Armenian scientist concerned over situation

In the USSR, about 27,000 scientists worked in Armenia. Now, however, this number is about 4,500.

The number of scientists sharply decreased in Armenia in 1990s. But over the past decade, 250 scientists on average have yearly left Armenia, Doctor of Mathematics and Physics, Professor Artur Ishkhanyan told journalists on Friday, referring to UNESCO-published data.

“We need to make science attractive to young people and ensure inflow of young scientists, which is impossible with the current financing,” he said. According to UNESCO, Armenia is among the countries with the worst financing of science.

Scientists’ average age is 40 worldwide, whereas in Armenia it is 60. “After taking post-graduate courses, our young people either do not continue in their fields or leave Armenia,” Ishkhanyan said.

After the old generation of scientists retires, Armenia’s science will register a dramatic decline. Parliamentary elections are to be held in Armenia soon, and Armenia’s new parliament, must deal with the science sector’s problems.