The article refers to the works of O. N. Yanitskiy, Zh. T. Toschenko and S. A. Kravchenko that are focused on modern world social processes, particularly in modern Russia. The purpose of the article is to identify the general and specific views of modern Russian sociologists on the role of scientific knowledge in developing Russian society. The importance of scientific knowledge in the political processes (O. N. Yanitskiy), in the process of developing and implementing the national government strategy (Zh. T. Toshchenko) and, in the most general sense, at the level of social dynamics (S. A. Kravchenko) is out of question. All three authors agree that the progressive development of society is largely determined by the development of the institute of science. Zh. T. Toshchenko hightlights the important role of scientific knowledge in trauma society. O. N. Yanitskiy shows specific mechanisms for the production of social and scientific knowledge and its inclusion in political processes. S. A. Kravchenko focuses on comprehending new qualities and new ways of becoming a scientist and an expert in risk and trauma society.