Russian scientists lag behind others in both remuneration and working conditions, and this has led many of them to leave science for other occupations or to leave Russia. While the country may benefit when a scientist chooses to enter business or politics, both society and Russian science are negatively affected when scientists emigrate. In order to preserve this country's scientific potential it will be necessary to create incentives to encourage capable young people to fill the ranks of science. Also of importance is the necessity of ensuring younger communities of scientists, which, in turn, will require changing the law that governs scientists retiring and raising retirement pay by several times (up to 80% of their salary). At the same time, the development of Russia's scientific potential must be closely linked to the adoption of measures to strengthen and preserve schools of science and to provide state funds for the financing of areas of research that are in keeping with the tasks of preserving the country's unique science potential. (Contains 1 table.)