The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Nunu Mitskevichi, together with the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Maia Khajishvili and the Rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Merab Khalvashi visited the scientific-research institutes, where different needs and requirements were discussed, essential for the development of science.

During the meeting, the participants also discussed the process of science promotion in Georgia, the necessary steps to be taken in the coming future and the issues of improving general science management and governance.

As the Deputy Minister noted, one of the main goals of the Ministry, in the process of developing a science development policy, is to identify priority areas and successful scientific groups. It is especially important to support talented young people. Therefore, everything must be done to increase their involvement in international projects - strategically important research is of great importance for the development of the country's economy.

Furthermore, Nunu Mitskevich briefed the representatives of scientific-research institutions on the new model of funding focused on the results of higher education, which will significantly increase the share of funding for scientists. Additionally, the next EU framework program Horizon Europe and the mechanisms for improving the success rate of participation for Georgian universities and research institutions were introduced.

Moreover, the Deputy Minister got acquainted with the important work of the Scientific-Research Institute of Agrarian and Membrane Technologies, which was recently renovated and equipped with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia. Notably, it is the only institute that works in various areas of membrane technological processes: creation, study, refinement, fabrication and implementation of membrane selective polymer membranes in various institutions (medical, chemical-pharmaceutical factories, processing industry, individual processing plants, etc). In its entire history of existence, the institute developed more than 100 technologies in the field of commodity and insdustrial processing of citrus fruits.

The Deputy Minister inspected the newly completed building of the Institute of Phytopathology and Biodiversity in Kobuleti, which is located on a 5-hectare plot of land. The three-storey building fully complies with international standards and fully provides the necessary infrastructure for the specifics of the research field. The institute, founded in 1959, conducts research of strategic importance for the country in the field of plant protection and food safety. The institute provides bachelors, masters, and PhD programs, with the possibility to involve its students in important international projects with well-known scientists.

At the end of the meeting, Nunu Mitskevichi emphasized that the meetings with the scientific community will continue systematically, as the sharing of experience is of crucial importance.