“Youth for a Better Future of the Planet” – Georgian Technical University Hosts Educational and Cognitive Events

Georgian Technical University with the initiative and support of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, hosted Scientists’ Week under the theme “Youth for a Better Future of the Planet.” The initiative aimed to promote science among young people and encourage their active involvement in research, innovation, and technological development.

The week’s events brought together public-school students from grades X-XII, bachelor’s and master’s students, doctoral candidates, and young researchers. The program was designed to introduce participants to opportunities in science, technology, and innovation while fostering greater interest in research and scientific careers.

Throughout Scientists’ Week, GTU organized Open Days and a series of thematic public lectures. During the Open Days, participants explored the university’s educational and research infrastructure, visited state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, learned about ongoing scientific projects and international collaborations, and took part in practical demonstrations and experiments that provided first-hand experience of scientific research.

In the format of an open day, visitors toured the Niko Muskhelishvili University Library, where they explored its rare collections, unique archives, and extensive holdings in science and engineering. They also visited the Geology and Paleontology Museum, the Minerals, Mineralogy and Petrography Museum of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Development, the modern Renewable Energy Teaching and Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Power Engineering, and the Zhiuli Shartava Educational and Research Laboratory Complex of Techniques and Technologies at the Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems –one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the South Caucasus.

Participants also visited the university’s FabLab (Business Incubator), which supports innovative student projects, as well as the modern teaching, research, and expert laboratories of the Faculty of Construction, the newly established research facilities of the Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering, and the creative studios of the Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design, where students work under the guidance of distinguished architects and regularly achieve success in national and international competitions.

As part of Scientists’ Week, Professor Mikheil Janikashvili, Head of the Department of Science and Innovation at Georgian Technical University, met with the participants to discuss the university’s current research priorities, emerging scientific trends, and innovative technologies developed by GTU researchers. The meeting also highlighted opportunities for the professional development of young scientists.

According to Professor Janikashvili, Scientists’ Week serves as an important platform for promoting science, inspiring the younger generation, and strengthening interest in research by giving participants direct access to a modern scientific environment and advanced technologies.

“Scientists’ Week is an important initiative that encourages young people to develop an interest in knowledge, research, and innovation. Today, science and technology are among the main driving forces behind a country’s sustainable development. For this reason, it is essential to create an environment in which young people can discover the practical value of science and identify their own talents from an early age. In this regard, we highly appreciate the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth, particularly the personal commitment of Minister Givi Mikanadze and the active support of Deputy Minister Zviad Gabisonia. Their efforts help expand young people’s access to science and encourage greater participation in research activities.

Georgian Technical University is proud to contribute to the popularization of science. We are confident that initiatives such as Scientists’ Week will inspire a new generation of researchers, engineers, and innovators who will play a significant role in Georgia’s future scientific and technological development.”

– Professor Mikheil Janikashvili

Thematic public lectures were also held within the framework of the week. Giorgi Bokhochadze, Lead Developer at the GTU Nuclear Engineering and Innovation Center, delivered a lecture entitled “Nuclear Engineering,” and Melano Kovziridze, a lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design, presented the lecture “Kinetic Architecture: Movement as the Language of Space”. The speakers shared their professional experiences and discussed the challenges facing modern science and engineering, as well as innovative approaches to addressing them.