The Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft and the Russian Fund for Basic research have agreed on a cooperation. The aim is the promotion of joint research groups. Four of these are to be formed each year and are to be developed under the designation Helmholtz-Russia Joint Research Groups. The Russian Fund for Basic research was founded in 1992 according to the pattern of the German Research Association. Its budget is approximately 120 M Euro in the year 2006. Within the framework of the agreement, especially younger Russian researchers are to be given a chance in order to make a career in research in their homeland possible for them.

The research centres of the Hemholtz Gemeinschaft are able to attract excellent researchers for scientific cooperation. Additionally the Association will receive 130 000 Euro for the joint research in each of three years from the Impulse and Network Fund of the President of the Helmholtz Gemeinschaft. Up to 30 000 Euro can be invested in Russia in order to finance equipment or doctorates there. The Russian Fund for Basic research finances Russian scientists with 20 000 Euro per year. The Helmholtz Gemeinschaft with a staff of 25 000 in 15 centres and an annual budget of approximately 2.2 b Euro is one of the largest scientific organizations in Germany.