Abastumani Observatory will become accessible to all educational and scientific institutions
Giorgi Vashakidze, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, and Zaza Maruashvili, Head of the Science Development Division of the Department of Higher Education and Science Development, held a meeting with the researchers of the Evgeni Kharadze Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory. The meeting focused on the process of transforming the observatory into a Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) under the Ministry, which will be carried out through communication and agreement with all researchers.
Giorgi Vashakidze stated that it is important to further develop and strengthen a scientific institution of this scale and global significance, and to raise the level of its international engagement in the global scientific space.
During the meeting, which was held in a question-and-answer format, the parties touched upon a number of issues. These included state-led stimulation of the development of astronomy across various universities in order to foster young personnel. According to Giorgi Vashakidze, the Ministry's policy is precisely aimed at making the observatory accessible to all higher education institutions, scientific organizations, scientists, and young researchers at both local and international levels. Based on a relevant memorandum, Ilia State University, as well as other universities, will have the opportunity to utilize the observatory's resources in their educational processes.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that upon the completion of the observatory's reorganization, the remuneration policy will be reviewed and significantly strengthened. Furthermore, all buildings located on the territory of the observatory will be transferred to the balance sheet of the newly established LEPL, and the administration will be able to fully manage them.
During his conversation with the researchers, Zaza Maruashvili, Head of the Science Development Division, noted that the concept to be created for the development of the observatory must clearly define the niche and role of the Abastumani Observatory on a global scale. Following this, in accordance with its goals and objectives, it will undergo technical equipment and modernization. Zaza Maruashvili also emphasized the necessity of involving foreign scientists in the development of the concept. For its part, the Ministry will ensure the stimulation of additional funding from international organizations.
At the end of the meeting, Giorgi Vashakidze noted that the Ministry's goal is to introduce good practices using the example of the observatory, which other research institutions will also share.
The Evgeni Kharadze Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory is renowned worldwide, and continuous scientific research and astronomical observations have been conducted on its basis for over 80 years.
