MediaMax: Vaughan Turekian: Innovation spirit is everywhere in Armenia

Our compatriot, U.S. Secretary of State Science and Technology Adviser Vaughan Turekian gave a lecture at the American University of Armenia on April 14.

During the “Science Diplomacy: Its Importance and Success Factors” lecture, he recalled that his personal development was heavily influenced by maternal and paternal grandfathers, who came to USA as Armenian migrants.

“I learned from my grandfathers not to dwell on the past, but focus on the future and develop thought, as no one can take it away from us,” said Vaughan Turekian.

He was appointed U.S. Secretary State Adviser on international environment, science, technology, and health matters in September 2015. He confesses that he planned to pay an official visit to Armenia since the day he assumed the position.

“I was in Armenia 16 years ago last time, when I came to the American University as a guest professor. I work with science and technology for the Secretary of State, and one of its working directions is strengthening of ties between American and international scientists, so I decided to come here and find out what changed in these 16 years. It’s important for me to see the state of science and innovation in this wonderful country,” said Vaughan Turekian.

He noted that a lot changed in Armenia since his last visit, but his belief that this country’s future is its young people with their unique talent remained unchanged.

According to him, the name “American University of Armenia” is symbolic.

“I am now an American in Armenia, and when I return to the United States, I will be an American citizen of Armenian descent,” said he.

Vaughan Turekian told that apart from the grandfathers, his father Carl or Karekin Turekian also influenced him a lot. “My father was a poor child, didn’t even speak English until he was 5, only spoke Armenian. However, he became one of the most respected authors on research of the Earth and taught for 57 years at Yale University,” said he.

“My father taught me to challenge received opinions. It seems strange to be a scientist and a diplomat at the same time. Scientists don’t understand diplomacy, and diplomats don’t appreciate the role scientists play in state department. And I have a wonderful opportunity to unite scientists from different countries,” said he.

“It’s important for Armenia to be connected with Diaspora. It’s also necessary to use the great thinking potential this country has. One of the most amazing things is that innovation spirit is everywhere in Armenia. I saw Armenian National Engineering Laboratories yesterday, Impact Hub today, and tomorrow I’m going to Tumo. This little ecosystem is doing creative work,” noted he.

Secretary of State Adviser also went to Dilijan and spoke with the students of UWC Dilijan College about importance of science in the context of matters such as climate change and sustainable development.

He advised Armenian youth to do what they really care about.

“If you hate your job, you won’t do it well, and it won’t last long. You should do what you care about. You also have to remember that many disciplines cross in the modern world. You can be a biologist interested in architecture or a physicist interested in arts. It is the base of all genius innovations,” summed up Vaughan Turekian.

Mariam Manoyan