Libraries as enablers of scientific research, National Science Library, Tbilisi, 27-28 April 2023
Nino Pavliashvili, Director of the National Science Library and Irina Matthews, EaPConnect Project Manager from GÉANT, whose determination and close collaboration made this event possible, kicked off the meeting.
Irina commented: “The EaPConnect project aims to bring together education and research communities of the EaP region and EU members at the European and global level. This goal is achieved by implementing the computer networks and connectivity for the benefit of Research & Education communities to strengthen their position as equal partners in national and international collaborations. Technology has changed the way we learn, work and live. This event aims to acknowledge the evolution of the role of libraries from physical repositories to online platforms enabling and scaling up knowledge exchange. Technological advancement multiplied by the increasing size of the professional human networks allows this evolution to continue”.
Nino Okribelashvili, Vice Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University gave a brief Georgian perspective in the context of European Research: ”Students are increasingly using artificial intelligence connected with libraries and chatbots are doing a great job in gathering scientific literature on specific topics. Libraries give students direction and ideas. Libraries are not just enablers. We hope that future generations will be able to benefit from the outcomes of this workshop.’
Guest of honour, Professor Erekle Astakhishvili, General Director of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, in his warm welcome address talked about the recently announced World Bank grant for Georgia. Touched upon the importance of the ability to measure the effectiveness of science and closed his brief talk highlighting that open science will support the promotion and inclusion of Georgian scientists in a wider international context.
Read the full story on the EaPConnect Project website.
EU4Digital: Connecting Research and Education Communities (EaPConnect)’ is an EU-funded project.
