ARMENIAN ASTRONOMERS DREAMING OF ASTRONOMY TO BE ESTEEMED HIGHER IN HOMELAND

AZG Armenian Daily
29/08/2007

"Azg" has provided enough information about the JENAM international
science conference in Yerevan. On august 27 members of the
conference’s organization board Hayk Haroutiunian, head of the
Biurakan Observatory and Areg Mikaelian, an eminent scientist, held
a press conference. Avoiding repetition of what was said in earlier
publications about the science conference, we would only add that
both Hayk Haroutiunian and Areg Mikaelian emphasized the importance of
the conference for the prestige of the Armenian science, development
of astronomy in Armenia and perspectives of cooperation with foreign
states as Italy and Great Britain.

As Mr. Haroutiunian and Mikaelian told, on the opening ceremony of
the conference the Trade and Economy Development Minister of Armenia
Nerses Yeritsian was speaking of commercialization of science. Hayk
Haroutiunian noted that it is a rather complicated and long process,
although science can also have additional products, which may serve
for getting financing. One of such spheres for Armenia is research
of cosmic anthropogenic litter and establishing a regional education
center in Biurakan observatory.

Another problem was also spoken about. Armenia is a member of the
European Astronomy Union, and two of its neighbors were driven out
of the organization because of low level of astronomy development
and ignoring member fee payments. Due to the traditions of Armenian
astronomy and paying the member fees in early 90’s, Armenia is still
preserving its place. Now Armenia lacks that 2,5 necessary for the
next payment. The Union wondered how can it be when Armenia registers
two-digit economy growth over the recent years. "One can suggest the
following: either we lie that we cannot pay, or if we do not lie,
the Government lies," noticed the astronomers.

The Biurakan Observatory director said that unless the Government
takes care of astronomy, Armenia will soon lose its specialists. "Young
astronomers go abroad and get huge wages," he said. Armenian astronomy
and Armenian scientists are demanded at major observatories around
the world, and the Government must take all necessary measures to
preserve this situation.
From: Baghdasarian