Recalling Avant-garde Moments, Reconnecting Avant-garde Scenes International Conference Dedicated to the Centenary of the H2SO4
2024-10-09 10:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Dubai)
9-11 October 2024, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Historical avant-garde contains forgotten moments and scenes that still need to be rediscovered or reconnected with other, central or peripheral scenes of the European avant-garde. Avant-garde moments would not occur in different national cultures without the strong desire to connected with the wider web of aesthetic searches and experimentation, happening in various European cultural loci. However, due to historical changes, some moments/scenes were disconnected from the web, staying unrecalled for decades.
One such forgotten moment was that of the Tbilisi modernism/avant-garde (1917-1918) and the Futurist group H2SO4 (1920s), which has been erased from the Georgian cultural memory by the Soviet power while the country was disconnected from European cultural context. In the post-Soviet decades, Georgia had to reclaim this legacy. The present centenary of the Futurist group and journal H2SO4 (1924) is a good reason for discussing different, though often comparable avant-garde cultural experiences.
Understanding Avant-Garde as a constellation of different moments we will examine the specificity of each locality in their transcultural entanglement. To reconstruct these scenes, the conference will elaborate on networks, relationships, groups, and collaborations, on their coming together, forming, evaporating, and diverging again. What is the transformational power of Avant-Garde alliances, past and present, within the artistic and the societal field? How have ways and forms of life been shaped throughout the Avant-Gardes? What are the gendered social and spatial structures, in which groups test and create forms of community through their artistic practices? The aim here will be to render visible realities of those groups and alliances that have not yet been acknowledged, due to geographical, institutional and/or political conditions.
The conference is organised by the Institute of Comparative Literature and the Centre for Advanced Studies, Ilia State University, in cooperation with the Institute of Philosophy and Art History, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany.
The Plenary Lectures/Talks:
Günter Berghaus, University of Bristol
International Futurism and Its Cross-Fertilizations in the Historical Avant-garde
Artist Talk: Beate Söntgen, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, with Anuk Beluga & Mari Kalabegashvili
Gia Jokhadze, Ilia State University
Mandelstamiana: The Fragments from the Cultural History of Russia and Georgia
Lecture / Book Presentation
See the Programme for the detailed information.

"Unity in Diversity: The Malay World, Its History and Culture" - Lecture by Professor Tatyana A. Denisov
2024-10-15 16:00 - 17:00
On October 15, at 16:00, in the S201/202 auditorium of Ilia State University, at the permanent seminar of the Giorgi Tsereteli Institute of Oriental Studies, Visiting Scholar Professor Tatyana A. Denisova from the Center for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science, and Civilization (CASIS), University Technology Malaysia, will deliver a lecture on “Unity in Diversity: The Malay World, Its History and Culture.”
Annotation
Southeast Asia, including the Malay world, is one of the most ancient centers of human civilization. This region, known since early times, is mentioned in various ancient historical sources.
The geographic position of the Malay Archipelago played a fundamental role in its historical development. Located at the convergence of two major sea routes, the archipelago was connected to the great markets of India and China by the annual monsoon wind systems.
One of the most significant factors in the development of trade in the Malay Archipelago was its rich natural and mineral resources, which provided a wide variety of products for sale and exchange.
The main feature of this region is its multinational and multicultural nature. It has long been called an open world. “Unity in diversity” became the main principle and driving force of this civilization. As a major center of world trade at the crossroads of key trade routes, the Malay world became a melting pot of many cultures and traditions – Indian, Chinese, Muslim, European, and Malay.
The openness and diversity of the region are reflected in both the history and written heritage of the Malays.
Working Language: English
Date and Time: October 15, 16:00
Location: Auditorium S201/202, Ilia State University, G. Tsereteli St. N3
Everyone interested is welcome.

"The Early Universe Viewed in Gravitational Waves" – Lecture by Professor Tinatin Kakhniashvili
2024-10-15 17:00 - 18:00
On October 15, at 17:00, in auditorium G106 at Ilia State University, Iliauni Professor Tinatin Kakhniashvili will deliver a lecture titled “Early Universe Viewed in Gravitational Waves”.
A Brief Overview of the Topic
Gravitational waves offer an opportunity to observe the early universe at energy levels far beyond what can be achieved on Earth – several orders of magnitude greater than those reached by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. These waves provide insights into a period of the universe’s history that cannot be studied through electromagnetic radiation (radio, infrared, visible light, microwaves, X-rays, ultraviolet, and gamma rays). In this lecture, the speaker will discuss the potential of gravitational waves and how they can help verify the fundamental laws of physics.
About the Speaker
Tinatin Kakhniashvili, a full professor of astrophysics at Ilia State University, is actively involved in scientific collaborations with international research centers, including the McWilliams Center for Cosmology (USA), NORDITA (Sweden), and Pitt-PACC (USA). She is also an associate research professor at Carnegie Mellon University (USA). Currently, she leads three projects funded by NASA and the USA National Science Foundation, including the 2024 NASA-funded Collaborative Research: Gravitational Waves as Messengers from the Early Universe.
Tinatin Kakhniashvili previously worked as a research scientist at international centers such as ICTP & SISSA (Italy) and CCPP (NYU). Additionally, she has served as a visiting professor at several universities in the USA, Canada, and Europe, including Rutgers University, Kansas State University, Carnegie Mellon University, Geneva University, and Laurentian University.
Read more at: https://shorturl.at/Rt6vB
A discussion will take place after the lecture.
Working Language: Georgian
Date and Time: October 15, 17:00
Location: Auditorium G106, Ilia State University, G. Tsereteli St. N1
Everyone interested is welcome.
2024

