Armenia to Host Five Nobel Prize Laureates: “This is an Unprecedented Event in the South Caucasus”

For the first time Armenia will host five Nobel Prize laureates in the period of 11-16 April, who within “Nobel days in Yerevan” unique scientific event  will appear with open lectures on  Biochemistry, Physics and Medicine, as well as will appear with discussions on societal topics for wider social circles.

Konstantin Yenkoyan, Vice-Rector for Science and Research of Yerevan State Medical University after M.Heratsi (YSMU), announced on this in an interview with 168.am:

“The event is unique in the South Caucasus, until now bringing 5 Nobel laureates in one place at the same period wasn’t recorded in the region. Main purpose of holding “Nobel days in Yerevan” is inviting world leaders in the field of science, who will try to motivate Armenia’s youth, and show how palpable is science nowadays.

Exactly for this purpose we adopted “Be inspired and create” motto, which isn’t accidental. Actually, this is an initiative, main goal of which is inspiring the youth. As a result, it’s possible to reach new advances, academic achievements and etc. Despite inspiration, the initiative has another crucial component as well—the issue of country’s recognition. I consider, this might really be a big event for any country, as, in fact, gathering so busy individuals in one place isn’t an easy thing to do,” K.Yenkoyan said.

5-day unprecedented event has been undertaken by YSMU, and, particularly by direct participation and personal contacts of the Vice-Rector for Science and Research.  According to him, the Nobel Prize laureates are visiting Armenia upon invitation of YSMU, on account of financial resources of the University, “I worked with a biologist from Israel in the period of 2004-2005, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2004 laureate Aaron Ciechanover. Again, upon my invitation, together with YSMU, Ciechanover visited Armenia and delivered lectures in 2010. By the way, he is the first Nobel Prize laureate of Israel, and one of the five scientists to visit Armenian this April,” Yenkoyan added.

Biologists Aaron Ciechanover, Ada E. Yonath (Israel), chemist and physicist Dan Shechtman (Israel), pathologist Robin J.Warren (Australia) and chemist Ei-ichi Negishi (Japan) will appear with lectures in Yerevan this April.

Initiator of the event K.Yenkoyan informed, that target group of “Nobel days in Yerevan” covers specialists and students of Medicine, Chemistry and Physics, however, they are open to the public. The guests will spend a week in Armenia and deliver nine public and professional lectures. Content of lectures of public importance will be reachable for everyone. You don’t need to be a doctor, a chemist or a physicist to participate.”

Besides lectures, scientists will take part in professional roundtables, will meet high school pupils, will visit Echmiadzin and Armenia’s sights. Meeting with Catholicos of all Armenians His Holiness Karekin II, as well as with other high-ranking officials are provided as well.

Lectures will be held in English with simultaneous translation. The convening institution offers to visit the official website for registration and participation in the event, as well as well as joining Facebook for updates and additional information.