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Byurakan Observatory of Armenia must have a vision for the future. With the rapid developments in the astronomy sphere, the Armenian Observatory needs to move forward in parallel steps, Areg Mikayelyan, Director of the Observatory noted at a press conference on Saturday.

The speaker underscored that the Observatory’s activities should not be based on abrupt decisions. Instead, it should enable each program to develop and be brought to life.

Mr. Mikayelyan drew attention on the fact that Byurakan Observatory has an issue of human resources, meantime stating that the astronomy in Armenia is in good hands as evidenced by the results of the Armenian schoolchildren at international Olympiads.

The speaker noted that the observatory has limited number of young cadres, which is based on the fact that the young people tend to acquire occupations with high payment. “Unfortunately the intelligent young people whose potential is more needed in the science sphere, prefer to become assistants to state official, rather than scientists,” Mr. Mikayelyan noted, adding that the young scientists of the Observatory are involved in several projects at the same time, receiving an average of 250-300 thousand AMD monthly salary.

Areg Mikayelyan informed that largest telescope of the Observatory, which was the 7th biggest in the world during the Soviet years, currently takes the 50th place and is considered a medium-quality telescope.

In his words, Armenia serves as a Regional Astronomical Centre, conducting International Astronomical Mission in three years of activities.

“Currently the Observatory features 40 employees, 11 out of whom are young scientists. This comes when Byurakan Observatory employed over 150 people during the Soviet period,” the speaker concluded.