DAY 1
Morning to 2:30pm
Interviews with participants. Individuals will be notified by email.
2:30 to 3:00pm
Opening remarks
Ani Aprahamian ASOF
Martin Galstyan CBA
All presentations of the day are held in the Red Hall
3:00 to 5:00pm
3:00 Center for Political Science Research & Methodology
Nerses Kopalyan
3:15 Center for the Study of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Boris Adjemian
3:30 Directions in Social Sciences - discussion
Moderator Georgi Asatryan
4:00 Armenian Center For Economic Studies
Zareh Asatryan Vladimir Asriyan
6:30pm to 7:00pm
Musical event in Red Hall
Satik Andriassian
Moderators Aleksandr Gevorkyan Gor Khachatryan Vahagn Jerbashian 4:30pm to 6:30pm Dinner (Canteen)
7:00pm to 11:30pm
7:00 Board elections
Ani Aprahamian Mary Papazian
7:30 Break (Atrium)
8:00 Armenia as an international hub for education & research
Vatche Sahakian
Moderator Mkhitar Hayrapetyan
8:30 Center of Robotics
Karen Eguiazarian
Moderator Rafi Baghdjian
9:00 H.AI: The Armenian Institute of AI
Armen Aghajanyan
Moderator Hrant Khachatrian
9:30 Break (Atrium)
10:00 Center for Aerospace Engineering & Bazoomq project
Oshin Peroomian Hayk Martirosyan
Moderator Iren Mkhoyan
10:45 Math Honors Pilot: Overview and Results
Anush Tserunyan
Virginia Valian
Grigor Sargsyan
MONDAY JUNE 26
DAY 2
Morning to 3:00pm Interviews with participants. Individuals will be notified by email.
All presentations of the day are held in the Red Hall
3:00 to 4:00pm
3:00 Primary/Secondary Education in Armenia
Shushan Grigoryan
Nina Shahverdyan
3:15 Higher Education in Armenia
Robert Khachatryan
3:30 Discussion session on Education
Moderators Susanna Karakhanyan Vatche Sahakian
4:00pm to 5:30pm Dinner (Canteen)
Announcement of voting results
5:30 to 7:00pm
5:30 Center for Life Sciences: Quantitative Biology
Diane Barber
Haig Eskandarian
Moderator Jerry Manoukian
6:00 Center for Regenerative Medicine
Apkar Apkarian
Arshak Alexanian
Moderators Arthur Melkonyan
Jerry Manoukian
6:30 Documentary
Ted Bogosian
7:00 to 9:00pm
7:00 Patrons of the Society
Al Eisaian
Moderators Adam Kablanian
Diron Jebejian
7:30 Center for Physical Sciences & Quantum Technologies
Ani Aprahamian
Moderator Kevork Abazajian
8:00 Center for Chemical Sciences: Computational Chemistry
Ivan Aprahamian
Moderator Areg Danagoulian
●Business
●Computational
●Education
●Engineering
8:30 Break (Atrium) 9:00pm to 11:45pm
9:00 Ecological Humanities
Anna Barseghian
Stefan Kristensen
Moderator Vicken Cheterian
9:30 Film Scoring Center in Armenia
Atom Egoyan
Arman Nshanian
9:45 Centers of Translation & Languages
Christopher Atamian
Peter Balakian
10:00 Directions in the Humanities - Discussion
Moderators Mary Papazian
Pollet Samvelian
●Humanities
●Natural Sciences
●Physical Sciences
●Social Sciences
10:15 Directions in Art and Material Culture
Talinn Grigor
Marie-Aude Baronian
10:30 Directions in Cultural Preservation
Gaianè Casnati
Armen Minassian
10:45 Directions in the Humanities - Discussion
Moderators Nina Hovnanian
Gayane Shagoyan
TUESDAY
JUNE 27
DAY 3
9:00 to 10:30am
Forum: Digital Healthcare
Moderator Jerry Manoukian In Room 102 9:00 to 10:30am
Forums are open-ended discussion sessions on various foundational topics for future development. All participants are invited to all forums.
