ArmInfo. Approximately 13 illion drams were spent on the purchase of 142 pieces of scientific equipment between 2021 and 2026. This was announced by Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at a government meeting on January 29.
According to the Prime Minister, approximately 40.2 billion drams were allocated from the state budget for science in 2025 alone, compared to approximately 14 billion drams in 2018.
"We see significant growth," he noted.
Pashinyan also noted changes in the remuneration system for scientists as a result of budgetary changes, comparing the minimum wages for 2021 and 2026.
"In 2021, the salary of a laboratory technician-engineer was 67,300 drams, and in 2026 it was 130,800 drams, an increase of 105%. The salary of a senior laboratory technician or senior engineer increased from 76,000 drams in 2021 to 179,000 drams in 2026, an increase of more than 135%. The salary of a junior research fellow increased from 90,400 drams in 2021 to 276,000 drams in 2026, an increase of 205%. The salary of a senior research fellow increased from 99,000 drams to 343,000 drams, an increase of 246%. The salary of a lead researcher increased from 114,300 drams in 2021 to 443,800 drams in 2026, an increase of 288%, while the salary of a chief researcher increased from 138,100 drams to 552,900 drams, an increase of approximately 300%. The salary of a research team leader increased from 129,000 drams in 2021 to 410,000 drams in 2026, an increase of 217%. The salary of a research department head increased from 141,000 drams to 477,000 drams over the same period, an increase of 236%, he said.
He emphasized that this refers to the minimum wage if the employee is not participating in other research programs.
"However, since funding for the scientific sector has increased significantly, there are very few cases where someone engaged in scientific activity does not participate in any other programs," he emphasized.
Pashinyan also mentioned investments in the acquisition of scientific equipment, emphasizing that, in addition to salaries, modern technical equipment is also important for the effectiveness of science. "From 2021 to 2026, approximately 13 billion drams were allocated for 142 scientific devices, including a supercomputer at Yerevan State University. The cost of its acquisition and installation amounted to 3.7 billion drams," the prime minister said.
