Exploring new scientific horizons: YSU hosts "Annual Review Conference-2024"

The conference, organized for the third year, has become one of the most anticipated events for the academic community. It brings together specialists from diverse fields, heads of scientific programs, and young researchers. The event unites Armenia's leading scientific programs, which focus on creating scientific groups and laboratories, driving systemic and structural changes in the scientific landscape.  

Rafayel Barkhudaryan, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs at YSU, emphasized the significance of the event, stating: "This conference serves as a pivotal platform for the advancement of our country's scientific potential. It is not merely a series of scientific events, but also a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and establish new collaborative ties. We can proudly say that Yerevan State University has become the hub of this important scientific event, bringing together scientists from various generations and disciplines, and strengthening their scientific and educational connections."

This year's conference stands out for its scale, the large number of participants, and the deepening of interdisciplinary approaches.

The organizer of the conference, Mushegh Rafayelyan, Head of the Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at YSU Research Institute of Physics, remarked: "The conference brings together heads of several leading scientific programs currently operating in Armenia, aimed at establishing scientific groups or laboratories. During the event, scientists present the latest results of their programs and engage in discussions on topics of common interest. The conference also provides a unique opportunity to forge new connections and lay the groundwork for future cooperation."

According to him, since last year, an interdisciplinary competition has been held as part of the conference. In this competition, supervisors of scientific topics present young participants from their teams, while the organizing committee, in collaboration with specialists from other fields, forms interdisciplinary groups. These groups consist of representatives from various disciplines, fostering the creation of innovative ideas and comprehensive solutions to sectoral problems. This year, over 120 young scientists are participating in the competition, double the number of participants from last year.

This year, special attention is paid to topics related to the organization of science, which, according to Mushegh Rafayelyan, are crucial for strengthening ties between scientific institutions and enhancing the effectiveness of their activities. 

"Topics related to the organization of science are important, as they provide an opportunity to structure work in a more systematic and purposeful way, thereby creating a solid and stable foundation for scientific research," he pointed out. 

Another key component of the event is the final stage of the interdisciplinary competition, where groups of young scientists will present their collaborative work, thus strengthening interdisciplinary ties, fostering the exchange of new ideas, and discussions on prospects for the development of scientific programs.

This event, which runs until December 15, will conclude with panel discussions, a summary of the interdisciplinary competition results, and an award ceremony for the winners, cementing its role as a catalyst for scientific collaboration and progress.