Forum: Technology & Education
Presenters Jacqueline Karaaslanian Lilit Movsesyan Cynthia Tusan In Red Hall
10:30 to 12:00pm
Forum: Directions in mining and energy
Moderator Alen Gasparian Amirkhanian In Red Hall
12:00 to 1:30pm
Lunch (Canteen) Announcement of new officers 1:30 to 3:00pm
Forum: Strategic planning and State building
Moderator Vatche Sahakian In Red Hall
EXECUTIVE BOARD COMMITTEES
Boris Adjemian France
AGBU Nubar Library, Paris
History
Ani Aprahamian US Armenia France
Freimann Professor of Physics at Notre Dame, Professor of Chemistry
Astrophysics, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Physics
Deana Arsenian
Vice President, International Program and Program Director, Russia and Eurasia at Carnegie Corporation of New York
International Relations, Political Science
Paul Boghossian
Professor of Philosophy, New York University, Dir. of the Inst. of Philosophy and GIAS Philosophy
Mark Chenian
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Investment Banking
Vicken Cheterian
Lecturer, History and International Relations, University of Geneva History, International Relations, Journalism
Al Eisaian
CEO Cognaize; Co-Founder and CEO of IntelinAir, Inc.
High-Tech, Electrical Engineering
Nina Hovnanian
Hovnanian International
Art History
Adam Kablanian
Hight-Tech Executive, Entrepreneur, and Investor Founder of Alexandrea Winery
Electrical Engineering, High-Tech
Karnig Kerkonian
Kerkonian Dajani LLP
International Law, Law
Razmig Keucheyan
Professor of Sociology, Université Paris Cité
Political ecology, Political Science, Sociology
Artak Melkonyan
Senior Advisor on Equity Financing and Funds, Impact Ventures Accelerators; UNDP
Economics, Entrepreneurship, Impact Investing
Mary Papazian
Interim CEO, Business-Higher Education Forum; former Professor of English and President, San Jose State University English, General Education
Vatche Sahakian
Burton Bettingen Professor in Theoretical Physics at Harvey Mudd College
High Energy Physics, Theoretical Physics, String theory
Arts and Humanities Membership
Eva Aroutunian, Paul Boghossian, Nina Hovnanian, Tamar Hovsepian
Assessment
Nina Hovnanian, Adam Kablanian, Vatche Sahakian, Naira Sahakyan, Virginia Valian
Executive Committee of the Patrons
Al Eisaian, Diron Jebejian, Adam Kablanian
Membership & Nominations
Ani Aprahamian, Nina Hovnanian, Karnig Kerkonian, Vatche Sahakian
PRESENTATIONS
Ecological Humanities
Task force Members
Marie-Aude Baronian, Anna Barseghian, Talinn Grigor, Nina Hovnanian, Stefan Kristensen, Armen Marsoobian, Marlyne Sahakian
Advisors Philippe Huneman Humanities Center for Advanced Sciences & Technologies Center for
Applied Health Sciences: Regenerative Medicine
Task force Members
Arshak Alexanian, Apkar Apkarian, Alexander Bazarchyan, Jerry Manoukian, Arthur Melkonyan
Advisors
Ruben Alexanian,Karina Galoian
Task force Members
Armenian Center for Economic Studies
Task force Members
Zareh Asatryan, Vladimir Asriyan, Ruben Enikolopov, Aleksandr Gevorkyan, Armen Hovakimian, Vahagn Jerbashian, Gor Khachatryan, Tatevik Sekhposyan
Advisors
Daron Acemoglu, Victor Agadjanian, Armenak Antinyan, Levon Barseghyan, Rouben Indjikian, David Joulfaian, Rafael Oganesyan, Anoush Fraser Terjanian,Vahan Zanoyan
Developing Excellence in Life Sciences Research and Education
Task force Members
Arshak Alexanian, Diane Barber, Haig Eskandarian, Alexandre Persat
Advisors
Grigori Enikolopov, Robert Istepanian, Sarkis Mazmanian, Ardem Patapoutian
Higher Education in Armenia
Task force Members
Yelena Baytalyan, Kima Ghulyan, Susanna Karakhanyan, Robert Khachatryan, Ruzanna Minasyan, Vatche Sahakian, Suzanna Shamakhyan, Ara Tekian
Advisors
Alen Gasparian Amirkhanian, Tamara Babaian, Sharon Chekijian, Areg Danagoulian, Taniel Danelian, Tatevik Gharibyan, Ani Hovhannisyan, Lusine Kharatyan, Armen Kherlopian, Sharistan Melkonian, Lilit Mkrtchyan, Mary Papazian, Pegor Papazian, Armen Shirikyan, Anoush F. Terjanian, Virginia Valian
