As the year 2025 draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2026, I would like to reflect on the past twelve months – a period marked by meaningful progress, new partnerships, and a deepening commitment to advancing scientific excellence in Georgia and our wider region.
For Academia Europaea Tbilisi Hub, this has been a year of steady growth and important developments. Among our key achievements was the creation of our new website, designed in line with the updated Academia Europaea brand book. The platform is now a modern, accessible, and effective space for communication, helping us reach broader audiences.
While this digital modernisation was underway, our core mission – supporting science, scholarship, and collaboration – continued with renewed energy. Across disciplines, we organised and co-hosted lectures, conferences, and public events that brought together distinguished experts from Georgia and abroad.
One of the highlights of the year was the second edition of the summer school “Heritage, Science, and Modern Technologies,” held in partnership with the Georgian National Museum and Kutaisi International University. Participants explored how contemporary technologies support research in natural sciences, archaeology, conservation, and cultural heritage, complemented by visits to key historical and museum sites in western Georgia.
Collaboration with the International Neuroscience School, resulted in a series of public lectures within the programme “Unlocking the Neurochemical Mysteries of the Brain.” Member of Academia Europaea Prof. Vladimir Parpura delivered a keynote address on astrocytic glutamate release, sparking valuable discussion on brain health and disease.
Neuroscience remained a strong thematic focus throughout the year. Together with the Ivane Beritashvili Centre of Experimental Biomedicine, we co-organised the international conference “Multifaceted Neuroscience – 140 Years of Ivane Beritashvili,” which brought together established and emerging researchers to honour the legacy of this seminal Georgian scientist. Chair of our Scientific Board Prof. Zaal Kokaia and an esteemed member of the same Board Prof. Merab Kokaia, made essential contributions to the meeting.
We also worked closely with Tbilisi State University and the Georgian Stroke Association for the 9th WSO International Meeting “Tbilisi 2025: Stroke Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment.” Supported by the World Stroke Organisation, the meeting convened leading clinicians and scientists to discuss new insights in cerebrovascular research. Chair of our Scientific Board Prof. Zaal Kokaia and a distinguished member of the same Board Prof. Alexander Tsiskaridze played central roles in shaping the scientific agenda of the Conference.
Beyond neuroscience, the Hub supported and initiated activities across the humanities and cultural studies. In partnership with the Georgian National Museum, we hosted a memorial conference in Mestia dedicated to Dr Rusudan Kochniani, a distinguished art historian whose life’s work was devoted to safeguarding Svaneti’s cultural heritage. Leading this initiative as Academic Director of the Hub was a privilege for me.
Together with Tbilisi State University and the Georgian National Museum, we also organised events honouring the first Georgian member of Academia Europaea, Prof. Thomas V. Gamkrelidze. The programme featured presentations of his publication “Epic of Gilgamesh (transliteration),” lectures by Prof. Martin Worthington, and the premiere screening of his film “Dumuzi’s Dream.”
In another notable collaboration, we welcomed Professors Kathy Schick and Nicholas Toth – world-renowned paleoanthropologists – who presented their decades-long research on Early Stone Age stone tool technology and human evolution. This partnership with the Georgian National Museum and National Geographic Magazine – Georgia drew considerable interest from both scholars and the broader public.
Our activities in psychology and mental health were equally significant. In partnership with Ilia State University, we hosted a public lecture by Prof. Paul Salkovskis, one of the world’s leading CBT experts. The session was opened and moderated by Prof. Ketevan Tchanturia, a valued member of AE Tbilisi Hub Scientific Board.
Prof. Tchanturia’s contribution extended far beyond this event. Thanks to her initiative, we were able to support the translation of Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) – a highly relevant clinical resource for mental health professionals in Georgia. She secured the rights for translation and guided its contextual adaptation for work with anorexia nervosa.
Later in the year, Prof. Tchanturia delivered the public lecture “Bridging Experimental and Clinical Psychology to Improve Clinical Care,” organised with the support of AE Tbilisi Hub, the Georgian National Museum, and National Geographic Magazine – Georgia. The event featured the November issue of the National Geographic – Georgia, which included an in-depth interview with Prof. Tchanturia in recognition of her recent award and the jubilee of the magazine’s Georgian edition.
This brings me to a meaningful moment for our Hub: a year of distinguished recognitions.
Prof. Ketevan Tchanturia was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her exceptional and long-standing contribution to science.
For my part, I was humbled to receive the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the title of Knight of the Order of Merit, in recognition of efforts to strengthen scientific and cultural collaboration between Italy and Georgia.
The year also brought notable international engagements. I had the privilege to represent the Tbilisi Hub at Academia Europaea Annual Conference “Building Bridges 2025” in Barcelona, presenting our activities and outlining future priorities to colleagues from across Europe. Meanwhile, our Executive Director, Natia Khuluzauri, represented the Hub at the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, where she delivered a presentation, moderated sessions, and introduced the newest proceedings of the ICOM COMMS 2024 Annual Conference – prepared with our support.
Throughout the year, our work was strengthened by the support of numerous institutions –universities, museums, research centres, international associations, and cultural partners. Our media partners, including Euronews Georgia, National Geographic Magazine – Georgia, and the Georgian Public Broadcaster, played an essential role in bringing science closer to society. Their commitment to public engagement reflects the mission that continues to guide our Hub.
As we conclude this brief overview, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners, colleagues, and supporters for their trust and collaboration. Looking ahead to the new year, we remain committed to expanding our scientific networks, fostering international cooperation, and further advancing research excellence and science communication.
I wish you all a joyful holiday season and a healthy, productive, and inspiring 2026.
Happy Holidays!
Prof. David Lordkipanidze
Academic Director, Academia Europaea Tbilisi Hub