Yerevan/Mediamax/. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has suggested holding the 6th global festival of art and science STARMUS in Armenia.

“4500 years ago Armenians studied the sky and carved the data in the stone. I would like to show you the famous Byurakan Observatory as well. Armenians value science and education,” the President said that opening ceremony of STARMUS V.

The 5th edition of the festival was launched by its founder and main organizer, Armenian astrophysicist Gagik Israelyan. 

“People think this is not a place for us, politicians, but I have several reasons to be here. The first reason is the dream, because Gagik is a dreamer. He dreams of crazy things and they become reality,” noted President Sarkissian.

He introduced a number of new presidential initiatives, one of which is called ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) and comprised of several components.

This initiative is expected to include an education and technology city that will involve large international organizations, research centers and universities, and a “Museum of tomorrow” that will focus on contemporary technologies.

Another initiative is a new presidential award, “Big Bang”. It will be handed out annually for innovative, scientific, technological and educational achievements, which will affect the 21st century like a Big Bang.