Young scientists: to stay or to leave

Young scientists have received a wide range of opportunities to study or to work abroad over past decade. However, only a part of Armenia’s academics thinks the overseas experience is useful while others voice concerns whether these students and scientists would come back to the country. In their opinion, all the necessary conditions for studying and working must be provided here in Armenia.

“I would accept an invitation to work some years abroad, but I would certainly return back to Armenia. I like the living conditions here, but I can’t speak on behalf of all scientists,” said the Yerevan State University’s post graduate student Aram Zeytounian.

“Nowadays one can easily go for earning somewhere. I've been practicing experimental physics, and I’d like to have some minimum working conditions. The available equipment is outdated, and doesn’t go with modern challenges. I wouldn’t certainly leave the country forever, but for some years – why not,” said a post graduate student asking do not name him.

The YSU Physics Faculty’s student Diana Antonosian said she doesn’t think there are any agreeable conditions for those scientists who practice the experimental physics. Students for years cannot experiment, she stated. “If I had an opportunity to work abroad, I’d accept it. I’ve got some friends there, and they do not want to return. There are, sure, granting systems here, but these is not a solving of a problem. I work part-time, and have 15 thousand AMD in salary, this is so little,” she said.