New opportunities for academic cooperation in nuclear energy discussed at YSU

Members of the French delegation—representing EDF International Nuclear Development, Cyclife, ASNR International Affairs Department, and I2EN International Institute of Nuclear Energy—presented their experience in nuclear energy, safety standards, and international cooperation.

During the meeting, sector experts, along with representatives of educational, regulatory, and industrial institutions, provided a comprehensive overview of their academic offerings. They outlined master's and doctoral programs, as well as professional training and capacity-building opportunities. The structure of these programs, key areas of study, and various formats of international cooperation were discussed in detail, including joint courses, accessible online learning resources, and interuniversity exchange programs.

Presenting the educational programs at the Physics Institute, which aim to train specialists across a range of fields, Anahit Balabekyan, Head of the International Center for Advanced Studies at the YSU Research Institute of Physics, noted that Yerevan State University is currently the only institution in Armenia preparing specialists in nuclear energy. She added, however, that the university's activities are not limited to this field, as it is also engaged in other research areas that are in demand in the country. 

Participants were introduced to the methodologies applied in training specialists and implementing innovations in the nuclear energy sector, and they also discussed opportunities for joint research projects.

The participants reached a preliminary agreement to develop a joint master's program in the future, aimed at training specialists in nuclear energy. The program would enable students to benefit from both French expertise and local scientific and educational resources.

Among those in attendance were Rafayel Barkhudaryan, YSU Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs; Alexander Markarov, Head of the YSU International Cooperation Office; university faculty members and researchers; as well as representatives of the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Higher Education and Science Committee of Armenia, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, and other institutions.