Leading Armenian and Russian scientists discuss prospects for AI applications in science and industry in Yerevan

A two-day discussion dedicated to the possibilities of applying artificial intelligence in various fields of human activity began at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS) on September 29, with the participation of leading scientists from Armenia and Russia.

On the first day, the keynote address was delivered by Yuri Oganessian, Scientific Director of the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia.

The discussion, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Science and Industry: Opportunities and Challenges,” featured notable presentations and an exchange of views. Particular attention was paid to the impact of artificial intelligence on scientific discoveries, as well as new opportunities arising from the integration of fundamental science, artificial intelligence, scientific computing and industry.

The participants discussed issues related to the interconnectedness of humans and artificial intelligence, the role of computational and experimental infrastructure, as well as the developing cooperation between research institutes and industry in the development and application of artificial intelligence technologies. The discussion also addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with harnessing AI-based innovations.

Speaking to Armenpress, world-renowned scientist Yuri Oganessian, who specialises in experimental nuclear physics and after whom the 118th element of Dmitri Mendeleev’s periodic table was named “oganesson” (Og) in 2016, noted in particular that, when used properly, artificial intelligence could open up incredible prospects for many fields. He said that work is currently under way to add new chemical elements to Mendeleev’s periodic table.

Oganessian, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, also noted that Armenian scientists have traditionally distinguished themselves by their high professional qualifications and that their potential continues to be sufficient to take the development of science in Armenia to new heights.

The discussion, which will continue on September 30, will be held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine, Pharmaceuticals and Materials Science: From Genomic Data to New Medicines and Materials.”

The participants will discuss current trends in the application and development of artificial intelligence methods in biomedicine, genomics, pharmaceuticals and materials science. Projects by Armenian scientific and educational organisations and Russian research centres will also be presented.

The discussions are being held as part of events organised in Armenia to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna.