YEREVAN. - The Armenian Government demands that scientists produce quick results that would be put into practice. However, the Government ignores the fact that science requires long-term investments, Senior Researcher of the Institute of Physiology under the Armenian National Academy of Sciences Armen Sargsyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Applied science is impossible without fundamental science. Otherwise, a scientist turns into an inventor or innovator, believes Sargsyan. The Government demands that scientists become inventors. However, fundamental science is the basis for applied science and inventions. Therefore, according to the scientist, fundamental and applied science must co-exist, and the former need as much – even more – attention.
“An inventor does not necessarily have to be a scientist and possess knowledge of fundamental science despite the fact that, in any case, inventions are based on achievements of fundamental and applied science,” Sargsyan added. “For example, you cannot develop a new medicine without gaining wide experience in fundamental science or carrying out research into the etiology of the disease you are going to treat. Thus, it is incorrect to demand applicable results alone.”
In developed countries large industrial companies that use the achievements of applied science are in the first place concerned with the development of fundamental science. The companies spend huge funds on research laboratories as they are aware that those efforts will produce results later. IBM as well as many other corporations in Europe and Japan are among such companies. Those companies are ready to spend money and invite the best, renowned scientists from universities to run laboratories and organize fundamental research. In addition, no one demands quick results from them.
“The companies realize they will eventually get large profit as their research centers produce whole new ideas,” Sargsyan said.
Applied and fundamental sciences are closely related, and any attempt to separate them is a gross blunder, he noted.
“The Government’s statements on its interest in applicable results are mere words, and numerous facts are evidence thereof,” mentioned Armen Sargsyan. “If I am not mistaken, it was you news website that posted news on a group that studied methods of obtaining solar and bio-energy. The group repeatedly applied to the Ministry of Energy for minimum aid, but never succeeded. On the other hand, when, for example, Germans organized an exhibition here, local officials warmly welcomed and assure them of the Armenian side’s keen interest in that issue.”
Many more examples can be cited, the scientist said. One of them is pharmacological research, when the research team needed a minimal sum from the Government to complete the work. However, the results were never put into practice.
