A Canadian in Skolkovo: how a professor became a part of Russian science (VIDEO)

More than ten years ago, Canadian Professor Clement Fortin moved to Russia. Here he helped create the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and today he works on engineering systems for the aerospace industry and other major Russian projects.

He had to pay a personal price for choosing to stay in Russia: some friends and colleagues turned their backs on him. Moreover, he has repeatedly had to defend Russia in conversations with foreigners and explain how he sees the country after many years of living there.

In this interview, Clement describes what foreigners often do not understand about Russia. He also discussed Russophobia, talked about Russian education and student employment, as well as how dangerous the development of artificial intelligence can be.

Is there really a brain drain in Russia? How can a foreign specialist build a career here? Why do some Western ideas about Russia differ so much from his personal experience? And does Clement regret his choice to put his chips down on Russia?

Watch the full interview with Canadian Professor Clement Fortin.