The Conference “Kemurjian-100”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the world-renowned Armenian engineer Alexander Kemurdzhian, was held under the high patronage of the RA President Armen Sarkissian at the President’s residence.
RA President Armen Sarkissian, ESCS Minister Vahram Dumanyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry Vahagn Khachaturyan, officials, scientists, other representatives of the sector participated in the Conference. Among many guests, Alexander Kemurdzhian's son Vladimir Kemurdzhian also participated in the Conference.
In his welcome speech, RA President Armen Sarkissian noted that it was a great honor for him to open the Conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the great scientist, engineer, citizen, and Armenian Alexander Kemurdzhian.
“Ultimately, it is the history that evaluates our lives. One hundred years is already history. There are cases when you live your life, and the assessment of whatever you did or did not, is either not evaluated or done incorrectly; only time cleans away what is secondary and leaves what is significant, pivotal, and valuable for history. I consider it a great honor to stand here today as an Armenian, an Armenian scientist, and someone who appreciates everything that is new and creative; I stand here as the President of the Republic of Armenia to congratulate all of us on the 100th anniversary of this genius man, and wish his descendants, in particular, his son, continue his work, because the time of Alexander Kemurdzhian, the time of Moon rovers, and Mars rovers is just coming,” said the President.
Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Vahram Dumanyan highlighted the importance of the Conference in terms of inspiring the youth and enhancing interest in science.
“It is symbolic to launch the event of the 6th International Festival of Science and Art "STARMUS", honoring the inventor of Armenian origin, Kemurdzhian, whose merits are invaluable in the world of science,” underlined the ESCS Minister and added that "STARMUS FESTIVAL VI: 50 years on Mars" festival is scheduled to be held in Armenia, in September 2022, under the theme "50 years on Mars. It will be dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Mars. In 1971, the Soviet Union launched the “Mars-3” spacecraft to Mars, which contained the rover “Lunokhod” of scientist-engineer Alexander Kemurdzhian."
“I highlight this event, organized in honor of our talented compatriot, first of all, in regard to education: this is an opportunity to popularize science and thus motivate, inspire our pupils from an early age, allure the Armenian student with science. And we, as the authorized body, coordinating the sectors of education, science, and culture, say that our objective and mission is to constantly inspire Armenian youth, school children, and the youth with the light of science and knowledge, to make deeply recognizable the paths of culture and art, to enhance the level of education and learning. In this regard, the “STARMUS” Festival is one of the best opportunities on this path, Kemurdzhian is one of the best examples. This is the way to ensure that students become future famous scientists, giving our people the same pride as Kemurdzhyan,” underlined Vahram Dumanyan.
During the Conference, Alexander Kemurdzhian's son Vladimir Kemurdzhian presented the life and heritage of the renowned scientist. Speakers from around the world presented video reports on astronomy, astrophysics, astronautics, the latest scientific research, and achievements in these fields. A panel discussion on the topic "The Universe and Humanity" was convened.
Within the frame of the Conference, a postage stamp dedicated to the “100th Anniversary of Alexander Kemurdzhian” has been put into circulation.
During the briefing, Minister of High-Tech Industry Vahagn Khachaturyan, Founding Director of the “STARMUS” Festival Garik Israelian, and former Director-General of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dordain highlighted the Conference and the importance of the upcoming “STARMUS” festival in Armenia next year.
