Armenpress' interview with Nobel Prize laureate Michel Mayor wins science journalism competition

 YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS.The article “Exploring the Possibility of Discovering Life on Exoplanets: An Exclusive Interview with Nobel Prize laureate Michel Mayor” by Araks Kasyan, Deputy Director of the Armenpress State News Agency, was recognized as the winner in the “Best Authored Printed or Online Article or Series of Articles Award” category at the “Science Journalism/Photography 2024” competition.

The solemn award ceremony took place at the Byurakan Observatory named after Viktor Hambardzumyan. In his opening speech, the Director of the Byurakan Observatory, Areg Mikaelyan, welcomed participants and provided a brief history of the competition. He noted that the “Science Journalism/Photography” competition has been held annually since 2009.

“The 2009 competition was connected to the International Year of Astronomy, jointly declared by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO. That year  marked the 400th anniversary of the construction of the first telescope by Galileo Galilei in 1609,” Mikaelyan stated.

He highlighted 2009 as a turning point for science journalism in Armenia, explaining that prior to that year, no more than 5-6 scientific articles were published annually in the country. Today, however, hundreds of scientific articles are ppublished each year. 

The winner of the "Best Authored Printed or Online Article or Series of Articles Award" was Araks Kasyan for her exclusive interview titled “Exploring the Possibility of Discovering Life on Exoplanets” with Nobel Laureate Michel Mayor.

In his remarks, Mikaelyan noted that Kasyan’s interview is interesting not only because Michel Mayor is a fascinating figure but also because the discussion touched upon significant scientific themes.

“I am very grateful for this high award. The Byurakan Observatory is carrying out truly important work in science and, particularly, astronomy by organizing such award ceremonies,” Kasyan stated in her speech. 
In addition to Araks Kasyan, A1+ correspondent Ruzanna Mkrtchyan was also recognized as a winner in the “Best Authored Printed or Online Article or Series of Articles Award” category.