Professor from Medical University of Vienna at YSU: partnership ties get stronger

Within the framework of the joint "APPEAR" programme involving three Armenian and three Austrian scientific and educational institutions, researchers from Armenia and Austria are investigating the issues of bolstering genetic biosecurity capacities in Armenia amidst the backdrop of climate change. The programme is coordinated by Professor Marine Arakelyan, Head of the Chair of Zoology, Doctor of Biological Sciences. As part of the programme, jackals are being studied as carriers and vectors of various diseases. Consequently, the scientific research group is investigating the parasites transmitted by jackals and assessing the degree to which they pose a threat to human health.   

As part of the programme, meetings, discussions, mutual visits, and lectures involving professors are organized. Professor Julia Walochnik from the Medical University of Vienna, speaking about the programme and collaboration with YSU, emphasized that this is a good opportunity to exchange knowledge on methodology and the situation of wildlife. 

"It is very important for me to be in Armenia and see the situation and study the expertise of local specialists. After all, we are investigating the interface between wildlife and humans, which is a pivotal topic," emphasized Julia Walochnik. 

Speaking about the future plans, the professor from the Medical University of Vienna mentioned that they are going to visit Armenia often for the purpose of observing and studying wildlife.

"In addition to investigations of wildlife, the programme includes a teaching aspect. We plan to contribute to building up a new master’s programme, which is ongoing already," said the professor. 

Three chairs at the Faculty of Biology: Zoology, Botany and Mycology, Ecology and Nature Conservation, plan to develop a new master's programme through joint efforts. The subject descriptors for this programme will be developed with the support of partners from Austrian universities. Along with the development of the new programme, the existing educational process is being improved. In the master's educational programme "Zoology and Parasitology" offered by the Chair of Zoology, changes have been made to the descriptors and methodology of some subjects.

"As a result of working with the leading specialists in the field, subjects will be taught with new methods and formats, which we consider a significant achievement and a breath of fresh air," said Astghik Ghazaryan, Associate Professor at the Chair of Zoology of the YSU Faculty of Biology, Candidate of Biological Sciences. 

The other important aspect of the "APPEAR" programme is the opportunity for students to study abroad. YSU graduate Seda Adamyan was admitted to the post-graduate course at the Medical University of Vienna. As per the agreement signed between the parties, after continuing her studies in Vienna for three years, she must return to Yerevan State University and work at the university for at least one year, imparting her newly acquired skills to students.  

As part of the "APPEAR" programme, it is also planned to organize a 10-day summer school, welcoming students from Austria and Armenia. Within the framework of the school, research will be carried out both in natural environments and laboratories. The culminating task will be group work; students will process and digitize the outcomes of their field studies. All courses will be conducted in English by professors from Armenia and Austria who are part of the programme.  

Find more details in the video.