Center for Political Science Research & Methodology
Task force Members
Nerses Kopalyan,Vahan Zanoyan
Advisors Boris Adjemian, Georgi Asatryan, Zareh Asatryan, Vladimir Asriyan, Ruben Enikolopov, Sossie Kasbarian, Hakob Matevosyan, Taline Papazian, Tatevik Sekhposyan, Sarkis Shahinian, Anoush F. Terjanian, Henry Theriault, Vahagn Vardanyan
Centers of Translation & Languages
Task force Members
Christopher Atamian, Peter Balakian, Armen Marsoobian
Advisors
Christopher Sheklian
International Center for the Humanities and Social Sciences in Armenia
Task force Members Boris Adjemian, Anna Aleksanyan, Melissa Bilal, Dzovinar Derderian, Lori Khatchadourian, Nelli Sargsyan, Gayane Shagoyan
Advisors
Levon Abrahamian, Houri Berberian, Lerna Ekmekcioglu, Christina Maranci, Hrag Papazian, Stephen Riegg, Robert Sukiasyan, Ronald Grigor Suny, Stéphane Zékian
Abstract A Center for Environmental Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences – we present the first sketch of a cross-disciplinary project in the humanities, articulating fine arts, design studies, philosophy and the social sciences. The essential drive behind this project is to be able to explore and deepen the questions around our relation with the land. Introducing and fostering environmental philosophy, ecological art practices, and the social issues triggered by the transition toward a sustainable society, in Armenia is a necessity. This combination allows to create a strong network of international scholars (Armenian and non-Armenian). The ultimate goal is to develop expertise and spread the public debate on the issues of sustainability in Armenia, and have Armenian scholars contribute to the international research in the field.
Abstract Cell reprogramming, stem cells, and regenerative medicine are intertwined disciplines that hold immense promise for the future of healthcare and biotechnology. These fields have the potential to revolutionize the way we
diseases and injuries by harnessing the regenerative capabilities of our own cells. These disciplines are shaping the future of healthcare in several key areas: disease modeling, cell replacement therapies, tissue engineering, drug discovery and testing, anti-aging and regeneration, and personalized medicine. The global market for cell reprogramming, stem cells, and regenerative medicine was valued at USD 68.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 180 billion by 2030. Developing countries, including Armenia, have the potential to make a significant impact on healthcare and their economies through these disciplines. The goal of this project is to propose a clear roadmap for establishing a Cell Reprogramming, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine Center in Armenia.
Directions for Cultural Heritage Preservation
Task force Members
Marco Brambilla, Gaianè Casnati, Levon Chookaszian, Armen Martirossyan, Armen Minassian, Sipana Tchakerian, Farhad Tehrani, Stéphane Zékian
Advisors Mark Movsesian
College Math Instruction: Pilot Results
Task force Members
Sevak Mkrtchyan, Grigor Sargsyan, Armen Shirikyan, Anush Tserunyan
Abstract The Armenian Center for Economic Studies (ACES) aims to create a strong research center that could transform economics scholarship in Armenia, and serve the wider public by promoting evidence-based policy making in the country. This is achieved, foremost, by attracting a high concentration of human capital into the center. ACES plans to begin its operations already in 2023 at a minimal scale, first heavily relying on a network of non-resident fellows, until larger funds can be raised to sustain 20-30 scholars. The core group behind the initiative consists of scholars with extensive international experience in research and education. It is this collective knowledge, the professional network and commitment of this group that makes this project feasible.
