Innovative infrastructure, educational reforms, and new scientific programs: Outlining new prospects for international cooperation at YSU

Mikayel Hovhannisyan, the Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation at YSU, emphasized that Poland had been under the influence of the USSR for many years. During that period, the buildings constructed there, including educational and research centers, were built to similar standards as those in Armenia during the Soviet era. 

"We were particularly interested in how the Poles, through their integration into the European educational environment, have adapted their physical infrastructure and what innovative solutions they have introduced. However, our visit wasn't limited to exploring the university’s infrastructure alone. We also discussed ways to expand cooperation, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding," said YSU vice-rector.

According to Yerevan State University’s 2025-2030 Strategic Development Plan, the university not only aims to promote scientific and educational cooperation with foreign partners but also seeks to study best practices in infrastructure, educational environments, staff management, security systems, and other areas.

"We visited several faculties and research centers at the University of Warsaw. During a meeting with representatives from the Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, we discussed ways to expand cooperation with YSU Faculty of History. Currently, our Polish colleagues at the University of Warsaw are launching archaeological excavations in Armenia, specifically at Argishtikhinili (present-day Armavir), where archaeologists from YSU Faculty of History will participate. Additionally, our Polish colleagues are organizing scientific expeditions for archaeological research in Egypt, Cyprus, Georgia, and other countries. Thus, our visit also focused on discussing the potential involvement of YSU students and academic staff in such scientific expeditions," emphasized Mikayel Hovhannisyan.    

The delegation also held meetings with the academic staff of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw. At the Centre for East European Studies, they discussed issues of mutual interest, including exchange programs for students and academic staff, summer and winter schools, and initiatives for the development of Polish studies in Armenia and Armenian studies in Poland. 

YSU delegation's visit to the faculties focusing on natural sciences at the foreign university was centered around the study of the infrastructure of research laboratories. Speaking on this topic, Mikayel Hovhannisyan pointed out, "At the University of Warsaw, research and educational departments are separated, and students are not allowed to enter research laboratories with their student IDs until they reach a specific course level. This enhances both security and the smooth organization of work. We have agreed to receive the regulations and standards they have developed for equipping their scientific and educational laboratories and auditoriums with the necessary technical infrastructure."  

Mikayel Hovhannisyan emphasized that studying innovative approaches of infrastructure is crucial for ensuring an inclusive environment, technical preparedness, security, and the interactivity of the educational process at the university. 

Speaking about the new building of the University of Warsaw's library, designed based on the open library concept, he said, "The library operates on a self-service basis. The electronic card system allows users to register and check out books electronically. Books are handed to readers in person only when retrieved from the book depositories upon request. We are currently preparing to upgrade a section of YSU Library with support from Izmirlian Foundation, so it is important for us to study the approaches adopted abroad in this regard." 

In addition to visiting the University of Warsaw, YSU delegation also visited Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Mikayel Hovhannisyan noted that there are significant opportunities for cooperation in Armenian studies, international relations, biology, chemistry, and other fields, encompassing both educational and research-related matters.

"Our discussions with the leadership of Jagiellonian University focused particularly on joint research projects, the organization of summer and winter schools, and involving Polish specialists in the ongoing reforms at YSU," said YSU vice-rector. He emphasized that the next steps have already been outlined and will soon translate into concrete plans, strengthening the university’s position in international academic and research cooperation.

YSU delegation's visit to Poland was organized through the mediation of the Armenian Embassy in Poland (represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Alexander Arzumanyan). The delegation, together with the ambassador, discussed ways to strengthen Armenian-Polish ties in education and science, with particular emphasis on developing joint programs in higher education and organizing exchanges of experience. 

The delegation included Mikayel Hovhannisyan, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation; Arman Malkhasyan, Vice-Rector for General Affairs; Davit Hovhannisyan, Head of the Rector’s Office; Vigen Khalatyan, Rector’s Advisor; Tigran Galstyan, Head of the Financial Analysis Department; and Davit Karakhanyan, Chief Engineer.