Since the 2023-2024 academic year, the Association of Young Researchers (AYR) has been operating at the YSU Faculty of International Relations.
The establishment of the Association of Young Researchers (AYR) was aimed at fostering research-analytical thinking and abilities among students, providing a platform for self-expression and skill development outside of university coursework. AYR is a student-led initiative and operates in the YSU Faculty of International Relations. The support of the faculty's teaching staff greatly contributed to the creation of the association and the efficiency of its further activities.
One of the main activities, alongside research paper writing, was the organization of meetings with professors for students outside of regular coursework and the study of issues related to research and international relations, offering an opportunity to comprehensively understand the current topics in the field, with the prospect of using the knowledge gained in research work in the future.
Since the opening day of the association, the activities have been aimed at the organization of a course series titled "Political Concepts of Global Actors and Priorities of Foreign Policy in the Transition Phase of the Newly Emerging World Order". The program consists of theoretical and practical phases. During the theoretical phase, the participants study the foreign policy concepts and foreign policy of global actors in the conditions of changing geopolitics. The students will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in relevant analytical works. Analytical briefs will receive support from the AYR committee and faculty members.
Currently, the program includes over 20 participants not only from Yerevan State University but also from several other universities across Armenia. Selection was based on interviews, allowing us to understand participants' interests, goals, and expectations from the program. With diverse academic backgrounds, students bring their own ideas for future research topics and directions. We aim to enhance their knowledge and provide support as they develop and write their research works.
Thus, we are taking our first steady steps towards our greatest goal: to breathe new life into student life.
