Boosting science through state support: Armenian state grants as a driver of scientific and international advancement

After the Soviet Union's dissolution, Armenia faced a rigorous transition that profoundly affected its scientific infrastructure. The evolution of Armenia's scientific landscape following the collapse of the Soviet Union, has taken place during a period marked by significant challenges including reduced funding, a "brain drain," and a shift away from Soviet-era scientific priorities. In response, the Armenian government has implemented reforms to revitalize the scientific community, notably by establishing the State Science Committee in 2007 and introducing competitive research grant programs. The study analyzes the volume and trends of state research grants and their impact on scientific advancement in Armenia. The alignment of Armenian science with global standards and the visibility of scholarly output were assessed utilizing the Web of Science (WOS) database for quantitative analysis. Key objectives include evaluating the dynamics of research grants, identifying successful programs across academic fields, and exploring the implications for young scholars' career prospects. Findings reveal the transformative effects of these grants on both the quality and internationalization of Armenian research, providing insights into the role of state competitive funding in fostering a sustainable and innovative scientific environment.