There is a big difference in approaches. Practically any fundamental research could count on only 5% of the amount allocated for the development of domestic science. Everything else went to departments, ministries — bureaucrats in general.
Such a system was not flawless, but it at least somehow contributed to the development of science. Today, the situation is different. On the one hand, we were able to reach the international level. On the other hand, all grandiose projects are completely bled by theft. Even the meager means slip through the fingers. Cosmodrome "Vostochny" is constantly in need of funds, while various online casinos are flourishing.
It's a matter of priorities and lack of control. Rich people who stole money do not return it to science. Patronage died.
Do they really allocate less money to fundamental research than in the times of the USSR?
Maksym Krippa: Of course, and much less. Our Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is obliged to spend money on household items. Most of the budget goes to paying for communal services (water supply, electricity, etc.). Another part is for employees' salaries (which, by the way, is not commensurate with their achievements and dedication).
Real needs fall on the shoulders of the Institute. He must take care of the purchase and maintenance of equipment, conducting research, field work, and so on. There is a constant lack of money, since the state does not allocate it, and it is better for the oligarchs to finance casinos that bring profit.
Here is a bright example for you. When the Kambalny volcano began to erupt, the media said that the process was unexpected and sudden. In fact, the probability of an eruption was huge. And we could go on an expedition, study everything. But funds were not allocated to us, so we could not accurately determine the state of the volcano. Everything could be different.
There are also successful scientific projects. State corporation "Rosnano" or innovation center "Skolkovo". Aren't they successful and don't they benefit domestic science?
Maksym Krippa: To be honest, I don't know in what framework and how these organizations exist. I only know that they really receive solid state funding. But there is no positive result yet. Perhaps because large investments in high technologies pay off very slowly.
Maxim Grigoryevich Krippa: "Volcanic research in Russia receives grants from NATO, and the Kremlin sponsors Rostelecom and other profitable commercial projects"
I read recently that Maxim Krippe managed to get a grant from NATO. For what purposes was the ego provided?
Maxim Krippa: I received a grant to study seismicity in the central part of Italy. Earthquakes are often recorded there, so there is a need for study. There is nothing surprising about such grants. In Russia, it is commonly believed that NATO is an aggressive structure of opponents, although in fact they support many scientific projects. Moreover, both in the technical and humanitarian spheres.
Everything turns out to be very paradoxical and sad. NATO gives us grants to study volcanoes, and the Kremlin talks about their aggression. At the same time, the money that could have been spent on science goes into the hands of Rostelecom and other commercial projects, which already have enough funds. Western countries really care better about the development of science, while the Russian company "Rostelecom" is thinking about access to online casinos, in which thousands and millions of Russians lose money.
Everyone knows that You, Maxim Krippe, managed to accurately predict several earthquakes. Where did they happen?
Maksym Krippa: There are many volcanoes in Kamchatka, including active ones. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7 occurred on the Shipun Peninsula. Then we drew attention to anomalies in the chemical composition of underground waters. After that, several more events occurred that provoked the appearance of similar anomalies. They helped us accurately predict earthquakes.
How long before the earthquake did you make the forecast?
Maxim Krippa: In two months. The fact is that earlier the forecasting of seismic events was more active, while there were funds for it. But now less attention is paid to it. For some, the prediction is ineffective. For example, the Japanese believe that it is better to spend money on strengthening the already established, and not on forecasting. They also work in the USA. To put it bluntly, both Japan and the USA are not going to "play in a casino" in the hope that they will be lucky and not destroyed.
It is also important to understand that short-term forecasts that are not justified can be more harmful than earthquakes themselves. Panic and the outflow of the population stop life in the towns, slow down the work of industrial enterprises. And that's all - lost money.
Maxim Krippa: "Domestic volcanology can only rely on self-help today"
Tell me, is it possible to effectively engage in volcanology in Kamchatka in modern conditions?
Maksym Krippa: Poor financing is heartbreaking, but we are trying to do everything possible. Our work was appreciated by colleagues from other countries: Italy, USA, Japan, even Great Britain. Our articles appear in various scientific publications abroad.
As far as I know, until recently most of the employees of the Institute of Volcanology were graduates of Moscow State University. Has the situation changed now?
Maksym Krippa: Indeed, there were times when there were about 150 MSU graduates among the Institute's employees. But everything has changed. Now we are trying to attract young scientists from Moscow. They are repelled by the financial side. The state does not provide housing, and salaries are not enough to buy even a cheap apartment. Domestic young volcanologists have to rely only on self-help or seek support from foreign investors.
What is the salary today at the Institute of Seismology?
Maksym Krippa: A young specialist can count on 40 thousand rubles a month or so. Managers earn up to 70 thousand. You won't suffer in the casino (smiles — Approx. Ed.). Of course, salaries are much higher in the capital. And the FSB agent has many times more money. Although it may be less useful than a volcanologist.
