20th International Conference of International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics held at YSU

Today and over the next two days, conference participants will discuss ways to improve scientific evaluation methods, explore modern approaches to analyzing information flows, and identify opportunities for international collaboration in these areas.

The conference is hosted by YSU, providing a platform for collaboration and the exchange of expertise among professionals and scholars in the field.

In his opening remarks, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, research integrity, and international collaboration.

"YSU is committed to providing an academic environment that fosters critical thinking, open inquiry, and data-informed decision-making. These values are deeply aligned with the spirit of this conference. We are especially pleased that this milestone edition of the ISSI conference is being held in Armenia. Its location carries important symbolic and practical meaning: it reflects the growing inclusivity of the global scientific community and affirms that countries with rich intellectual legacies and research capacity have a vital place in shaping the future of science," he stated.  

Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, underscored the importance of the conference, noting that scientometric tools provide the necessary evidence and quantitative data that can be relevant and valid for decision-making processes.

This prestigious event has been organized this year through the efforts of the Center for Scientific Information Analysis and Monitoring of the Institute for Informatics and Automation Problems (IIAP) of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS RA).

Hrachya Astsatryan, Head of the Center for Scientific Computing at IIAP, expressed the honor of hosting prominent researchers from various countries to discuss emerging trends and developments in scientometrics and informetrics.

"These disciplines encompass diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, science policy, data processing, visualization, and analytics. These areas are especially important today for managing science effectively, shaping policy, and creating roadmaps for the future of science management," he added. 

Giovanni Abramo, President of the International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics (ISSI), expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the organization to everyone who joined the conference to share their knowledge, research findings, and vision for the field.

"This is not merely a platform for presenting and debating, but for listening, learning, and forging collaborations across borders and disciplines. Whether you are a senior researcher, policy advisor, librarian, or doctoral student, your voice matters. Together, we are building a strong foundation of shared knowledge to advance better science and more developed societies," he said. 

This year, the conference program focuses on core topics such as models and advanced informetric methods, science policy and evaluation, transitioning from data to scientometric research, mapping and visualizing science, micro- and nanoscale scientometric studies, research on technology and innovation, artificial intelligence as a game-changer in the field, and more.

The event also includes thematic sessions presenting the latest scientific research, providing young scientists with opportunities to exchange experiences and build new professional connections.

One of the keynote speakers is Professor Gunnar Sivertsen, Research Professor Emeritus at the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU), Norway. His research has made a significant contribution to innovation, research policy development, evaluation, and funding.

Another keynote speaker is Mike Thelwall, Professor of Data Science at the Information School, the University of Sheffield (UK). He specializes in quantitative methods for research evaluation, including artificial intelligence and citation analysis. Currently, he is studying the potential role of large language models in supporting research evaluation. During the event, he presented an analysis of ChatGPT's application in research evaluation, focusing on the key question: Can large language models serve as an alternative to citation indicators for research evaluation?

The conference of the International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics (ISSI) serves not only as a key platform for discussing scientific progress but also as a significant opportunity to present Armenia as a hub for science and education—promoting international collaboration and fostering innovative thinking.