"Academic City Armenia: International Knowledge Conference" event includes familiarization visit to YSU

During the meeting, which was also attended by YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan, and Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office Naira Mnatsakanyan, various issues related to higher education were discussed, along with the possibilities for expanding international cooperation.

Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, welcoming the foreign guests, presented Yerevan State University’s role and significance as a leading scientific and educational institution in Armenia. Highlighting initiatives and ongoing programs aimed at advancing science, he emphasized that in recent years, the renovation and re-equipment of laboratories funded by the Armenian Higher Education and Science Committee have contributed to expanding research capabilities and obtaining results aligned with international standards. Notable achievements have been especially in the fields of chemistry, biology, and physics. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of articles published in international peer-reviewed journals.

The rector also spoke about the development of internal educational and research programs as well as innovative initiatives, noting that engaging in scientific work has become increasingly interesting for young people. In some cases, practical scientific work is even more interesting than classroom teaching.

During the discussion, the rector touched upon reforms implemented at the university in educational and scientific areas, summer schools organized jointly with numerous universities, YSU's international collaborations, and its successes on the international stage, outlining the adopted strategic approach.

He particularly underscored the importance of the Erasmus+ exchange program. Uniting all the EU schemes launched in 2014 for education, training, youth, and sport, Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility offers YSU academic staff and students opportunities to teach, study, and enhance their skills at numerous European universities. Currently, YSU participates in six Erasmus+ projects, two of which are coordinated by Armenia.

Among YSU’s international cooperation examples is its partnership with Serbia. Thanks to the efforts of the Serbian Ambassador to Armenia, Serbian language courses are now offered at YSU.

"We are ready to establish new connections alongside existing collaborations. I am confident that we can build a closer and more effective cooperation with Serbia," emphasized Janko Samardžić, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and European Integration of the Republic of Serbia. 

Mona Laroussi, Executive Director of the Francophonie Institute, speaking about Armenia's cooperation within the Francophonie framework, noted, "Armenia is a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, just like France and Yemen. The next Francophonie Games will be held in Armenia. It is delightful that students—especially those studying French, English, or Serbian—can participate in these games as volunteers. This will be a wonderful experience for them."

YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan said, "We have numerous examples of cooperation with Francophone countries and universities. French universities are a priority. Collaborating with the University of Lille, we implement a dual diploma master’s program. Recently, we also met with representatives from the University of Grenoble to discuss new possibilities of cooperation. Work is underway with Sorbonne, Nobel, and Paris Cité universities to develop new dual diploma educational programs." 

YSU Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan, valuing effective and constructive collaborations, noted, "YSU is a significant platform for organizing diverse events related to culture, politics, economy, and social issues."