Abstract
<jats:p>The article examines the evolution of the goals and functions of young scientists’ councils in Russia using the case of the Council of Young Scientists of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (CYS of the SB RAS). The focus is on the changing role of these associations – from horizontal self-organization with financial and legal support to volunteer information and mediation activities after the 2013 reform of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Based on an analysis of historical documents, scientific literature, and statements of 2024 by the current chairman of the CYS of the SB RAS, E. V. Leader, three main periods are considered: the emergence of the first councils in the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok (1961–1992), the reconstruction and flourishing with the support of the Presidium of the SB RAS (1999–2012), and the post-reform period (2013–present). It is shown that the reforms not only deprived the councils of budget funding and legal status but also transformed their tasks: the distribution of grants and organization of conferences gave way to social consulting (housing certificates), lobbying for regional support programs (the “Lavrentievskaya card”), and establishing dialogue with authorities. The conclusion is drawn about the paradoxical strengthening of the informal influence of councils amid the weakening of their institutional positions.</jats:p>