Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan today hosted the prominent Armenian scientist, Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian, who arrived in Armenia as part of the "Science and Business Days-2022" event organized by the Ministry of Economy. (Pashinyan’s office issued the following transcript of Pashinyan's remarks.)

Dear Mr. Patapoutian, I am glad to meet and get to know you. I welcome you to the Republic of Armenia.

Yesterday, I listened attentively to your speech at the graduation ceremony of Yerevan State University, I am very impressed. Naturally, I think the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people consider your successes as their own. Of course, it is a great reason for us to be proud, that we finally have one of our compatriots among the ranks of Nobel Prize winners.

I would also like to thank you for your willingness to support the development of science and education in Armenia. Making tangible reforms in this area is one of our strategic directions; we believe that the reforms in science and education are of strategic importance and should predetermine the future of our country. Of course, involving the potential of our compatriots in this work is important for us, if there is such a willingness.

I welcome you again, I would like to hear about the course of your visit, how it goes, how is your mood, how do you spend your time in Armenia?”

In turn, Ardem Patapoutian said, “It’s a huge honor for me to meet you and be here. I have had a fantastic visit. I am so honored by the reception that you and the rest of the government, but most imprtantly, the nation gave me.

The joy in the eyes of the students that I see is really amazing, and I think even the United States doesn’t value its scientists like this. I will be very happy to help in any way I can. I have already met various ministers, representatives of education and science, also some people who have established high-tech companies.

I agree with you that science and technology are so important for the next stage of Armenian life, not just for economy, military, but everything.

I visited Synopsys, Tumo, which are wonderful examples of Armenian ingenuity. They are helping not only the insdustry, but are giving back to education, improving education that wll then feed and help the economy. I hope I can be helpful in the healthcare industry, and in informatics, which has mathematical background. I think it will have a big part in the future of biology.

I hope and I think that Armenia with its limitted budget can be much more startegic in the areas where it can become a leader very quickly. So there are some things we can compete, but there are some areas that I think it’s not a good idea to try to become the best. Again, I am happy to help in any way I can. I am very encouraged to see the overall unti-corruption movement that you started, which is starting to translate into the academic circle”.

Afterwards, the interlocutors discussed issues related to the problems of science and education in the Republic of Armenia and the reforms initiated by the government. Pashinyan noted that the government is going to continuously increase funding for science until 2026, adding that it has already increased by 80%. Pashinyan emphasized the increase of the efficiency of scientific products and the expansion of research work in the field of higher education.

Pashinyan stressed the importance of Patapoutian’s observations, suggestions and advice to advance such reforms in Armenia. Pashinyan emphasized that Mr. Patapoutian’s example is inspiring for young people, saying his visit will inspire them.

Patapoutian noted that he is ready to contribute to the development of science and education in Armenia with his knowledge, experience and potential.

Pashinyan awarded Nobel Laureate Ardem Patapoutian with the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots for outstanding achievements in the field of biology and significant contribution to the development of medicine.