World Bank representatives visit YSU to discuss development issues of education and science

A World Bank delegation visited Yerevan State University to become acquainted with the ongoing education reforms, research, and innovation programs, as well as the challenges and opportunities. During the visit, the delegation met with YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan to discuss initiatives underway in the fields of science and higher education. They also toured several of the university's leading educational and research centers, learning about the infrastructure, scientific capacity, and prospects for international cooperation.

The delegation comprised Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank Narine Tadevosyan, senior education specialist Cornelia Jesse, and education specialist Anna Berdzenadze. The visit began with a meeting with Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs Rafayel Barkhudaryan, during which the university's strategic development priorities, reforms in education and science, and opportunities for expanding international cooperation were discussed.

The parties touched upon the formation of a modern academic and research environment at YSU and the development of innovative infrastructure, emphasizing their importance in promoting high-quality education and applied science.

During the meeting, Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan highlighted the significant increase in science funding at the university in recent years, aimed at supporting both research activities and the acquisition of scientific equipment. He noted that these efforts have led to a substantial rise in YSU's scientific output: the number of articles published this year reached 711, the highest figure in Armenia.

Speaking about research and grant programs, the rector noted that the number of conferences hosted by YSU has also increased in recent years, with many held with the participation of foreign scholars, thereby expanding the scope of the international collaboration network. He emphasized that the modernization of research laboratories and equipment at YSU has promoted the development of scientific work. These initiatives have been financed by both the World Bank and the RA MoESCS Higher Education and Science Committee, and include high-quality, high-value professional equipment. The rector underscored the importance of the fact that this equipment is used by young specialists, as attracting young professionals to the field of science remains one of the key challenges.

During the meeting, Cornelia Jesse stressed the value of directly gaining insight at YSU into the progress of higher education and research system development, challenges, and ongoing innovative initiatives, noting that these experiences can serve as a source of inspiration.

The discussions also covered issues related to engaging young specialists in the sector, accreditation of academic programs, and the modernization of the educational process. The parties highlighted the importance of expanding digital and online learning, promoting the enrollment of international students, and addressing other key priorities.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured YSU, including the Research and Teaching Center for Drug Quality Control and Monitoring at the Institute of Pharmacy; Innovation Center for Microbial Biotechnology and Biofuels at the Faculty of Biology; and the Teaching Center for Microprocessing and Research of Optical Systems at the Institute of Physics.

Those centers were established with co-financing from the World Bank, with the aim of advancing applied science, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of education and scientific research.

During the visit, the guests were thoroughly introduced to the centers' technical capabilities, ongoing research projects, and their practical significance.