The management of Byzantine monuments in modern Greece (19th-20th centuries)
2024-10-15 19:00 - 20:00
October 15, We are pleased to announce a lecture of Dionysis Mourelatos (Athens, Greece) to be presented at the Seminar of the Center for Medieval Studies
“The management of Byzantine monuments in modern Greece (19th-20th centuries)”
Greece has been grappling with the issue of “national continuity” since gaining its independence, addressing it in various ways. K. Paparrigopoulos, a history professor at the University of Athens in the mid-19th century, first expressed the ideas behind the young state’s identity by introducing his threefold scheme (Antiquity, Byzantium, and Modern Greece) for national history. The incorporation of the history of the Byzantine Empire in the ‘national’ narrative was deemed necessary as early as the nineteenth century, and the study of Byzantine art and its incorporation in what was perceived as the national past was an essential step in this direction. Following the Greek-Turkish War between 1919 and 1922 in Asia Minor, the conventional historiographical perception persisted. In the post-war world, during the Cold War, the perception of Byzantium became a new field of confrontation between East and West.
Via zoom
Time 19 PM (CET)
Language English
Join Zoom Meeting

https://iliauni-edu-ge.zoom.us/j/86191264222?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 861 9126 4222
Passcode: [REDACTED]
2024

Presentation of the book "Parakletike"
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00
On October 16, at 18:00, a presentation of the prepared book ‘Parakletike’ will be held by Prof. Irina Lobzhanidze in the G 106 Auditorium of Ilia State University (see http://manuscript.iliauni.edu.ge/).
Irina Lobzhanidze will present to the academic community the results of a joint research program between the University of Oxford and the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, focused on Georgian studies. Specifically, she will introduce the Wardrop Collection Online (WCO), which includes a 12th-century Georgian manuscript, the Parakletike, preserved in the Bodleian Library. Additionally, she will present the published text of the manuscript MS. Wardr. d. 1 , a result of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia’s Publishing State Scientific Grants competition (SP-23-685).
The editors of the book, Nino Doborjginidze and Tamaz Kochlamazashvili, will talk about the necessity of using modern technologies in documenting and researching the manuscript heritage preserved in Georgia, on the educational and research programs introduced in this direction, as well as on the textual issues of the Parakletike.
Join Zoom Meeting ID 824 3872 2663

https://iliauni-edu-ge.zoom.us/j/82438722663?pwd=[REDACTED]

Passcode: [REDACTED]
Time: October 16, 18:00 p.m.
Venue: G 106 Auditorium, Ilia State University (G. Tsereteli St. #1)
Working language: Georgian
Attendance is free.

The Blood Donation Day
2024-11-08 11:00 - 16:00
The Blood Donation Day will be held in the buildings A and T of Iliauni on november 8 , it will be organized by the Department of Student Affairs of Ilia State University.
As part of the campaign, the mobile teams of the “Natalia Kvantaliani Central Blood Bank” and “Sicockhle” organizations, staffed by professional, experienced doctors, will offer those who wish to selflessly donate blood and thus show their support for people who need help.
Any person between the ages of 18 and 65 can become a blood donor if:

your weight is 50 kg or more;
you have not been infected with viral hepatitis B and C;
syphilis, tuberculosis;
you are not infected with HIV;
you do not have blood or oncological diseases;
you are not a drug user;
you have not undergone a surgical operation, you have not been vaccinated against tetanus and rabies in the last 1 year;
you have not gotten a tattoo in the last 6 months;
you have not had contact with other people’s blood;
you have not been pregnant in the last 6 months;
the donor must be practically healthy on the day of donation – must not have a fever, runny nose, catarrh, or other flu-like symptoms.

