A Scientific Event Dedicated to Geologists’ Day Was Opened at the Georgian Technical University

The scientific event dedicated to Geologist’s Day, organized by the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development, was opened. It focuses on the geological features, groundwater, geotourism, and traditions of one of the country’s mountainous regions – Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti. The program includes thematic discussions on these topics.

The two-day event, titled “Revival of Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti: A Foundation for Sustainable Mountain Development,” brings together scientists and researchers from the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of Georgian Technical University; the Department of Geology of the Aleksandre Janelidze Institute of Geology at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; the Mikheil Nodia Institute of Geophysics; the Aleksandre Tvalchrelidze Institute of Mineral Raw Materials; and the academic community of Ilia State University. Participants also include specialists, experts, and students in the fields of mining and geology, as well as representatives of the National Environmental Agency, the National Agency of Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Protection of the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, companies operating in the sector – RMG, Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, Georgian United Water Supply Company, “Pakhralos Tufi” – and representatives of the Office of the Governor of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti region.

The event was opened by the President of the Supervisory Board of Georgian Technical University, Professor Zurab Gudavadze. As he noted, the State Geological Service of Georgia has been operating for 185 years, and as a result, the country’s territory has been thoroughly studied. Metallic and non-metallic minerals, as well as underground, mineral, and thermal waters, have been explored, and geological maps of various purposes and scales have been compiled. Scientists and graduates of Georgian Technical University have made a significant contribution to this work. According to Professor Gudavadze, partnerships with regional and international organizations and companies in the field are essential for the university’s continued progress.

“Overcoming the environmental and geological challenges facing the country requires highly qualified engineering geologists, whose training has been successfully carried out at Georgian Technical University for more than a century. Our graduates work successfully in both public institutions and the private sector, including the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the National Environmental Agency, the National Agency for Mineral Resources, and other key organizations.

At the present stage, close cooperation between education, science, and industry is of particular importance. Such synergy ensures the sustainable development of the field, the introduction of innovative approaches, and alignment with international standards. To educate a new generation of specialists and researchers in engineering and applied geology, it is crucial to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including industrial practice in real-world environments, as well as training and workshops based on modern technologies. The University’s Department of Applied Geology annually implements both contractual and grant-funded projects, often involving interdisciplinary research. These projects include close cooperation with organizations and companies in the field, as well as partnerships with the Ministry of Culture, national and regional museums, and the Cultural Heritage Protection Agency. This collaboration is especially important for the in-depth study and preservation of unique cultural heritage.

Students are actively involved in these processes, helping them develop professional skills and adapt to real working environments. We are confident that such approach will ensure the training of competitive, highly qualified professionals capable of responding to the challenges facing the country,” said Professor Zurab Gudavadze.

As Vice-Rector Professor Tamar Tsereteli noted, the demand for engineering geologists in Georgia has been growing in recent years, driven by increased infrastructure development, expansion of the construction sector, the implementation of energy and hydrotechnical projects, and the growing importance of natural risk management and environmental protection.

“For the past five years, interest in geology as a field of study has steadily increased. Approximately 6-7 applicants with 1-3 choices per place apply to the relevant programs, indicating that young people recognize the prospects and importance of this profession. Both the private sector – particularly the company RMG – and public agencies contribute significantly to increasing motivation in this field. With RMG support, modern laboratories, learning spaces, and research centers equipped with advanced technology have been established at Georgian Technical University, significantly improving the quality of education. At the same time, the expansion of the National Environmental Agency and the National Agency for Mineral Resources, along with their increasing responsibilities, has further boosted demand for qualified specialists, including hydrogeologists, engineering geologists, and mineral exploration experts. These trends suggest that geology, as a discipline, and the profession of engineering geologist are gradually regaining their historical prestige.

With its extensive experience, strong academic staff, and modern teaching and research infrastructure, Georgian Technical University is well-positioned to train highly qualified specialists in engineering geology, hydrogeology, mineral exploration, applied mineralogy, and geochemistry at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Our goal is to prepare professionals capable of contributing significantly to sustainable national development and the rational management of natural resources using modern technologies,” stated Professor Tamar Tsereteli.

The Dean of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development at GTU, Professor Noe Khozrevanidze; Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences Levan Japaridze; Head of the Department of Applied Geology at GTU, Professor Nodar Poporadze; and other speakers emphasized the importance of the geologist’s profession. They also discussed the geological characteristics of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti regions, including mineral, thermal, and freshwater resources, mineral deposits and ore occurrences, environmental imbalances caused by the rapid extraction and use of mineral resources, and the development of environmental policy in this area. Other participants included GTU researchers Assistant Professor Nana Kitiashvili and Associate Professor Shorena Kupreishvili; Director of the Aleksandre Janelidze Institute of Geology at TSU, Professor Tamar Tsutsunava; Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Ilia State University, Professor Archil Maghalashvili; First Deputy State Governor of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti region Kristine Kobakhidze; Head of the Geology Department of the National Environmental Agency Merab Gaprindashvili; Corporate Director of RMG Company Kakhaber Mchedlishvili; and Director of the Grigol Tsulukidze Mining Institute, Professor Nikoloz Chikhradze.

As part of the Geologists’ Day event, a modern mineralogy and gemology teaching and research laboratory will be opened at the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of Georgian Technical University.

Scientists from the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development, young researchers, students, and school pupils will actively participate in the event. Winners of the Youth Forum essay competition -“Racha: A Story That Never Ends” and “Racha 10 Years Later” – as well as winners of the student poster session “Geology, Environment, and Society” will be announced and awarded. In addition, scientists and researchers will offer guests and interested young people a thematic tour titled “Stone Tells Us History”, during which they will present the unique museums of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development and their rare exhibits.

For information, International Geologists’ Day has been celebrated in Georgia since 1965. However, the State Geological Service has existed for more than 180 years, and systematic research in the field began in 1941.