Abstract The ASOF Life Sciences Division aims to initiate new research opportunities and directions while reinforcing existing fundamental biological sciences in Armenia.Central to this initiative is creating Core Facilities Laboratories that will provide tools, technical resources and logistical bases to support new and existing research programs in Armenia and abroad. We envisage creating three Core Facilities in 1) Quantitative Biology, 2) Cell Biology and 3) Advanced Quantitative Bio-microscopy. In addition, we envision Core Labs to function as hubs for training, academic collaborations, innovation and providing opportunities for translational research in partnership with existing academic institutions, private organizations and biotechnology enterprises. Our objective is to provide opportunities for resident, Diaspora and foreign researchers to undertake research projects that they otherwise would not have the opportunity to accomplish at their home institutions.
Abstract The Assessment Committee of ASOF formed a task force of 20 stakeholders and
Abstract
The fundamental macro-challenges that Armenia faces today are defined by geopolitical, institutional, and sociopolitical factors. Armenia’s security architecture and the challenges to its statehood faces severe complications due to lack of experts and highly-trained practitioners. Democratic governance, institution building, and broad political reforms are crucial to Armenia’s growth. There have been attempts to undertake such reforms, and the political will as well as public support exists to enhance democratic governance and institution building. The issue, however, is the absence of capacity, knowledge, and expertise. In this context, Armenia not only needs an advanced institute in political science, but it also needs such an institute to offer training and capacity building in the following areas:rigorous methodological training, policy-making and policy-analysis, foreign policy analysis (FPA), security studies, military science, and comparative political analysis. As proposed, the establishment of the Center for Political Science Research and Methodology precisely seeks to address these fundamentalissues.
Abstract Translation increases cross-cultural understanding and provides jobs and careers to a significant number of individuals globally. For Armenia, a program of systematic translation helps tell our story to the world, and makes world culture accessible to a generation of young Armenian students. We propose the establishment of a systematic and coordinated effort to help draw scholars from around the world into the work of translating from and to Armenian.
Abstract We propose to develop an International Center for the Humanities and Social Sciences to enhance capacity in the humanities and qualitative social sciences in Armenia by supporting the translation and dissemination of research, fostering collaboration, and creating learning opportunities that can mutually benefit students and scholars from Armenia and around the world. Elaborated by a multidisciplinary team involving researchers in history, anthropology, archaeology, musicology, education, this project aims at establishing a strong institutional network between Armenian and international institutions in the humanities and social sciences. Its goal is to facilitate the exchange of skills, knowledge and ideas in and around Armenia.
Abstract Armenia's Cultural Heritage is severely threatened, not only outside Armenia but also in the Country. The reasons are diverse and complex. Nevertheless, the potential for solving these problems is very high if a holistic and multidisciplinary approach is adopted. A full set of proposals will be presented and will include: A University Master in architectural monuments
Advisors Virginia Valian Abstract
Center for Aerospace Engineering & Bazoomq project
Task force Members
Vladimir Airapetian, Armen Derkevorkian, Avetik Grigoryan,Naira Hovakimyan, Arbi Karapetian, Masis Komrokian, Iren Mkhoyan, Tigran Mkhoyan, Armen Mkrtchyan, Sergey Nersesov, Oshin Peroomian, Tigran Shahverdyan
Advisors
David Akopian, Hrachoohi Boghosian, Serge Buchakjian, Ann Karagozian
H.AI: The Armenian Institute of AI
Task force Members
Armen Aghajanyan, Hrant Khachatrian
Abstract The Armenian Institute of AI, or H.AI, aims to navigate and influence the fast-paced field of AI, positioning Armenia as a trendsetter rather than a follower. Recognizing that being state-of-the-art (SOTA) in AI is a moving target, H.AI endeavors to foster a proactive research environment, pushing the boundaries of SOTA in AI. This ambition, backed by establishing a centralized supercomputer and
