Young scientist Albert Shahinyan from the Polytechnic University will represent Armenia in the United States, participating in Regeneron ISEF, the world’s most prestigious high school science competition

Young scientist Albert Shahinyan from the Polytechnic University will represent Armenia in the United States, participating in Regeneron ISEF, the world’s most prestigious high school science competition. STEMNEWS.am received this information from the Polytechnic University.

 

Albert Shahinyan, a 12th-grade student at the High School of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA), participated in the Armenian School Science Festival 2026 (ASSF) within the "Physics and Astronomy" category. He presented a scientific project titled "Enhancement of Heterogeneous Water Nucleation and Atmospheric Water Harvesting Using Graphene Nanosheets on a Porous Ceramic Substrate." The research received high evaluations, as well as an award from the Student Council adjacent to the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, recognizing it as a project of high innovative and applied value.

 

Following extensive and dedicated scientific research, Albert Shahinyan was selected as Armenia's official representative for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

 

Regeneron ISEF is the largest and most prominent global high school science competition. It gathers top young scientists from various countries to present innovative projects across a broad spectrum of science and technology disciplines. The competition encompasses 22 fields, each featuring 7-8 subcategories, ranging from physics and engineering to biology and other applied sciences.

 

The ASSF 2026 festival was notable for its diverse participant base and high level of competition. A total of 97 applications—81 team and 15 individual projects—were submitted from 40 educational institutions across Yerevan and regional provinces, involving 177 students. Seventy-eight projects advanced to the final round (63 team and 14 individual), encompassing 140 participants. Of these finalists, 24 projects were from Yerevan educational institutions, while 54 represented the regions.

 

The festival projects spanned five primary categories: "Mathematics and Programming" (14 projects), "Physics and Astronomy" (10 projects), "Chemistry" (18 projects), "Biology" (18 projects), and "Social Sciences" (18 projects).

 

Albert Shahinyan's research addresses a critical global issue: water scarcity. The project aims to increase the efficiency of Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) through the application of graphene nanosheets. The methodology utilized an innovative yet technologically accessible approach: multilayer graphene structures were obtained via mechanical friction exfoliation and deposited onto a porous ceramic surface. Subsequently, experimental measurements were conducted in a controlled humid environment, calculating the dew point, vapor pressure, and condensation parameters. Experimental results demonstrated that the application of graphene nanosheets doubles the water harvesting efficiency, enables the system to operate under lower humidity conditions, and significantly reduces the energy barrier for water droplet formation. This is particularly vital for regions experiencing severe water resource limitations.

 

Prior to his departure for the US, Albert Shahinyan presented his research project to a professional jury comprising representatives from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. The presentation was conducted as an expert discussion, evaluating the scientific validity, innovative methodology, and practical significance of the work.

Albert Shahinyan:

 

"Through this work, I attempted to address a very specific and highly relevant issue: water scarcity. It was important for me to demonstrate that even by utilizing relatively simple methods, it is possible to achieve substantial and measurable results.

 

By applying graphene nanosheets, we were able to significantly increase the efficiency of atmospheric water harvesting, and I am convinced that this approach can ultimately be implemented at a practical, real-world scale.

 

I would particularly like to highlight my collaboration with Ashot Khachatryan, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Vice-Rector for Science at NPUA, who has become not only a scientific mentor to me but a true source of inspiration. We are currently actively collaborating to construct a theoretical model of the system, deepen the scientific foundations of the research, and plan the subsequent phases. This partnership provides me with the opportunity to not only refine the existing results but also to conceptualize the research's potential development across new dimensions."

 

Ashot Khachatryan, Vice-Rector for Science:

 

"This achievement by Albert Shahinyan is a source of immense pride for the Polytechnic community. His presented work is distinguished by its scientific depth, methodological consistency, and high current relevance. We are convinced that young people with such innovative mindsets are the ones who will shape the future of science and technology. The university will continue to provide comprehensive support to Albert and foster his future successes on prominent international platforms."

 

Albert Shahinyan's success serves as an indicator that highly qualified, competitive young scientists with innovative capabilities are developing within the Armenian educational system, fully prepared to represent Armenia on the international stage. His selection for the Regeneron ISEF international competition is both a significant personal milestone and a strategic step toward demonstrating Armenia's scientific potential globally, further establishing the country's presence on the international scientific map.