Regional branch of the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics to open in Armenia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The preparatory works for the opening of the Armenian center for relativistic astrophysics are in process. It will have two branches in Yerevan – at the National Academy of Sciences – and at the Byurakan Observatory.

In the conversation with Armenpress the director of Byurakan Observatory Hayk Harutyunyan said that in the near future negotiations will be held with a number of institutions relating to the activity of the center as well as certain agreements will be signed. An initial arrangement with the participation of the deputy minister has already been acquired with the Armenian Foreign Ministry. The other consultations will launch in September.

The candidate territories for the branches of the center are in Yerevan and Byurakan but their final selection will be agreed with corresponding opportunities and conditions. Time will be needed for certain necessary renovations. The discussions on acquiring necessary devices will start in the next phase after the negotiations are accomplished. Harutyunyan said by the end of the year the official part of discussion of issues will be summed up.

Referring to the staff, Harutyunyan said that there are high-quality specialists in the sphere of relativistic astrophysics in Armenia. He added that the center will be big branch in the region and scientists from Middle East, Iran, Turkey, China, Arab countries will arrive here to hear lectures, to carry out long-term and short-term activity in this field.

July 2 2010 at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences during the visit of the Italian delegation of the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics the official part was summed up. The delegation headed by the director of the center, professor Remo Raffini conducted negotiations with the RA NAS on establishing regional branch of the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics.

The director of the observatory said that there have always been close ties with the Italian scientists both in this and other spheres and they will particularly consolidate after the opening of the center.

Relativistic Astrophysics is comparatively new, important directions of astrology and is in the phase of development in the whole world. It demands new approaches, preparation of staff, discussions, conferences and studies.