YSU Faculty of Biology scientific initiative gains recognition on international platform

The book "Biological Science and Innovation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals", published at the initiative of the YSU Faculty of Biology, marks an important step towards greater international recognition of the research conducted by both the faculty and YSU. Just two weeks after publication, the full book was included in the international scientific database Scopus. All 17 chapters were also indexed and are considered equivalent in scientific value to articles published in Q4 international journals. This provides the authors with an opportunity to present their research to the international academic community through a highly ranked scientific platform.

Conference's best research brought together in international publication

The book is based on research presented at an international conference held in 2024 to mark the 90th anniversary of the YSU Faculty of Biology and the 10th anniversary of the Research Institute of Biology.

Around 200 scientists from Armenia and abroad participated in the conference. Following a multi-stage scientific selection process and independent peer review, the 17 best studies were selected, revised and published as individual chapters of the book.

Each contribution underwent a rigorous scientific evaluation process, including anonymous international peer review, editorial revision and quality control by the publisher, ensuring that the publication met international standards.

"International experts reviewed articles by Armenian authors, while Armenian experts reviewed those by foreign authors. This ensured the independence of the evaluation process and a high level of scientific quality," Faculty Dean Karen Ghazaryan said.

Scientific solutions to sustainable development challenges

The studies presented in the book share a common focus: demonstrating how biological science and innovative approaches can help address contemporary environmental and societal challenges. The authors examine biological science, environmental protection, sustainable agriculture and other relevant fields, proposing scientific solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This interdisciplinary approach makes the book a valuable resource not only for biologists, but also for researchers, lecturers, policymakers, PhD students and professionals interested in sustainable development issues.

Cooperation with internationally recognized publisher

The book was published by IGI Global, an internationally recognized US academic publisher. The entire publication process, from manuscript submission to final publication, was conducted in accordance with international standards and included several scientific, technical and publishing stages. Owing to this high level of quality, the book was indexed in Scopus shortly after its publication.

New indicator of YSU's international scientific presence

The publication is also significant because it was developed and coordinated entirely by the YSU Faculty of Biology.

The book's scientific editors are Karen Ghazaryan, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Dean of the YSU Faculty of Biology; Karen Trchounian, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor and Director of the Research Institute of Biology; and Abhishek Singh, a senior researcher at the same institute. Independent experts from various countries also participated in the editorial process by conducting anonymous scientific reviews of the articles.

This format not only enhances the publication's standing but also increases the international visibility of YSU's scientific output, as both the complete book and all its chapters are listed in Scopus as separate scientific publications.

Continuing initiative aimed at establishing international scientific platform

The YSU Faculty of Biology plans to organize the conference every two years while maintaining the same international format.

The next conference will be announced in 2027, and its best papers are also expected to be published by IGI Global. The long-term objective is to establish a continuing series of books that will eventually develop into a recognized international scientific platform and strengthen the academic reputation of both the conference and YSU.

"Our goal is to establish a continuing series of books. If we can maintain the same level of quality, these publications will gain international scientific recognition within a few years, and that recognition will be directly associated with the YSU Faculty of Biology conference," Ghazaryan concluded.