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International Innovation
and Science Week in Georgia
events > Natia Likokeli
Edinburgh became the city of science when it hosted the first Edinburgh International Science Festival in April
1989. Initially the project had many opponents who doubted whether science could be packaged in an arts
format. The festival became a success, however, and since then such events have been held in many countries,
and are often the most prestigious events of the year.

n 2016 Georgian cultural and scientific life was marked by

its own International Innovation and Science Week, initiated by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
It was a significant event that involved most state and private
scientific institutions all over the country, including the Georgian National Museum.
A presentation of a hominin created according to a complete skull from the Dmanisi archaeological site was held at the
S. Janashia Museum. The famous paleo-artist, John Anthony
Gurche reproduced the likeness, funded by the Georgian communications company, Silknet.
The Scientific Cafs of the S. Janashia Museum of Georgia
and the I. Grishasvhili Tbilisi History Museum hosted public lectures by internationally known Georgian scientists Zaal Kokaia,
David Lordkipanidze, Darejan Kacharava, Ermile Magradze, Zurab Makharadze and Nino Kalandadze as well as John Anthony

Gurche who presented the process of reconstruction and modeling of ancient humans.
The Week opened on the International Day of Science November 10 and closed on November 17 on the International
Day of Students with a presentation at the Georgian National
Museum of a new exhibit, Alexander Kartvli Georgian Genius
of American Aviation. The exhibit was dedicated to a pioneer
of American aviation, Alexander Kartvelishvili, who was sent to
France by the democratic government of Georgia (1918-1921)
to study aviation. He never returned to his country, due to the
Bolshevik Revolution. However, he has remained a great example for later generations, showing the key role that learning
and dedication play in achieving lifes dreams.
Georgias first International Innovation and Science Week became the foundation for future science festivals.

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1,6 Presentation of the Hominin created
according to the complete skull from
Dmanisi archaeological site, November
14th, 2015
3,4 Solemn closing of the International
Innovation and Science Week at the
opening of the exhibit Alexander Kartveli Georgian Genius of American
Aviation, November 17th, 2015
2,5 Public lecture at the Scientific Caf of
the S. Janashia Museum of Georgia
within the frames of the International
Innovation and Science Week

7 P
 ublic lecture at the Scientific Caf
of the I. Grishashvili Tbilisi History
Museum within the frames of the International Innovation and Science Week