Meteorology Laboratory opens at YSU in cooperation with Armenian Ministry of Environment

The laboratory was renovated and equipped through the joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and the Zvartnots Meteorological Center. Notably, data obtained from the on-campus meteorological station can now be analyzed in the new laboratory and shared across all structural units of YSU.  

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, emphasizing the latest support provided to the university by the state, stressed that cooperation with various state institutions has consistently yielded valuable results and expressed confidence that this fruitful cooperation will continue. 

"YSU places great importance on establishing new research and educational centers, as it contributes to the development of students' practical skills and their development as skilled professionals. Over the years, thanks to close cooperation between the university and various state bodies, we have achieved significant results. It is worth noting that the Faculty of Geography and Geology maintains strong cooperation with the Ministries of Environment and of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, and these partnerships have produced positive outcomes—something that can also be observed in the growing number of applicants to the faculty," said the rector.

Hovhannes Hovhannisyan expressed confidence that the establishment of such auditoriums and centers will make the "Geology" educational program more competitive, adding that the new learning environment makes classes more engaging and motivates students.

Before the official opening, Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan toured the Faculty of Geography and Geology. 

He said, "On the one hand, I remember with some sadness that during our student years we did not have such educational facilities, but on the other hand, I am glad to see the clear progress achieved in such a short period. The faculty is moving forward confidently, expanding its opportunities for cooperation with institutions representing the fields of geography and geology. As for the cooperation between YSU and the Ministry of Environment, it has a long history, and the establishment of this laboratory is a logical continuation of that cooperation."

The minister also noted that, according to the memorandum signed between YSU and the Ministry of Environment, more than ten YSU graduates currently work at the Zvartnots Meteorological Center. In this context, he emphasized: "I am confident that the establishment of this laboratory will allow for a deeper study of the field, helping to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application."

Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geology Sargis Kelyan highlighted that the data collected in the Meteorology Laboratory will raise students' academic and research level, and the laboratory will serve as a scientific hub for the faculty's academic staff seeking new achievements in the field.

"The faculty already has numerous partners in the private sector, but this represents the first tangible outcome within our cooperation with state institutions. It is especially important that the state has made a direct contribution to this initiative," added the dean.

Following the opening ceremony, Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan met with students and faculty members in the YSU Balian Hall. During the meeting, he presented the organizational process for COP-17, which Armenia will host in 2026, and discussed the expectations for universities' participation. 

Hambardzum Matevosyan concluded his visit to YSU with a tour of the BioExpo-2025. He visited the booths and familiarized himself with the activities of the Faculty of Biology, research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, public administration bodies, clinical diagnostic laboratories, and leading companies in the fields of environmental protection, food industry, and biotechnology — all of which are aimed at promoting school students' professional orientation.