On November 10, 2022, at the initiative of the rectorate of Sokhumi State University and the Academy of Educational Sciences, the International Day of Science was celebrated at the University with a scientific-practical conference. The conference was opened by the Rector of Sokhumi State University Prof. Zurab Khonelidze, who spoke about science as an organization of existing knowledge and the most important social institution of our society. The public role of science and the need to use this potential in the service of peace were emphasized.

The main speaker at the conference was Levan Kvaratskhelia, the head of the University's Horizon Europe grant office, who spoke about the EU research and innovation program Horizon Europe, open science and the possibilities of involvement of the academic staff of Sokhumi State University in EU scientific grant projects.

The scientific activity of the University was presented by the faculties and scientific research centers. Assoc. Prof. Nestan Kekelia (Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Technology and Pharmacy), Assoc. Prof. Irma Dikhaminjia (Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences), Assoc. Prof. Tamar Shinjiashvili (Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Head of the UNICEF Children's Rights Center at SSU), Prof. Vepkhvia Gvaramia  (Dean of the Faculty of Law and Diplomacy), Assoc. Prof. Nino Mashia (Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities), Levan Geradze (Head of the Peace Education Center of SSU), Marina Pochkhua, Academic Doctor of Biology (Head of the Molecular Diagnostics and Biotechnological Research Center), Assoc. Prof. Lia Akhaladze (Head of the Scientific Research and Development Department, Head of the Center for Multicultural Education and Cultural Studies) presented their reports at the conference. Each speaker talked about the activities of faculties, centers and departments, the involvement of academic staff in international and Rustaveli National Foundation scientific grants and projects, international scientific conferences and other types of scientific activities in detail.

At the conference, it was emphasized that teaching and research are two main functions of the University, and since science is the field of activity of the academic staff, scientific work actively affects the vital guarantees of the development and functioning of the University. At the end, the work of the conference was summarized by the Rector of the University Prof. Zurab Khonelidze, who once again congratulated the gathered community on the International Day of Science and wished them success in their scientific and research activities.

 See: Program of Conference

Lia Akhaladze

Head of Scientific Research and Development Department