Executive Director of the “My Step” Foundation Mkhitar Hayrapetyan hosted Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, President of the Science Committee Sargis Hayotsyan and W. Grafton and Lillian B. Wilkins Professor of the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Naira Hovakimyan.
During the meeting, Naira Hovakimyan shared her notions of the development of science in Armenia. According to her, it is necessary to organize the immigration of young scientists for the rebirth of Armenia, and if the resources are organized the right way, they will come and change the culture of science in the country. Hovakimyan added that they are the young professionals who are involved with science with great determination.
In this context, the need for clear-cut steps was considered. Professor Hovakimyan informed that there are already young and professional Armenian scientists who have expressed willingness to return to the homeland and get involved with science here. According to her, if Armenia has competitive and combative professionals, it will be able to resist and overcome a number of challenges, and for that, it is necessary to organize the right proposals and carry out competitive projects.
Recently, the Government of the Republic of Armenia increased the science budget by more than 80%, and the wages of scientific workers have been raised significantly. The development of science is of strategic significance for Armenia.