No investments in astronomy in Armenia

No investments are made in astronomy in Armenia, Areg Mikaelyan, Senior Researcher at the Byurakan observatory, told journalists on Wednesday.

“The premises and furniture are in a poor condition, but our researchers go on working, and I think it is heroism. Our children take part in astronomy competitions every year and win medals. Armenia is among the top three at astronomy competitions, but the children do not return to develop astronomy. They choose professions that would enable them to support their families,” says the scientist.

Armenia’s government is not serious about science. “There is a critical level, and if we pass it, we will not be able to rehabilitate. The young generation is not so strong to keep astronomy alive. The observatory does not attract them any longer,” Mikaelyan said. A civilized state means the state paying attention to science, he added.

Armenia can lay claims to becoming an astronomy center in the Near East, which, however, requires government support.

“Only office work requires at least $50,000 yearly, while the International Astronomical Union will invest in programs,” the researcher said.