Armenia`s premier promises much higher salaries to scientists by 2026 

ArmInfo.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired a consultation at the Government dedicated to the funding of science in the 2022 state budget. The discussion was  attended by the heads of the concerned departments, as well as  representatives of the private sector, the press service of the RA  government reports.

The Prime Minister noted that the financing of science from the state  budget of the Republic of Armenia in 2022 will increase by about 85%  compared to 2021, while the sums allocated for scientific thematic  research will increase 2.5-fold, amounting to 6.7 billion AMD. "Gross  science funding is doubling compared to 2017-2018, this is a very  strong record. I would also like to note that we have already adopted  a plan on increasing the base salaries of science workers by 2026. In  fact, the salary of researchers, which today is about 90 thousand  AMD, will rise to 276 thousand AMD by 2026 by our decision, which is  an increase of 206%. And the salary of the heads of scientific  departments, which today is 141 thousand AMD, will rise to 477  thousand AMD in 2025-2026, the growth is about 238%. This is our  political attitude towards the field of science, and this policy, of  course, will continue", Nikol Pashinyan said.  The Prime Minister  highlighted the correct distribution of funding to the sector, which  will contribute not only to the increase of salaries, but also to the  achievement of specific results in the medium term, which will later  be reflected in the economy.

Chairman of the Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia Sargis  Hayotsyan presented the programs and events planned in the field of  scientific and scientific-technical activity in 2022. In particular,  it was noted that those programs will be aimed at modernizing the  infrastructure of science, rehabilitation of scientific centers,  development of professional skills, training for young scientists  abroad, promotion of experience exchange programs, holding  international competitions. According to Sargis Hayotsyan, the steps  will be also aimed at increasing the efficiency of state funding to  the field of science, regulating the legal field. In this regard, the  adoption of the Law on Higher Education and Science was particularly  highlighted.

The Chairman of the State Science Committee also presented the  opportunities available within the framework of the Horison Europe  program, the consolidation of resources for the implementation of  various programs by scientific organizations.

During the meeting, various observations, views and suggestions were  presented, aimed at the continuous development of the field of  science.

Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed the Government's intention to  contribute to the progress of science and highlighted the consistent  cooperation with the private sector.