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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Over 100 lecturers from 15 Armenian universities received training within the framework of the 2020-2022 SciNova project. As a result, the Scientific-Research Methodology courses were reformed in 10 higher educational institutions across Armenia, becoming accessible by the new variant for more than 800 students.
The program is implemented jointly with Aston University within the Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme framework funded by the British Council.
In November 2020, FAST (Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology) designed the SciNova Program aimed at creating a curriculum on "Research Design” and “Science Commercialization''. The curriculum introduces Masters and/or Ph.D. students in Armenia to the basics of conducting quality research and creating commercial value from scientific inventions.
In the first half of 2021, the curriculum was developed by FAST and piloted at the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU). In addition, training of trainers (ToTs) for a broader audience of academic staff was organized with the participation of key Armenian higher education institutions (HEIs) that provide STEM education.
The scale-up of the program anticipates integration of the developed curriculum into the academic programs of the main Armenian HEIs starting from the 2022-23 academic year and beyond.
For this purpose, Training of Trainers will be made available to the academic staff from all institutions, as well as a bilingual manual will be developed and provided for free to ensure the smooth integration of the program.
The curriculum for “Research Design” and “Science Commercialization” courses have been developed in cooperation with subject matter experts and ongoing consultancy and validation from Aston University.
An event presenting the results of the 2-year program was attended by the UK Ambassador to Armenia John Gallagher and Addeh Hovassapian, Country Director, British Council Armenia.
Hovassapian attached importance to the program, expressing conviction that the educational course will significantly contribute to the development of respective skills and capabilities among the youth.
FAST Vice President for Strategic Programs Syuzanna Shamakhyan said they plan to continue cooperation with universities as part of SciNova. “We plan to continue supporting especially the effective implementation of the Commercialization of Scientific Innovation course, as a relatively new knowledge and sector, as well as to develop bachelor’s programs, ensuring continuity of courses in this area and development of skills from an earlier age,” she said.
The presentation of a bilingual handbook for trainers was also held at the event.