Discussions with Hayk: Guiding YSU’s Scientific Council Selection Process

Reporter: Mr. Torosyan, thank you for joining us. You recently served as a jury member at the 2022 annual conference for selecting members of the Scientific Council for the Chair of Nuclear Physics at Yerevan State University. Why do you think you were chosen for this role?

Hayk Torosyan: Thank you for having me. I believe my selection was due to a combination of my expertise and experience in the fields of nuclear engineering, energy efficiency, and radiation safety. Over the years, I’ve worked on complex projects that required objective decision-making and in-depth knowledge of technical and strategic issues. I think my ability to assess candidates’ technical capabilities and their potential to contribute to the scientific community played a significant role in my invitation to join the jury.

Reporter: What does it mean to you personally to have been asked to serve as a jury member for such a prestigious selection process?

Hayk Torosyan: It was both an honor and a responsibility. The Chair of Nuclear Physics at Yerevan State University is one of the most respected academic bodies in the region, and contributing to its leadership selection process felt like a chance to help shape the future of this critical field. Personally, it was fulfilling to bring my expertise to such an important decision-making process.

Reporter: Let’s talk about the process itself. How did you approach evaluating the nineteen candidates?

Hayk Torosyan: My approach was grounded in fairness and objectivity. I developed a structured rating system that focused on key aspects of each candidate’s professional qualities—academic achievements, research contributions, practical experience, and leadership potential. The system was designed to ensure consistency in evaluations, allowing the jury to objectively compare candidates based on measurable criteria.

Reporter: What challenges did you face in selecting just five members from such a talented pool?

Hayk Torosyan: The biggest challenge was the diversity of expertise among the candidates. Each brought something unique, whether it was groundbreaking research, technical prowess, or leadership capabilities. Narrowing the list to five was extremely difficult because all of the candidates were highly qualified. I had to ensure that the final selection represented a well-rounded and forward-thinking team aligned with the Chair’s strategic vision and stringent requirements.

Reporter: How did your background help you in navigating those challenges?
Hayk Torosyan: My knowledge and experience both in thermal and nuclear engineering, particularly in areas like plasma technologies and radiation safety, made me more qualified to judge the candidates and gave me a strong foundation to evaluate candidates’ technical abilities. I could quickly identify who had the depth of expertise needed to address the complexities of the field while also looking for those who could innovate and push boundaries. That perspective was key to ensuring the selection process was both rigorous and forward-looking.

Reporter: You mentioned the importance of teamwork. How did you guide the jury in reaching a consensus?

Hayk Torosyan: I focused on fostering open communication and keeping discussions anchored in the criteria we established. It was important to ensure that every jury member’s perspective was heard, but I also worked to keep the dialogue focused on professional merits and objective factors. By doing so, we were able to arrive at a consensus that everyone felt confident in.

Reporter: What do you think the candidates gained from your involvement in the process?

Hayk Torosyan: I hope they appreciated the transparency and rigor we brought to the evaluations. My goal was to create a level playing field where each candidate had the opportunity to showcase their strengths. By using a structured and objective system, I believe we were able to give every participant a fair chance, which is essential in a process like this.

Reporter: Looking back, what impact do you think your involvement had on the overall selection process?

Hayk Torosyan: I believe my structured approach and technical expertise helped create an environment where decisions were grounded in facts and professional merit. This ensured that the five selected members were not only highly qualified but also capable of advancing the Chair’s mission in nuclear physics and engineering.

Reporter: Finally, what does this experience mean for your own career and perspective as a leader in the field?

Hayk Torosyan: It reinforced the importance of collaboration and merit-based decision-making. Serving on this jury was more than just an evaluation process—it was a chance to contribute to the future of nuclear physics education and research in Armenia. It also reminded me of the critical role experienced professionals play in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders. For me, that is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Meri Hovsepyan