ISTC Congratulates Dr. Emilya Titanyan on Successful PhD Defense on Dual-Use Intangible Technologies

Astana, Kazakhstan — 10 September 2025 —

The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) announces the successful defense of Emilya Titanyan’s doctoral dissertation titled “Political-Legal Analysis of Dual-Use-Related Intangible Technologies in the Scientific Environment: Case of Armenia,” at the University of Liège, Belgium, within the Faculty of Law, Political Science, and Criminology (European Studies Unit). The defense took place on 10 September 2025 in Yerevan before a distinguished jury chaired by Dr. Sylvain Paile-Calvo. The committee included Prof. Quentin Michel (supervisor), Dr. Patvakan Voskanyan (co-supervisor), Dr. Andranik Grigoryan (committee member), and jury members Dr. Maria Espona, Anne Harrington, and Dr. Karen Gasparyan.

The thesis research, funded by the EU, was conducted within the framework of the Targeted Initiative (TI) on Export Control of Dual-Use Materials and Technologies in Central Asia, implemented by the ISTC. This initiative aims to enhance export control capacities, promote knowledge exchange, and foster collaboration among scientific and governmental communities in the region. Dr. Titanyan’s dissertation presents a comprehensive political-legal analysis of the regulation and control of dual-use-related intangible technologies in academia, with a particular focus on the Armenian scientific and institutional context.

Her research explores how international obligations and domestic legal mechanisms intersect, and it proposes practical approaches to integrate research security and export control compliance within higher education institutions. In her remarks, Dr. Titanyan expressed deep appreciation to her supervisors, Prof. Quentin Michel and Dr. Patvakan Voskanyan, for their continuous guidance, and to Dr. Andranik Grigoryan for his support as committee member. She also extended her gratitude to Dr. Sylvain Paile-Calvo, Dr. Maria Espona, Anne Harrington, and Dr. Karen Gasparyan for their valuable insights and academic engagement.

Dr. Emilya Titanyan’s research represents a meaningful contribution to the advancement of export control policy, research security awareness, and responsible science within the academic community. It also underscores the important role of the Targeted Initiative in supporting emerging experts and promoting international cooperation in the field of dual-use technology governance.

About ISTC

Since 1992, the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) has facilitated international scientific cooperation, supported the advancement of responsible research and innovation, and strengthened capacities to mitigate CBRN and dual-use risks. Through programs and targeted initiatives, ISTC promotes collaboration among governments, research institutions, and global partners to address shared security challenges.

Looking ahead, ISTC stands ready to support future collaborations, research efforts, and capacity-building initiatives that continue advancing responsible science and dual-use governance across the region.