The delegation of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, led by Rector Gor Vardanyan, visited the Radioisotope Production Center, where positron emission tomographic research (PET/CT) is carried out using radiopharmaceuticals.
It is the only facility in the region to obtain such volumes of isotope on site, which is an important circumstance considering the short half-life of the F-18 radioactive isotope. Specialists of the laboratory department presented the sequential processes of radiopharmaceutical preparation production (isotope production using the Cyclone 18 Twin accelerator, obtaining the radiopharmaceutical preparation using the Synthera V2 device and the quality control stage), as well as the subtleties of PET/CT examination performed in the diagnostic department. There was a discussion about the possibility of cooperation between the NPUA and the Radioisotope Production Center.
“Very often, some areas of science do not move because of not knowing the problems of the application level and not having access to the original sources. As a result of the discussion, we understand how to position ourselves in terms of personnel training and research work. What issues are realistic to address that will create a collaborative environment by devoting time to them? Professional communities where workers engage in research are developing, as I witnessed here. This means that a natural dialogue and effective cooperation can develop between us,” Mr. Gor Vardanyan, rector of NPUA said.
Ms Armine Badeyan, the director of the Radioisotope Production Center, noted that today there is still no systematic training of specialists for them and other similar centers. So far, the centers have not formed a systematic offer of what specialists are needed. And in that sense, the successful cooperation of the Polytechnic and the Radioisotope Production Center can itself be the beginning of a new development.
The road map of cooperation was outlined as a result of the discussion. As a first step, the parties agreed to cooperate in the directions of training of engineers with vocational and higher education, implementation of joint research works, as well as provision of appropriate internships for students.
