International workshop held at YSU, building new bridges for scientific cooperation

The workshop "Optics and Its Applications," taking place from May 4 to 8, has brought together experienced and early-career researchers in the field of optics from Armenia and abroad, while also ensuring the active participation of students. More than 100 scientists and students from Armenia and several other countries are participating in the event, including representatives from Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Romania, England, Tunisia, Montenegro and the United States.

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), an organization funding research and innovation networks, supports the integration of research initiatives across Europe and beyond. It provides researchers and innovators with opportunities to develop ideas in science and technology, while promoting research, innovation and practical advancement.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, YSU Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs Rafayel Barkhudaryan welcomed the participation of experienced scientists, young researchers and students. He noted that scientific progress is driven not only by successful results, but also by people, mentorship, exchange and shared enthusiasm.

"Optics is one of the fields in which fundamental theories and their real-life applications naturally intersect, and this is reflected in the thematic diversity of the symposium. During such meetings, I particularly value the presentations and discussions, especially the informal interactions that take place during discussions or session breaks through brief exchanges of ideas," he said.

Lusine Aloyan, Associate Professor at the Chair of Condensed Matter Physics of the YSU Institute of Physics and co-organizer of the event, said the initiative is aimed at deepening international scientific cooperation in optics and fostering an academic environment conducive to effective professional dialogue.

According to Aloyan, the event not only provides an opportunity to present current research and achievements in the field, but also promotes the establishment of new scientific connections, the expansion of interinstitutional cooperation and the development of joint research projects by bringing together different scientific schools and experiences.

The workshop's scientific program covers a broad range of contemporary topics in optics. Subjects under discussion include quantum optics and information, biophotonics, X-ray optics and its applications, as well as radiation and strong-field optics. Research in optical design and sensor systems, two-dimensional materials and nanophotonics is also being presented.

The program also includes studies on mathematical methods used in optics, which provide a theoretical foundation for the further development of the field.

The workshop features invited plenary and individual presentations, poster sessions and student reports, with an award planned for the best student work. Particular attention is also being given to presentations by scientific organizations and private companies, creating opportunities to strengthen ties between science and applied sectors.

Laboratory tours and social events are also being organized to encourage informal interaction and cooperation among participants.

The scientific event has been organized with the support of several scientific institutions, including Yerevan State University, the TETRA COST Action, the Institute for Physical Research, the Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory, the Institute of Applied Problems of Physics, the IPR Armenia Student Chapter in Optics, and the Armenian Territorial Committee of the International Commission for Optics.