YSU marks 70th anniversary of Professor Armen Trchounian, honoring his scientific legacy

He is a figure whose memory inevitably evokes reflections on time, values, and science. His scientific heritage exists not only in books and research papers, but also in the mindset of generations and in the university environment itself.

During his lifetime, Armen Trchounian received numerous prestigious awards, ranging from the President of the Republic of Armenia's prize to high-level international distinctions. His scientific path was recognized not only in Armenia but also by the international scientific community, highlighting the impact of his work on contemporary science. He authored important works, notably the textbook "Bioenergetics" and the series "Collections of Biology Test Assignments." However, as speakers noted, his most important "work" was people—his students, colleagues, and the mindset he passed on.

YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan recalled her first "encounter" with the scientist through a symbolic episode. She first "met" Trchounian during her candidate dissertation defense.

"My first substantive acquaintance was Professor Trchounian's signature, which I saw after the defense of my candidate dissertation, and it was very beautiful—a signature that in some way spoke about the person; I say this also as a psychologist. Years later, the real meeting revealed a personality that combined a scientist, an intellectual, and a person with high emotional intelligence," she said. 

Professor Ruben Harutyunyan from the YSU Faculty of Biology highlighted in his memories Armen Trchounian's complex yet strong personal and professional path. He recalled how they worked together, debated, and inspired one another. 

"His path was not only one of easy victories," he noted, emphasizing that Trchounian was principled and at times created difficulties, but that these very traits led him to achieve his goals.

It was also noted that in the final years of his life, he succeeded in turning his long-held ideas into reality, establishing a scientific school, working with students, and continuing his scientific work until the end of his life.  

The professor's son, Karen Trchounian, Director of the Research Institute of Biology, presented the institute's achievements, emphasizing that its results are already competitive in certain fields at the international level. He described the opportunities created at YSU as a key value open to the new generation. 

Karen Trchounian also called it symbolic that on the day of the event he received confirmation of the publication of his article in a prestigious international scientific journal, calling it further evidence of continuing his father's scientific path.

The anniversary event was also marked by the awarding of commemorative medals. As a symbol of remembrance and recognition, a commemorative medal dedicated to Armen Trchounian's 70th anniversary was presented to YSU. Medals were also awarded to notable specialist Anna Poladyan, Head of the Chair of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at the YSU Faculty of Biology, and to Armen Trchounian's scholarship recipients.

Also presented as a symbolic gift was the book "Young Naturalist's Encyclopedia," presented to the YSU STEM High School, bridging past and future and encouraging an interest in science among new generations.

The event concluded with performances of classical music.