2 of 11

Authors

V. Ara Apkarian

Distinguished Professor

Department of Chemistry

University of California, Irvine (USA)

Ivan Aprahamian

Professor

Department of Chemistry, Chair

Dartmouth College (USA)

Lou Charoudian

Professor

Department of Chemistry

Haverford College (USA)

Anzhela Galstyan

Professor, Department of Chemistry

University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany)

Syuzanna R. Harutunyan

Professor

Stratingh Institute for Chemistry

University of Groningen (Netherlands)

Davit Zargarian

Professor, Department of Chemistry

Université de Montréal (Canada)

Advisors: Valentine Ananikov (Russian Academy of Sciences), Justin Du Bois (Stnfrod), Vladimir Gevorgyan (UT Dallas)

Dilijan 2023

3 of 11

Outline

Chemistry in Armenia
AI-Driven Robotic Laboratory
Challenges and Hope

Dilijan 2023

4 of 11

Why Chemistry?

Chemistry is often called the central science, because it connects the physical sciences with life and applied sciences. Fundamental discoveries made in chemical sciences over the past century have led to ground-breaking innovations in manufacturing processes that have impacted all sectors of modern industry, from mining to construction, pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals, transportation and materials. The chemistry research enterprise and the chemical industry contribute in a major way to the economic prosperity and financial security of all developed countries.

Dilijan 2023

5 of 11

Chemistry’s position in Armenia: Past and present

In the former Soviet Union, Armenia was the chemical powerhouse of the Caucasus.¹ By the 1980s, chemicals accounted for 6.6% of industrial output. Unfortunately, Armenia’s chemical industry started a precipitous decline after the collapse of the USSR such that most industrial activities in this vital area came come to a halt. Considering the central role that chemistry plays in education, industry and ultimately national security, a new strategic direction is needed to swiftly reinvigorate chemical education and research in Armenia and modernize Armenia’s chemical industry.

1. Armenia shows potential for chemicals industry | ICIS

Dilijan 2023

6 of 11

Center for Intelligent Chemistry

Using AI-based tools and platforms to advance chemical research and manufacturing as the centerpiece of a strategic policy for not only modernizing chemical education in Armenia, but also building a highly skilled workforce that will reinvigorate Armenia’s chemical industry. Implementing such a policy can attract foreign investments and collaborations, thereby making major contributions to Armenia’s economy.

The main aim of the combination of AI, robotics and chemistry is the acceleration and optimization of the generally slow and time-consuming scientific discovery endeavor, no matter what the final target is.

In Armenia’s case, and based on historical strengths, we speculate that plastics, polymer and rubber industries, as well as the pharma and agrochemical industries, among others, might benefit from this new center.

Dilijan 2023

7 of 11

Roadmap

The CIC will initially be seeded with a cluster hire of 5-10 international and local scholars, led by a chemist. This pioneer cohort will work on developing and establishing a self-driving chemistry laboratory and identifying the research topics through consultation with appropriate stakeholders (e.g., National Academy of Sciences, Chemistry institutions, industry, government).

The center will also be involved in organizing workshops and symposia to invigorate chemical discourse in the country, establish collaborations, and raise the chemical research profile of Armenia.

Education, outreach and ensuring an uninterrupted pipeline of young talent will be an integral part of the CIC mission.

Dilijan 2023

8 of 11

Challenges

Developing the AI field in chemistry is a challenging and complex task for all societies, and even more so for Armenia. Fostering AI and robotis capabilities requires significant investment in research, technology, and infrastructure, as well as highly trained personnel.

The core challenge for reviving the chemical enterprise in Armenia is the shortage of skilled chemists and limited interest in chemical education. Choosing a chemistry career in Armenia is in fast decline, and chemistry is not an attractive field for most youth in Armenia, as underlined with reports that only 5-10 undergraduate students register as chemistry majors across the country.

Dilijan 2023

9 of 11

Moving Forward

The most urgent actions pertain to investing in chemical education at the high school and undergraduate levels, and offering career opportunities and incentives to students who choose to pursue chemistry.

The government should work with its partners at universities and industry to develop a supportive ecosystem and specialized educational programs in AI, robotics and chemistry. This would help create a pipeline of skilled talent in these fields to ensure that it has the necessary human capital to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

The core challenge for reviving the chemical enterprise in Armenia is the shortage of skilled chemists and limited interest in chemical education. Choosing a chemistry career in Armenia is in fast decline, and chemistry is not an attractive field for most youth in Armenia, as underlined with reports that only 5-10 freshman students register as chemistry majors across the country.

Dilijan 2023

10 of 11

Funding

‘Self-driving’ AI lab awarded $200M grant to pursue new drugs, materials | Globalnews.ca

Growth fund grant for robot lab makes Netherlands a leader in Big Chemistry | Radboud University (ru.nl)

Dilijan 2023

11 of 11

Conclusion

Chemistry, arguably the foundational central science, is in decline in Armenia. By all measures, the chemical sciences and education have retreated since the Soviet era, when Armenia was regarded as a powerhouse of chemical industry. Systemic reform, extending from early education to the creation of lucrative careers as motivators, is a necessarily slow process which must be undertaken to address national needs, security and welfare. With adequate and strategic investments, it is possible to move beyond catching up and catapult Armenia onto the leading edge of the new frontiers in chemistry.

Dilijan 2023