FAST’s ADVANCE Research Grants will continue operating under the administration of the Higher Education and Science Committee
On December 12, the Higher Education and Science Committee and the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) signed a memorandum of cooperation, ensuring the continued advancement of six ongoing projects under FAST's ADVANCE Research Grants, now to be led by the Committee.
Launched in 2020, ADVANCE united 88 researchers in Armenia led by esteemed international scientists from the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, and Chile. The program has established research teams in innovative fields such as machine learning, computer vision, biotechnology, bioinformatics, mathematical analysis, and more.
The program laid the foundation for nine 3–4-year research projects, two of which—"Machine Learning" and "Biotechnology", co-implemented and co-funded by Yerevan State University—successfully concluded their four-year journey this fall.
Over the past four years, the research teams have published 30 articles in top scientific journals with the highest impact factors and organized over 25 credit-based and open courses, summer schools, and conferences in Armenia, engaging over 770 participants. Additionally, six local institutions have expanded their research lab capacities. All of this has laid the groundwork for effective cross-field collaborations, enhancing the quantity and quality of research outcomes while promoting the involvement and development of young scientists.
“Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new phase of collaboration with FAST. Through this partnership, the Higher Education and Science Committee will support the implementation and long-term sustainability of six innovative ADVANCE projects. Given our shared commitment to rapidly advancing science and higher education in Armenia, we believe there are numerous opportunities for expanded bilateral and multilateral collaboration with the foundation. Current state policy emphasizes key reforms within higher education and science, necessitating the active engagement of all stakeholders, including the FAST. This is particularly crucial given the Foundation's long-standing track record of successfully supporting the implementation of innovative projects,” added Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee.
“The concept behind ADVANCE addressed the critical challenges facing STI in Armenia. ADVANCE seeks to bridge local and international research institutions, stimulate research in emerging and underexplored fields, and catalyze transformative change within the Armenian research ecosystem. As a result, we came up with this research grant model. If the pilot phase proved successful, we planned to introduce it to our government partners as a holistic model for funding science. Fortunately, four years later, within its strategic changes, the Ministry not only increased its science funding but integrated the ADVANCE model, fostering an environment that ensures the model's long-term sustainability and expansion. We are delighted to share our commitment to advancing science alongside our partners at the Ministry. We are confident that this collaborative approach between the private sector and the government will have a profound impact on our ecosystem,” said Suzanna Shamakhyan, Executive Director of FAST.
Six institutions, including Yerevan State University and the American University of Armenia, as well as L.A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology, the Institute of Molecular Biology, the Institute of Physical Research, and the Armenian Bioinformatics Institute, have been involved in the ADVANCE framework. As host organizations, they have created a platform for the implementation of research projects and the organization of scientific events at both international and local levels.
Since its inception, FAST, with the generous support of its donors, has invested $1,970,500, providing monthly grants for research work, supporting researcher participation in international conferences, procuring essential equipment and laboratory materials, covering article publication costs, and addressing all other expenses associated with team activities.
In turn, the Higher Education and Science Committee will provide the necessary funding for the implementation of the six ADVANCE projects from January 2025 to August 2027.
Moving forward, the foundation will continue to support efforts to disseminate the program's results and expand connections between research groups.