Kam Ghaffarian’s contribution to transforming human life is invaluable, says Hovik Musayelyan
2 minute read
The work of Kam Ghaffarian, the 17th laureate of Armenia’s State Award, is invaluable in changing the course of human life, Hovik Musayelyan said at a press conference marking the start of the laureate’s visit.
Musayelyan, Director of Synopsys Armenia and coordinator of the award’s executive board and international selection committee, said the idea of establishing Armenia’s State Award in high technologies was initiated 17 years ago. Today, it plays an exceptional role in raising Armenia’s international profile.
“The award is presented to individuals whose direct involvement has brought about revolutionary changes, transforming the course of human life. We have an international committee that selects the laureate. Every year, the day after welcoming and honouring the winner, we begin working to identify the following year’s laureate, as this is a rather complex process,” Musayelyan said.
He noted that the award regulations had been amended to require laureates to agree in advance to visit Armenia and receive the award in person.
“This year’s laureate is Kam Ghaffarian because his work is invaluable in changing the course of human life,” Musayelyan added.
Garik Israelian, co-founder and Creative Director of the Starmus festival, said it had been an honour to nominate Ghaffarian for this year’s award.
He said Ghaffarian was among those advancing humanity’s technological and scientific development.
“The space technology sector is extremely competitive and has a very healthy market. It was the only market that continued to grow during COVID. It inspires millions of young people. Through his work, Kam inspires many young people,” Israelian said, adding that solutions developed in the space technology sector are also used on Earth and that investment in space exploration plays an important role in humanity’s development.