YEREVAN, Armenia — Thirty early-career researchers from the American University of Armenia (AUA), the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, and the Scientific Research Institute on Energy recently completed a series of Short-Term Scientific Missions in Ireland and Italy. These visits were carried out as part of the Strengthening Research in Armenia for Energy Transition toward Climate Solutions (STREACS) project, a three-year initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program.
Designed to foster international collaboration and expand research capacity, the two-week missions took place at Maynooth University in Ireland and the Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli and the University of Genoa in Italy. The visits focused on strengthening participants’ scientific expertise, project proposal writing skills, and applied understanding of energy transition and sustainability topics that might be relevant to Armenia as well.
In Ireland, the researchers engaged with faculty from the International Renewables and Energy Systems Integration group at Maynooth University. The program included in-depth sessions on renewable energy systems, sustainable energy community, engaged research for societal improvement, and innovative business models, as well as research methods, ethics, and the General Data Protection Regulation. Participants also toured a hybrid wind-water lab, a RENEW project demonstration house, and Poole Family Farm; participated in a Women in Sustainability event; and visited several cultural landmarks.
Astghik Baghramyan (LL.M. ’25), a recent graduate of AUA’s Master of Laws program and assistant to the chairman of the Competition Protection Commission of Armenia, reflected on her experience: “‘Where it began, I can’t begin to knowin’ — the anthem to our STREACS trip to Ireland still plays in my head, and somehow it perfectly captures the journey of my research interests. I don’t quite remember when my research interests began, but I know exactly when they started to grow strong: with STREACS. Ireland didn’t greet us with lectures alone; it offered a landscape where theory quietly turned into experience. Surrounded by bright minds and inspiring professors, I found my voice as a researcher. What we saw in Ireland didn’t just stay there — it gave us a glimpse of what’s possible.”
The mission continued in Italy, where parallel visits took place in Naples and Genoa. At the Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, the team focused on energy market fundamentals, consumption decomposition, and thermal and battery storage systems. They also toured experimental laboratories, gaining insights into local innovations in thermal storage solutions.
Armen Danielian, researcher and lecturer in energy regulation and economics at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, shared:
“Over the two weeks in Campania, our group covered a range of topics — from learning how to perform consumption decomposition and how energy markets work, to studying applications of thermal and battery storage. The team visited an experimental lab where local researchers shared results on optimizing thermal storage solutions. Lecturers also shared experience in writing and publishing scientific articles, while helping identify our interests and skills to prepare for future activities. Toward the end, the team divided into groups, each preparing a short paper and presentation on their chosen topic, receiving valuable feedback for further development.”
Meanwhile, in Genoa, the focus was on energy security as a unifying theme. Discussions covered integration of renewables, the strategic role of nuclear power, and designing sustainable energy communities — a shared priority for Armenia and European Union countries alike. Practical challenges such as energy efficiency retrofits in public buildings and flexibility in electricity markets were also addressed, topics that are especially relevant as Armenia advances its energy liberalization agenda.
Njdeh Andreas, renewable energy and energy efficiency expert at the Energy Saving Foundation, remarked: “The program offered a rare opportunity to apply knowledge directly. We ended the mission by preparing real research proposals aligned with Horizon Europe calls — turning theory into action.”
Hasmik Knyazyan, STREACS project manager at the AUA Acopian Center, emphasized the importance of these early missions:
“These initial short-term scientific visits were a truly valuable experience — not only for the early-stage researchers, but for the project as a whole. They offered participants a broad yet impactful introduction to energy transition and research proposal development, while fostering connections across partner universities. This was just the beginning. Upcoming summer schools, proposal roundtables, and further research visits will deepen collaboration and help turn early exploration into meaningful, concrete research outcomes.”
As the STREACS project moves into its next phase, the focus will shift toward in-depth research, proposal development, and regional cooperation to advance Armenia’s energy transition and climate goals.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit ace.aua.am.
STREACS (Strengthening Research in Armenia for Energy Transition toward Climate Solutions) is a 36-month EU Horizon Europe-funded project uniting six research institutions and one private company from Armenia, Italy, and Ireland. The initiative aims to bolster Armenia’s research capacity in the evolving field of energy transition. For additional information and updates on STREACS. Visit ace.aua.am/projects/streacs.
