Giorgi Amilakhvari: "Every year, state funding for science will incrementally increase, along with gradual growths in the remuneration of scientific workers, and the implementation of a results-based funding model."
Giorgi Amilakhvari, the nominee for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, addressed the Parliament on Education, Science, and Youth Affairs, Culture, Sports, Health Protection, and Social Affairs committees, outlining key initiatives.
He stated, "Every year, state funding for science will gradually increase, along with the remuneration of scientific workers, and the introduction of a results-based funding model. The enhancement of financing for engineering, natural sciences, technology (STEM), humanitarian fields, and Georgian scientific grant competitions, along with the expansion of fundamental research, has commenced."
Amilakhvari emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between Georgian and foreign academic and scientific personnel working abroad. He highlighted plans to strengthen the commercialization of applied scientific research and continue the reform process, which includes fully integrating higher education and science, improving the science management system, and refining the research funding model.
Furthermore, Amilakhvari stated, "As part of the reform, a ranking of scientific research units will be conducted, allowing the state to establish mandatory minimum standards for scientific research institutions and enhance the quality of scientific research activities in Georgia."
He also underscored the promotion of active involvement of scientific institutions and research groups in international framework programs and projects. Additionally, bilateral/multilateral scientific-research and technological projects will be implemented, accompanied by appropriate legal safeguards. Amilakhvari pledged support for Georgian researchers' participation in grant competitions under the European Commission's research and innovation program "Horizon Europe." Moreover, efforts to update scientific infrastructure in line with international standards will continue.
