New prospects for international scientific cooperation: YSU scientist visits China

The visit was organized under the Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative (CAS PIFI), a program designed to promote international scientific cooperation. 

During the visit, Professor Trchounian toured the Institute of Oceanology in Qingdao, one of the largest and leading research centers of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"One of the main objectives of the visit was to establish new scientific connections, discuss potential areas of cooperation, and present the research activities carried out at YSU to our partners. Meetings were also held with scientists from the Ocean University of China. Researchers from Germany participated as well, creating an opportunity to form a new platform for multilateral scientific cooperation," Trchounian noted.

Several scientific seminars and working discussions were held, during which various research groups presented their studies, explored new methodologies, and discussed opportunities for joint scientific projects. Participants also became acquainted with the work of young researchers and PhD students, outlining new directions for further study.

"During the discussions, we focused on joint research programs, scientist exchange visits, and initiatives to support the mobility of young researchers," Trchounian emphasized.

A delegation of Chinese partners is expected to visit Armenia in September. During that visit, the parties will also discuss the potential signing of a memorandum of cooperation between YSU and a corresponding institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The discussions further explored the possibility of organizing joint Armenia–China scientific conferences, which would allow researchers to present their work and develop new collaborative opportunities.

During the visit, it was also revealed that Yerevan and Qingdao are sister cities, which may provide an additional incentive for strengthening academic and scientific ties.

Trchounian highlighted the importance of such initiatives for expanding the university's international relations and fostering new scientific partnerships.

"It is important for us that cooperation not be limited to a single laboratory, but instead involve various scientific fields of the university, creating a broad platform for collaboration," he stated.

According to Trchounian, collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences could open new opportunities not only for the YSU Research Institute of Biology but for other scientific fields across the university, while enhancing YSU's international visibility.