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Nikolay Dokholyan, Ph.D. from Biochemistry/Biophysics and Alexander “Sasha” Kabanov, Ph.D. from Pharmacology met with the President of Armenia on Nov. 8, 2017.

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Nikolay Dokholyan, Ph.D., shake hands with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
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A delegation of prominent Armenian scientists and scholars from the United States, Russia, France, Ireland, Denmark and other countries met with President Sargsyan.

Nikolay Dokholyan, Ph.D., met with the president of Armenia on Nov. 8 as part of a group of participants in the second All-Armenian Scientific Conference held in the capital city of Yerevan on November 5-8.

The delegation consisted of prominent Armenian scientists and scholars from the United States, Russia, France, Ireland, Denmark and other countries. Dokholyan is the Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics and his research focuses on understanding etiologies of human diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and conditions, such as hyperalgesia.

“It is crucial for young people to have the opportunity of communicating with individuals who have already achieved great success in science and technology, but I believe that this forum is also important from another perspective: it is not only a chance for young people to get familiar with new scientific ideas, but it is also a good opportunity to see how successful people can be of service to our country,” President Serzh Sargsyan said.

“We have no other way but to build a knowledge-based economy,” he said, adding that Armenia has a consistent policy of encouraging and promoting successful scientists and the individuals with great aspirations despite the financial constraints faced in the country.

According to a press release published by the president’s office, the scientists in attendance talked about their impressions of the conference, dwelling on the achievements recorded since the first forum. They evoked those substantive discussions held with many young Armenian researchers that are supposed to combine the scientific potential of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, the communities of Armenians that exist around the world. They exchanged knowledge and discussed issues relevant to research, education and promoting Armenia’s development.

The guests exchanged ideas with the president on further cooperation for the promotion of science and education in Armenia.


Story courtesy of David Etchison, Director of UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

To submit a news story contact: Carolyn M. Clabo, 919-962-7642, UNC Biochemistry & Biophysics Communications.