Science in Armenia

[Aaron]

I know that this topic is not supposed to be exactly in this section but i thought it is the closest thing to science. The french always refer to "arts et science".

So the goal is to discover how developed is science in Armenia, this will inevitably lead to discussions on soviet era armenian science when we were known to be very good (top guns) in the domain.

 

Any comments!!

[MJ]

Aaron,

 

If you don't mind I'll move this thread under the Republic of Armenia forum.

 

We also have similar topics there.

[Aaron]

MJ

"vos desirs sont des ordres"

I don't mind at all.

[MJ]

Please translate.

[MJ]

There you go.

[Aaron]

"Vos desirs sont des ordres" means your wishes are orders for me, just a french saying !

I suggest we start with discussing the situation of present day Armenian scientists and on what fields do we stand the most chances of excelling in. I believe applied science (technology, engineering) should be given a boost because of its direct effects on economy, plus pure science is already supposed to be very good in Armenia (Not the funding but the scientists themselves, I was there 2 years ago).

There is no doubt about the fact that whatever we have today, we owe it to Soviet educational system.

[MJ]

Agree!

 

But to develop the engineering sciences and technology on a proper level Armenia needs to maintain its traditions and culture in fundamental sciences, however, it has to put the fundamental sciences in service of the Applied Sciences. Btw, for this statement alone I would be crucified by the fundamental scientist of Armenia.

 

One of the strengths of Armenian Applied Sciences has been the Laser Technology. Other ones have been the Applied Science of Cosmic Rays, Radioelectronics, etc - things that have to do with Applied Physics (thanks to Alikhanian brothers).

 

Obviously Informatics has a solid base in Armenia, however it requires elevation to a higher level.

 

There is a good base for boosting to a new level the biochemical science, but it would require investments and linkage with the corresponding industries.

 

There is a strong tradition in crystallography, and there is also some industrial base.

 

There are several other disciplines for which there is base in Armenia, or it may be found to create such base in a short while.

 

But so that to achieve success in these areas, few things have to be done, and few things should not be done.

 

Some of the things that should not be done is to waist the resources on building stupid monuments - churches, etc. More money has to spent on bringing younger people to America and European countries to receive university education.

 

These were just few hectic thoughts.

[Aaron]

Speaking of laser technology, wouldn't it be possible for Armenia to develope a fiber optics (or photonics)industry and be the main supplier in middle east, Russia or eastern Europe?

We have the experts and the natural resources, the only thing lacking is money.

I believe the regions i named havn't dived in the fiber optics fever yet.

As you said MJ informatics has a strong base and could become an important industry, already armenian software companies are contracted by western firms for specific jobs, its cheap labour for them. software developement seems to be the most promising high-tech domain for armenia.

I was thinking about aerospace industry developed with russian help, but the sums required are enormous. Perhaps materials science (close to cristallography) which can also be applied to aerospace industry (airplanes, satellites...)

Finally, since applied physics was strong whatever related to waves (telecom) could be advanced to higher levels.

 

MJ, do you work in the scientific domain or are you a scientist? If yes please notify me i would have a few questions.

[MJ]

You don't need a lot of science in our days to provide fiber optics networks. This issue is in its industrial stage, now, and is way past the scientific stage. If I am not mistaken, ArmenTel is the primary stonewall on the way of plugging Armenia into the fiber optic network.

 

Few years ago there were attempts to establish sports airplane assembly business in Armenia. As far as the aerospace science goes, I think that's not Armenia's scientific strength, and would require massive investments for long time so that to build that base(not clear who and why would do it) .

 

I to believe that telecom and similar sciences can be elevated to higher levels in Armenia, assuming strategic program to do so. A lot of things can be done in Armenia. People just need optimism for the future, and be systematic.

 

Yes, in the past, I have "sinned," by getting involved with few scientific disciplines. Have some idea about few things in the range from the relativity theory to portfolio management.

[Aaron]

MJ

the reason i asked you about scientific background is because i'm about to choose the discipline in which i will specialize and i was wondering if you could give professional advice.

But if you are not specialized in the domain then i'll leave you in peace.