Tbilisi, Georgia: The 16th International Conference of Young Archaeologists was held in Vardzia Monastery Complex on May 13, 2025, Tuesday. It was organized by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
Notably, the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University was opened by Tamar Ghvamichava, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. The 16th International Conference of Vardzia was dedicated to the memory of the English archaeologist Baron Andrew Colin Renfrew.
Additionally, Tamar Ghvamichava spoke about the scientific value and special importance of the annual conference during her speech. According to the deputy minister, the Vardzia conference is an initiative that promotes the integration of Georgian students in the international scientific space. It also boosts the introduction and popularization of Georgian cultural heritage worldwide.
The participants were also addressed by Ivane Javakhishvili, Rector of Tbilisi State University, academician Jaba Samushia, and President of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, academician Roin Metreveli.
The main goals of Vardzia’s 3-day international conference are –
- to promote Georgian students in the process of approaching the international scientific space;
- to develop skills and habits in Georgian students to participate in scientific events;
- to introduce Georgian cultural heritage and to promote it worldwide.
Furthermore, the students from universities of different countries of the world presented their reports at the Vardzia conference, which were selected based on the relevance and quality of the pre-submitted theses. The reports were evaluated by the members of the Permanent Scientific Commission – Georgian and foreign professors.
However, the introduction and sharing of the latest archaeological discoveries, news, results, and methodology determines the scientific importance of the Vardzia conference.
The conference allows Georgian student archaeologists to get practical experience, to get acquainted with the research of representatives of other countries.
In addition, the working language from the first year of the conference has been English. It determines the readiness of Georgian students to participate in international scientific events.
