YEREVAN, Armenia — On May 27, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a student conference titled “Emerging Voices in Social Research.” The event brought together undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, newly admitted students, and invited guests for a day of interdisciplinary academic exchange and discussion. The conference was created as a platform for showcasing outstanding student research and fostering dialogue across diverse fields within the social sciences and humanities.
Dr. Yevgenya Paturyan, associate professor and chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance program delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of such conferences in students’ overall learning experience. Throughout the day, more than 20 student and alumni researchers presented capstone projects, master’s theses, and independent research projects addressing a wide range of contemporary issues across six thematic panels: Politics and Governance; Human Rights; Contemporary History and Identity; Identity, Culture, and Social Change; Conflicts and International Relations; and Economics.
The conference reflected the diversity and quality of research being conducted across AUA colleges and programs, highlighting students’ engagement with pressing political, social, economic, legal, and cultural issues. It also provided valuable opportunities for students and alumni to develop their presentation skills, receive feedback on their work, and engage in meaningful interdisciplinary conversations.
A distinctive feature of the conference was its student-led format. In addition to presenting their research, students took an active role in moderating the panels alongside AUA faculty members and external experts. This collaborative approach created an inclusive academic environment where young scholars had the opportunity to engage directly with experienced researchers and facilitate discussions. The conference thus served not only as a platform for sharing research, but also as an opportunity for students to develop leadership, moderation, and professional communication skills.
In addition to the research panels, attendees participated in a professional development workshop titled “Countering Hate Speech, Misinformation, and Disinformation in Electoral Contexts,” organized by AUA and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law within the framework of the UNDP ARTEMIS project. The workshop featured contributions from experts Arusik Ohanyan and Alexander Martirosyan and provided participants with practical tools for addressing contemporary information challenges in democratic processes.
The organizers hope that the conference “Emerging Voices in Social Research” will become a lasting CHSS tradition, providing future generations of AUA students and alumni with a platform to share their work, engage in scholarly dialogue, and contribute to the University’s growing research culture.
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 (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
