YEREVAN, Armenia — From August 25-29, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the International Conference on Nonextensive Statistical Physics, dedicated to celebrating the 82nd birthday of Professor Constantino Tsallis, a distinguished statistical physicist from the Brazilian Physics Research Center in Rio de Janeiro, known for his work on the “Tsallis entropy” and “Tsallis statistics.” The event honored his exceptional contributions to the field, his mentorship of a generation of statistical physicists, and his enduring dedication to advancing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
The conference was organized by an international committee including AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, Dr. Deniz Eroglu from Imperial College London, Ugur Tirnakli from Izmir University of Economics, and Ernesto Borges from Federal University of Bahia.
The event brought together scholars from Armenia, Turkiye, Greece, Brazil, and beyond, providing a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue, thought-provoking presentations, and opportunities to forge new collaborations in statistical physics from around the globe, with particular emphasis on nonextensive statistical mechanics.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Boghosian welcomed participants, saying “Since its founding in 1991, AUA has served as a hub for academic dialogue, connecting Armenia with the international scholarly community. To host this gathering to discuss matters on the cutting edge of statistical physics within these walls is therefore deeply meaningful to us.”
Speaking of Professor Constantino Tsallis, Dr. Boghosian described him as a scholar whose “ideas have inspired generations of scholars, shaped a vibrant research community, and expanded the very boundaries of how we understand complex systems.” He also shared personal memories about his own interactions with Dr. Tsallis, who attended the conference in person
Taking the stage himself, Dr. Tsallis remarked, “This event constitutes a wonderful and unique occasion for high-level international scientific exchanges in the area of complexity in natural sciences. We are all warmly grateful to Dr. Bruce Boghosian, who mentored this meeting at the American University of Armenia, as well as to the team of organizers who magnificently got it into life.”
Beyond the lecture halls, participants immersed themselves in Armenia’s rich culture and history, joining guided tours to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including Zvartnots Cathedral, the Temple of Garni, and the medieval Geghard Monastery.
The conference underscored not only the lasting significance of Professor Tsallis’ work in shaping the field of statistical physics, but also the value of convening a truly global scientific community.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