Primary/Secondary Education in Armenia
Task force Members
Suren Aloyan, Anush Ayvazyan, Shushan Grigoryan, Seda Kocharyan, Vatche Sahakian, Nina Shahverdyan, Vahagn Vardanyan
Advisors Nyree Abrahamian, Sos Aghamiryan, Fr. Mesrop Aramian,Hourig Attarian, Khachik Gevorgyan, Shamam Gevorgyan, Larisa Hovannisian, Serob Khachatryan, Vicky Kherlopian, Lilit Mkrtchyan, Aram Pakhchanian, MarieLou Papazian, Anahit Vardanyan, Robert Vartanian, Hagop Yacoubian
Center for Intelligent Chemistry
Task force Members
Vartkess Apkarian, Ivan Aprahamian, Lou Charkoudian, Anzhela Galstyan, Syuzanna Harutyunyan, Davit Zargarian
Advisors
Valentine Ananikov, Justin Du Bois, Vladimir Gevorgyan
Center of Robotics
Task force Members
Sos Agaian, Nora Ayanian, Tigran Bakaryan, Karen Eguiazarian, Astghik Hakobyan, Naira Hovakimyan, Arec Jamgochian, Nare Karapetyan, Areg Karapetyan, Yervant Zorian
Advisors
David Akopian, Rafi Baghdjian, Serge Buchakjian, Armen Kherlopian, Hovannes Kulhandjian, Michel Kulhandjian, Iren Mkhoyan, Sergey Nersesov, Armen Zakarian
Center for Physical Sciences & Quantum Technologies
Task force Members
Vladimir Airapetian, Kevork Abazajian, Ani Aprahamian, Ruben Minasian, Levon Pogosian, Vatche Sahakian, Armen Sedrakian, Gagik Shmavonyan, Emil Yuzbashyan
Advisors Felix Aharonian, Armen Allahverdyan, Roger Balian, Areg Danagoulian, Stephan Fauve, Naira Hovakimyan, Ann Karagozian, Gor Khachatryan, Elias Kiritsis, Vahe Petrosian, David Petrosyan, Grigor Sargsyan, Khachik Sargsyan
Interdisciplinary Reconsideration of Armenian Visual and Material Cultures
Task force Members Marie-Aude Baronian, Talinn Grigor, Gayane Shagoyan, Heghnar Watenpaugh
Advisors
Christina Maranci, James Tufenkian
Abstract The Assessment Committee of ASOF formed a task force of 19 stakeholders and experts from Armenia's primary/ secondary education scene. The task force engaged with a small team of researchers to develop a literature review that paints a broad picture of the challenges and opportunities in the education system. This report will be presented,
Abstract
enterprise in Armenia, a country known for its rich scientific heritage, has been in decline for the past three decades, resulting in a flailing chemical industry, shortage of skilled chemists, and limited interest in chemical education. Funding and resource limitations, brain drain, educational system, economic factors, war and geopolitics all play a role in this unfortunate trajectory. To revitalize chemistry, a central science that is the cornerstone of any modern industrial country, we propose inaugurating a Center for Intelligent Chemistry (CIC), which will leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence-driven chemistry automation to revolutionize the scientific landscape in Armenia by advancing chemical education and accelerating research in chemistry and related fields (e.g., pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental research) while promoting technological developments across various industries.
Abstract This talk presents some of the major concepts of the proposal of developing a National Center of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, NCRA, within a broader project known as CAST, Center for Advanced Sciences & Technologies. First, we explain why such a center shall be established in Armenia, considering a tradition of excellence in computer science and engineering Armenia has historically,and a recent revival of this tradition through deep international networking. Next, we present the key ideas
Abstract We present a proposal to establish an international center of advanced studies, focusing on physical sciences and nanotechnology. The center builds upon Armenia’s rich tradition in theoretical physics and astrophysics, and extends it to include quantum technologies, including nanotechnology, experimental nuclear physics, and experimental particle physics. Each direction has
Abstract While the rich Armenian artistic legacy is undeniable, often resulting in its mere sacralization and recurrent iconography, this group proposes to address the current methodological and conceptual challenges of Armenian visual, cultural, and material cultural heritage. By prospering to gather current scholars and practitioners engaged with the broadly defined Armenian visual and material cultures, this group aims to explore interdisciplinary methods and paradigms toreexamine this heritagecritically.
Film as soft power, and scoring films in Armenia
Ted Bogosian, Atom Egoyan, Shushanik Mirzakhanyan, Arman Nshanian
