Reinforcing Armenia's excellence in physical research
IPR-NAS has expertise in quantum information, atomic and matter wave physics, scintillating materials, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials. These research areas are also relevant to the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The EU-funded IPERA (Integrating the Institute for Physical Research of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia into ERA) project sought to enhance IPR-NAS research capacity and scientific expertise through training and collaborations with other European research and innovation organisations. Several twinning activities were carried out to enable knowledge transfer, identify partners, and set up joint research in the areas of quantum information, atomic and matter wave physics, and scintillating materials. On the dissemination front, the output of IPERA activities is the publication of 36 scientific peer-reviewed papers. Eight project proposals were started, prepared and submitted to facilitate the participation of IPR-NAS in FP7 and Horizon 2020 programmes together with selected partner institutions. Current IPR-NAS research quality and capabilities were assessed, leading to practical recommendations and a strategy to enhance research excellence and boost regional coverage for the five years immediately following the end of the project. IPR staff was extensively trained in advanced physical research topics and in FP7 and Horizon 2020 research priorities. Nearly 60 modules were designed and delivered, and 5 PhD students were jointly co-supervised. To increase the visibility of IPR in Europe, 75 presentations took place at international conferences and workshops. The project's signature conference and workshop was attended by 76 participants, primarily leading scientists and young researchers from 15 countries. IPERA helped boost IPR's capacity and scientific expertise through strategic collaboration. As such, it has laid the groundwork for sustained cooperation between Armenian and European researchers in physical research.
Keywords
Physical research, Armenia, European Research Area, FP7, research and innovation, Horizon 2020