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Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of World Science Day for Peace and Development.
Below is the minister’s statement as published by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.
“Dear scientists, representatives of scientific and educational institutions, dear researchers, students and colleagues. Science is one of the pillars of a state’s development, competitiveness and resilience. It not only creates new knowledge but also contributes to economic development, technological progress, improving the quality of life in society and overcoming the challenges facing our country. The development of science is a strategic priority for the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The reforms implemented in this direction since 2018 aim to create a modern, competitive system integrated into the international scientific environment, while recognizing the value of scientists’ work and expanding research opportunities. Over these years, state funding for science has increased from 14.3 billion drams to around 40 billion drams, nearly tripling. At the same time, the remuneration system for researchers has been revised. As a result of the reforms implemented in 2021–2025, the guaranteed minimum pay rates for various scientific positions increased by 105–300 percent. One of the positive outcomes of this policy has also been the rejuvenation of the scientific community: since 2021, more than 600 researchers have entered the field of science, most of them young researchers under the age of 35. One of our priorities is also the creation of a modern research environment. In 2021–2025, around 20 billion drams was allocated for the modernization of scientific infrastructure and the acquisition of equipment. As a result, more than 34 state universities and scientific organizations acquired 415 modern scientific instruments and pieces of equipment. Opportunities for competitive funding of science have also expanded. Today, Armenia has more than 20 grant programs corresponding to different stages of scientific careers. These programs support fundamental and applied research, young scientists, the formation of new research groups, and the strengthening of links between science and the economy. Particular importance is attached to enhancing the international competitiveness of Armenia’s scientific system. Grant programs for integrating scientists from abroad into Armenia’s scientific community contribute to attracting leading international scientific talent, transferring international experience and developing new research fields in Armenia. At the same time, with state support, 125 researchers from Armenia have received training at leading scientific centers in more than 20 countries around the world. An important achievement of international cooperation is also Armenia’s participation in the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. As of September 2026, 31 funding agreements involving Armenian organizations had been signed, with a total budget of around 10.7 million euros. This is more than double the total amount of funding secured under the Horizon 2020 program. The international visibility of scientific output from Armenia is also growing. The number of Armenian scientific publications included in the Web of Science database increased from 1,287 in 2018 to around 1,950 in 2025. At the same time, we attach importance to the development of all fields of science, including natural, technical, social and humanities sciences, as well as the international promotion of Armenology and Armenian-language scientific journals. Our goal is for scientific potential to serve the needs of the state and the economy more effectively, contributing to knowledge-based decision-making, the creation of new technologies and the modernization of various sectors of the economy. Dear colleagues,The development of science is a long-term investment in Armenia’s future, human capital and our country’s progress. Our task is to build a scientific system that is open and competitive in the sphere of international cooperation, attractive to young people and capable of responding to Armenia’s development priorities. Along this path, our greatest asset is people – scientists, researchers, lecturers and young people who, through their knowledge, dedication and daily work, are shaping Armenia’s scientific future. I would like to thank all members of the scientific community for their professional responsibility, consistent work and contribution to the development of Armenia’s scientific potential. The Government is committed to continuing reforms in the field of science, ensuring decent working conditions, new opportunities and an environment conducive to the practical application of scientific achievements. Once again, I congratulate you on World Science Day. I wish you new ideas, bold research initiatives, international partnerships and significant scientific achievements.”