R&D must work and mustn't collect dust on shelves. It's the principle which Prometey (Central Research Institute of Structural Materials) has used in its work

The author says about his work at Prometey for 65 years. The institute has been one of leaders in world material science. In the article the author describes Prometey's progress and complications, new development and prospects, says about his life and own book "Reflection with optimism". The book has been devoted to Prometey's history.