The topic of the Seminar was: “Remembrance of the two founders of Georgian Forest Studies science – academician Vasil Gulisashvili and professor Solomon Kurdiani.”

 On May 9, 2017, with the initiative of Scientific Department of GAAS together with the Scientific department of the Agency for protection of Environment and Natural Resources of Georgia a scientific seminar was held in Sagarejo region: “Commemoration of the two founders of science in Georgian  Forest Studies – academician Vasil Gulisashvili and professor Solomon Kurdiani.”

Academician – Secretary of GAAS, R. Chagelishvili in a his informative and interesting speech presented to the seminar participants a broad picture of the academicians’ role in founding and developing a scientific branch of forest studies in Georgia, also their huge contribution to their country and people’s wellbeing.

Professor contributed to the foundation and development of of Tbilisi State University and was one of the initiators of opening Georgian Institute of Agriculture and Professional Education Institute for Forest Studies in 1933.  In Kvareli, Kakheti region College for Forest Studies was opened initiated by academician Kurdiani.

Academician Gulisashvilis founded Scientific Research Institute which is still functioning in Borjomi.

The speeches delivered by Technical University professor G. Gagoshidze and a chief editor of the newspaper “ Sakartvelos Respublika” Gogiashvili, the head of Institute of Forest Studies G. Kavtaradze and professor of Agrarian University A. Supatashvili were very impressive, full of interesting facts and reminiscences about important scientific achievements and activities which these two outstanding scholars carried out throughout their life. 

 The seminar participants remembered important facts from the life and social activities of the scholars who contributed their long and fruitful life to development of scientific study of Georgian forests and raised many generations of researchers who continued their work to achieve the aims outlined by academician Vasil Gulisashvili and professor Solomon Kurdiani.

 Final speech to summarize the work of the seminar was made by Academician, the Secretary of GAAS, head of Scientific Department of Forest Studies, R. Chagelishvili. 

On April 19, 2017, in the conference hall of GAAS, a meeting dedicated to the 100th anniversary from the birth of Academician Valerian Metreveli was held which was opened by the GAAS President, Academician Guram Aleksidze.  Acadmician Archil Vashakidze, in his speech talked about Valerian Metreveli’s scientific and social activities. The colleagues, employees, and former students of Valerian Metreveli dedicated their speeches to the memorable moments spent in the company of their colleague, about the success achieved with the support of Valerian Metreveli.

Many honorable academicians and professors spoke about V. Metreveli’s share in the development of agrarian science and the achievements of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences under his leadership. Among the speakers were: The President of Georgian Academy of Sciences G. Kvesitadze;  Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Science, T. Marsagishvili;  Vice President of GAAS Givi Japaridze, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture I. Nozadze; Representatives of Georgian Patriarchy, Academicians of GAAS, A. Didebulidze, Z. Tsikitishvili, R. Makharoblidze, E. Shapakidze,  J. Katsitadze, G. Papunidze, R. Chagelishvili, R. Ruseishvili shared their valuable memories regarding the outstanding scholar, teacher and leader in the field of agriculture.  Also, family members of Valerian Metreveli, his daughter Ms. Marina Metreveli, imparted her recollections regarding her father and thanked the meeting participants for telling their  reminiscences to the society.

The speakers talked about the important achievements of the Scientific- research Institute of Mechanization and Electrification, and of the agrarian Georgian Institute under Metreveli’s leadership. His particularly important accomplishment was a revival of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A distinguished academician was remembered as a lecturer and person who contributed his knowledge and his power to raising and encouraging young researchers and specialists in the field of agriculture.

  The name of academician Valerian Metreveli will always remain in the hearts and minds of his family, colleagues and of the nation which should remember his distinguished role in the development of agrarian sciences of Georgia.

Academician Valerian Metreveli

17.04.1917 – 24.01.2004

100

Valerian Metreveli was born in the village of Utsera, Oni Region.

In 1941 he graduated from department of Electrification, Georgian Politechnical Institute (distant learning); at the same time he was a student of Tbilisi State University, Department of Mechanics and Mathematics which he also completed a year later and earned diploma in 1942. He was first employed by Tbilisi Electrification Trest.

Valerian Metreveli:

 Doctor of Technical Sciences ( 1964);      Professor ( 1966);

Academician of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Soviet Union. (VASXNIL) since 1978;

Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (1990)

The Head of Electrification Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia. (1939-1955);

Director of Scientific- research Institute of Mechanization and Electrification (1961-1974);

Rector of Agrarian Institute of Georgia (1974-1983);

Head of Regional Caucasus Department of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Soviet Union. (VASXNIL) (1983- 1990);

Deputy Head of Georgian “Agromretsvi” . (1983-1990);

The President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences ( 1990-2004);

A notable member of Georgian society of agrarian scientists is awarded with many rewards and decorations, namely: Medals of Lenin, State Red Flag, October Revolution, and others. V. Metreveli was a real member of three academies. 

 Honorable member of Agrarian University of Hungary;

 Distinguished scholar published more than 250 scientific works, among them 10 books and 5 text-books. Also he is an author of 40 inventions out of which 11 inventions were patented abroad.    

On April 10, 2017, a representative of China Business Consulting Company – Huahe International , Ms. Chen Zin, and a Director of Chinese Center in Armenia, Ms. Izabella Mouradyan visited the GAAS. 

The following members of the Academy greeted the guests: The President of GAAS,  Acad. G. Aleksidze, Vice- President, Acad. G. Japaridze, Head of Academic Departments Acad.  E. Shapakidze,  Deputy President Dr. A. Giorgadze, and the staff members of the Academy.

Academician Guram Aleksidze talked about the short and long term investment projects in the field of agriculture of Georgia and about scientific achievements of the members of the Academy.

Main goal of the Meeting was designing and implementing of the joint projects.

It was decided to set up project proposals and sent to the parties for further consideration and fulfillment. 

One of the issues discussed during the meeting was a question of participation of Georgian delegation in International Exhibition of agricultural products, as well as definition of main directions which should be presented at the exhibition by Georgia.