ARPA Institute Engages Armenian Education Minister to Bolster Scientific Research, STEM Education, and Innovation Programs

On October 9, representatives from the ARPA Institute, including Ruben Lusinyants, Lena Ghukasyan, Sara Bailouzyan, and Hagop Panossian, convened with the Honorable Ms. Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The agenda encompassed key topics such as:

• Alikhanyan National Lab: Discussions focused on the lab’s Cleanroom budget, advancements in confined light research, opening of new laboratory and student collaboration room for Center for Detection Technologies (CDT), and the RFPMT research. A request was made for the Minister to endorse additional funding for Cleanroom management and marketing personnel. Success stories related to research by scientists of CDT and RFPMT were highlighted for potential public disclosure to garner support and further funding for research and emerging scientists.

• National Polytechnic University of Armenia: The group emphasized the need to publicize the achievements of the Center of Excellence for Circuit Design, established with ARPA funding. This initiative is seen as pivotal for economic growth in Armenia, aiming to train a skilled workforce adept in modern software design, potentially adding to workforce needed by global tech giants like NVIDIA and AMD.

• ARPA Institute’s Annual Invention Competition: The Minister appointed a liaison to enhance the promotion of this competition, aiming to boost participation among young Armenian scientists.

• STEMAR Program Update: Presented by Lena Ghukasyan, the head of ARPA’s STEMAR Program( Stemar կրթական համայնք )

, and Ruben Lusinyants, the ARPA Vice President. The necessity for consistent official ministerial support to ensure school participation and continuous program success. The expansion to 19 schools, the promotion of project-based learning, teacher training in STEM, and the encouragement of science fairs and community engagement were critical points addressed.

This meeting underscores a collaborative effort to enhance scientific education, research, and technological innovation in Armenia, with a clear focus on securing governmental support for these initiatives.