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Geneticists showcased ongoing research in genomics, molecular biology and genetic engineering in Armenia during a Science Café event that brought science out of the laboratory and into an informal public setting.
The event, titled "Genetics in Armenia: Today and Tomorrow," was held at The Academy People and moderated by Professor Ruben Harutyunyan, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS RA).
According to the National Academy of Sciences, Harutyunyan highlighted Armenia's strong scientific potential in molecular biology, molecular genetics, genomics, genetic engineering and ecological genetics, while emphasizing the importance of international scientific cooperation and joint research projects.
Professor Levon Yepiskoposyan, Head of the Ethnogenomics Laboratory at the Institute of Molecular Biology, presented the results of more than two decades of research on the Armenian genome. He discussed the genetic characteristics of the Armenian population, studies of population origins and the role of genomic research in understanding the historical development and genetic heritage of the Armenian people.
Roxana Zakharyan, Senior Researcher at the institute's Human Genomics Laboratory, presented several ongoing research projects, including studies conducted as part of the AMADEE-24 Mars Analog Mission, genetic research on Familial Mediterranean Fever, and recent advances in genome-editing technologies and their future applications.
Kristine Margaryan, Head of the Plant Genomics Group at the Institute of Molecular Biology, presented research on Armenia's grape genetic resources, emphasizing its importance for preserving indigenous grape varieties, assessing genetic diversity and identifying valuable genetic resources.
The interactive event was organized as part of the European Researchers' Night in Armenia (ERNA) project, funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) of the European Union's Horizon Europe programme.
Project partners include the Higher Education and Science Committee of Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the Center for Scientific Innovation and Education Support Foundation, the Armbiotechnology Scientific and Production Center, and the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF).