Launched in 2022, the Undergraduate Tournament of Natural Science aims to uncover young talents in higher education. It is the logical continuation of the Tournament of Young Chemists that has been organized for schoolchildren since 2010 and comes to expand the Tournament of Chemistry Students launched in 2020, involving not only chemistry but also other fields of natural sciences.
The Undergraduate Tournament of Natural Science is designed for students studying biology, physics and chemistry in the HEIs of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh. It brings together young people from different HEIs and scientific branches in one team, promoting the culture of finding multifaceted solutions to the most pressing issues.
The Tournament is held under the slogan Science Boomerang, symbolizing each new generation’s constant, boomerang-like return to the world of science.
The development of scientific mind and the formation of a strong community in RA and Artsakh lie in the imperative to have a powerful country prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. Overcoming the intricate issues facing the world requires profound solutions and joint efforts. The Undergraduate Tournament of Natural Science aims to build such a model of cooperation.
The tournament comes to reassess the significance and perception of science for natural science students and public in general. On the created common platform, participants have the opportunity to:
• apply their knowledge in the solution to most pressing issues;
• become recognized by the professional community and employers;
• join the large scientific community and establishing connections necessary for further collaborations.
During the tournament, student teams of four-five participants have the chance to:
• perform scientific experiments;
• receive the recommendations of leading specialists in the field;
• present their solutions to real-world problems, showcasing their professional capacities and potential.
In the semi-finals, scientific battles become pivotal, with both team tactics and individual qualities of the participants in the roles of speaker, opponent, reviewer and observer, being equally decisive. The finals is a platform for the participants to present their own project works. Participating teams are free to decide the scope and nature of their research.
Each year, the tournament adopts a specific thematic orientation, spanning from military to ecological issues.
The tournament’s main achievement is uniting young and experienced scientists, alongside institutions in scientific and related fields, to foster the development of science.
In 2022, the Undergraduate Tournament of Natural Science had:
• 4 teams;
• 20 participant students (from different HEIs of the RA);
• 22 leading natural science specialists as jury members from the RA and abroad.
In parallel with the tournament, the exhibition "Science Boomerang" took place, aiming to bring together the professional community, engage employers and turn the competition day into a real celebration of science. Eight companies from scientific and related fields participated in the event.
