Biologist, historian, sociologist and programmer in one team: "Learn & Work" summer school and workshop held in Tsaghkadzor

What results can be achieved when, for example, a physicist, linguist, psychologist and mathematician work together as one team? Students from different YSU faculties jointly sought a practical answer to this question during the "Learn & Work" summer school and workshop held in Tsaghkadzor, developing a series of project proposals.

The program, held from July 15 to 17, brought together 30 students, organizers and subject-matter experts to discuss ideas, combine diverse professional perspectives and turn them into viable projects.

Shared ideas at intersection of different "worlds"

The summer school was based on four "worlds": nature, technology, society and culture. Participants explored not only the individual challenges and opportunities associated with each area, but also the points at which they intersect, seeking to understand how different disciplines can complement one another.

The nature strand focused on biodiversity and the COP17 conference to be held in Armenia; the technology strand on digital tools and educational innovation; the society strand on community issues and public impact; and the culture strand on identity and cultural heritage.

From defining expectations to brainstorming

The first day of the program began with introductions and the formulation of participants' expectations. YSU Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan presented the "Learn & Work" and outlined the objectives and working approach of the workshop and the overall program, while Lusine Kharatyan, Director of the YSU Continuing Education Center, led the introductory and expectation-setting session.

The central activity of the day was the "Worlds Brainstorm", during which students worked in separate groups and used the SWOT method to identify the problems, resources, priorities and challenges associated with each "world". Each group then presented its work, identifying similarities and differences in opportunities and strengths, as well as the problems and challenges found across the four "worlds".

From problem to project proposal

On the second day, the "worlds" intersected. Six interdisciplinary teams were formed around ideas identified and selected through brainstorming, bringing "nature" together with "society", "culture" with "technology", and technological solutions with community needs.

Participants learned how to move from identifying a problem to developing a project proposal by defining objectives, activities, expected results and required resources. To this end, they received training in developing a logical framework and worked through their projects step by step.

Projects assessed by experts

On the third day, the teams finalized their projects and pitched them to experts, who provided feedback and professional advice.

They worked with YSU representatives Gor Aleksanyan, Deputy Dean of the YSU Faculty of Geography and Geology, Head of the Faculty Office, and Associate Professor at the Chair of Service; Ruzanna Tsaturyan, lecturer at the Chair of Archaeology and Ethnography; Ruben Gevorgyan, Director of the YSU Business Incubator and Professor at the Chair of Mathematical Modeling in Economics; Tigran Hayrapetyan, lecturer at the YSU Faculty of Biology; and Ester Hakobyan, Armenia Country Director of DVV International.

From ideas to viable projects: "Learn & Work 2026" as platform for new opportunities

The purpose of the "Learn & Work" summer school and workshop is not merely to generate new ideas. It also allows students to work with unfamiliar professional "languages" and approaches, make decisions as a team and gradually turn an idea into a feasible project.

By the end of the summer school and workshop, the teams had developed project proposals that they will further refine with the support of mentors and organizers. The projects will be presented at the "Learn & Work 2026" Expo to secure financial support from partners for their implementation.