New Year is coming - a time of sincere hopes and faith in the future. Traditionally, we celebrate this holiday with those closest to us. And the chimes sounding from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad remind us of the unity of a huge country that has made one more symbolic step into the future.

The outgoing year brought new challenges, successes and victories. A milestone was the President's initiative to renew the higher education system in our national interests, taking into account historical experience and the needs of the economy. Very soon, the relevant pilot project, based on 6 leading universities, will launch the renewal process in all higher education institutions of the country. The national system of higher education will develop not according to the trajectory drawn by someone else, but according to the path chosen by us, by our country. I am confident that by joining forces we will be able not only to achieve all our goals, but also to consolidate Russia's global scientific and educational leadership for a long time to come.

Thanks to the talent of our outstanding scientists, Russia has much to be proud of in terms of creating domestic scientific equipment, fulfilling fundamental research and advanced applied developments. And the upcoming 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences will be a great occasion to remember the contribution of our predecessors, to thank those who work in science now, and to attract talented young people to this important field.
On the eve of the holiday, I would like to say once again thank you to all those who teach, research, organise and conduct this work. I wish you new successes in the coming year! May your loved ones be healthy and happy! May your most cherished dreams come true!

Happy holidays, dear friends!
Happy New Year 2024!