At the Official Special Event "Recognition of Research Teams Working on ISTC-Japan Projects," held on August 27, 2025 at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the International Science and Technology Center and the Japanese Government presented awards to researchers from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

In the framework of ISTC-Japan Projects, researchers received Certificates of Recognition for their exceptional accomplishments and commitment to their professions, which support scientific excellence in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

The scientists who received awards are as follows:

Armenia

Project AM-2705: Ani Dadayan (Yerevan State University), Anna Mkrtchyan (Scientific and Production Center “Armbiotechnology”)

Georgia

Project GE-2776: Vakhtang Zhghamadze, Natia Margiani (Georgian Technical University, Institute of Cybernetics)

Kazakhstan

Project KZ-2715 and others: Asset Shaimerdenov, Sayabek Sakhiyev (Institute of Nuclear Physics)

Tajikistan

Project TJ-2726: Dilshod Nematov, Amondulloi Burhonzoda (S.U.Umarov Physical-Technical Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan)

The awards were presented by Dr. KAKITA Yasuyoshi, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Dr. Ronald F. Lehman II, ISTC Chairman of the Governing Board.

KAKITA Yasuyoshi, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: “We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the research teams working on the ISTC Japan Project for being recognized at the award ceremony at the ISTC Expo Special Day Ceremony. Numerous research projects have been carried out by ISTC to date, advancing efforts to address global challenges such as building a sustainable society and promoting clean energy. To address global challenges, high-quality international collaboration in science and technology is essential. The ISTC’s efforts to promote international cooperation and research for peaceful purposes through science and technology are therefore considered extremely important. I hope that research exchanges between ISTC-supported research institutions and Japan will become more active in the future, and that international cooperation through science and technology will be further deepened.

Karina Anguelieva, ISTC Executive Director: “Today, we are proud to present the achievements of researchers from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Japan’s support has been instrumental in fostering research excellence and capacity building throughout the Caucasus and Central Asia. Through targeted funding, strategic guidance, and active engagement, Japan has helped empower local researchers, strengthen institutional networks, and promote innovation that addresses regional and global challenges. Looking ahead, ISTC aims to grow as a strategic hub for excellence and cooperation, with continued focus on areas such as energy, public health, disaster risk management, environmental protection, and digital transformation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our hosts at EXPO 2025 to the Government of Japan for its unwavering support and our researchers for a long-run commitment for scientific pursuits. Your hard work and innovative spirit serve as an inspiration to others in the scientific community of Central Asia and Caucasus.”