The YSU Center for European Studies and the Center for Ecological Noosphere Studies at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia jointly organized the 6th International Youth Autumn School on October 3–5 of this year, under the theme "Environmental Sciences: Linking the 'Healthy Soil' Concept with Environmental Legislation – Sharing European Best Practices".
The ecocenter was responsible for organizing and conducting the theoretical and practical sessions dedicated to scientific soil research, while the legislative component of the school was implemented by the YSU Center for European Studies within the framework of the "Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Studies: Democracy, Human Rights, and Security" (DeHuRiS101177115) project.
The autumn school brought together young specialists from scientific institutions and state bodies. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of environmental protection—particularly the legal and scientific significance of soil health—while simultaneously creating a platform for knowledge exchange among young researchers.
This series of autumn schools has been organized since 2020 and is dedicated to the memory of Professor Armen Saghatelyan, Doctor of Geological Sciences and Founding Director of the Center for Ecological Noosphere Studies. Over the years, more than 150 young specialists from various educational institutions in Armenia and abroad have participated in the autumn school.
Leading experts in the field delivered lectures addressing both scientific issues related to soil health and contemporary challenges in environmental law.
In addition to theoretical lectures, the program included applied research activities, discussions, and group projects, during which participants developed their own ideas and initiatives aimed at soil conservation.
Upon completion of the program, participants received certificates, and potential avenues for further collaboration with the top-performing participants were discussed.
This initiative once again demonstrates that close cooperation between science, education, and policy can serve as an effective platform for jointly addressing environmental challenges and promoting the wider application of the "healthy soil" concept.