Those who participate in the charity event will receive the following research results free of charge:

Group, rhesus, phenotype
Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, cytomegalovirus and AIDS virus

A person who is going to donate should know the following:

Blood donation is an easy, safe and painless process;
When donating blood, only disposable material is used and the donor is protected from infection;
Donating blood is absolutely safe for health;
Blood donation is recommended in the first half of the day;
It is better to eat lightly and drink sweet tea in the morning on the day of blood donation. You should refrain from taking tobacco and analgesics;
Blood can be donated again after 2 months;

Bring a proof of identity card with you.
Time: 11:00-16:00
Location:
Natalia Kvantaliani Central Blood Bank – Building A of Iliauni. Student space, I. Chavchavadze Ave. N32
“Sicockhle” blood bank – Building T of Iliauni, student space, Cholokashvili Ave. N3/5

Exhibition: "Droeba," "Iveria," and Rare Editions of Ilia's Works
2024-11-08 18:00 - 19:00
On November 8 at 19:00, an exhibition featuring rare and old publications from Ilia State University’s library will be inaugurated in the lobby of Building G as part of Ilia’s Week: “Ilia: The European Georgia Project.”
In addition to outstanding collections of Ilia’s writings, the exhibition will showcase a satirical short story, “Is a Man a Human?!”(Katsia, adamiani?!) published during the writer’s lifetime in 1869, as well as Ilia’s translation of Alexis Bouvier’s famous novel “Iza “(La Grande Iza).
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore fascinating facts from the political and literary newspapers “Droeba” and “Iveria,” which played a significant role in developing Georgian journalism, literature, and literary criticism in the 19th century. Among the exhibits, you will find issues of “Droeba” from 1880 to 1883, including those co-edited by Ilia Chavchavadze and Sergi Meskhi and “Iveria” editions from 1887-1902.
The exhibition will run from November 8 to November 15.
Opening of the Exhibition: November 8, 19:00
Duration: November 8-15
Location: Ilia State University, G Building Lobby, 1 G. Tsereteli St.
Everyone interested is welcome.

Ilia’s Week: "Ilia: The European Georgia Project"
2024-11-08 19:00
Ilia Chavchavadze was born on November 8, 1837.
“Young manhood should be prepared with a thorough and detailed knowledge, should, as much as possible, study European science in depth, and should be guided by Europe’s experience.”
From November 8 to 15, Iliauni invites you to celebrate Ilia’s Week, “Ilia: The European Georgia Project”.
Panel Discussion: “Ilia: The European Georgia Project”
Exhibition: “Droeba,” “Iveria,” and rare editions of Ilia’s writings
Literary Game About the Life and Work of Ilia Chavchavadze
“Bookshelf” Public Game About Ilia

Panel Discussion: "Ilia: The European Georgia Project"
2024-11-08 19:00 - 20:00
On November 8 at 19:00, a panel discussion titled “Ilia: The European Georgia Project” will be held in the G106 conference hall at Ilia State University as part of Ilia’s Week.
Speakers: Bela Tsipuria, Ghia Nodia, Nino Doborjginidze, Giga Zedania, Nuka Gambashidze, Sergo Ratiani
Moderator – Iva Lomidze
Working Language: Georgian
Date and Time: November 8, 19:00
Location: G106 Conference Hall, Ilia State University, 1 G. Tsereteli Street
Everyone interested is welcome.

Workshop and Concert “On the Trail of Polish Sonorism”
2024-11-10 18:00
On November 10, Ilia State University will host a workshop and concert in Auditorium B201, organized by the Music Centre at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

At 11:00, Polish performers Ewa Liebchen and Emilia Karolina Sitarz will hold a workshop introducing the audience to the extended, sonoristic possibilities of the flute and piano.
At 18:00, the concert “On the Trail of Polish Sonorism” will begin. The program will feature masterpieces of Polish Sonorism alongside a new work composed specifically for this duo by young Georgian composer Elene Gogodze.

The concert seeks to engage young composers with Sonorism, a Polish music movement that was predominant in the 1960s. It was the time of sonoristic experiments by composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, Kazimierz Serocki, or Witold Szalonek. This style of music focuses on the origin of sound, its tonal color, duration, and sonority. These elements continue to be of significant interest to composers today.
Date/Time: November 10, at 11:00 and 18:00
Location: Ilia State University, Auditorium B201, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Ave.
Everyone interested is welcome.

Literary Game About the Life and Work of Ilia Chavchavadze
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
On November 14 at 12:00, the Union of Tbilisi Museums invites Iliauni students to participate in the educational and cognitive program “Literary Game About the Life and Work of Ilia Chavchavadze” as part of Ilia’s Week: “Ilia: The European Georgia Project.”
Students will explore 19th-century Georgia and Georgian literature. A guided museum tour will be organized for them before the game.
Interested students are invited to fill out the registration form by November 13, 12:00 https://forms.gle/WiGaJEtxcC4DWgeg8
Please note that only the first 30 students who register will be able to participate.
Date and Time: November 14, 12:00
Location: Ilia Chavchavadze Literary-Memorial Museum, 7 Ivane Javakhishvili St.

"Bookshelf" Public Game About Ilia
2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:00
On November 15 at 19:00, Georgia’s most popular youth show, “Bookshelf,” invites Iliauni students to participate in the game as part of Ilia’s Week: “Ilia: The European Georgian Project” at the Book House “Ligamus”.
Participants in “Bookshelf” will answer questions in the traditional format. Those who answer correctly will receive prizes from “Bookshelf” and Iliauni.
Aleksandre Lortkipanidze will host the game.
Interested students are invited to fill out the registration form by November 14, 12:00: https://forms.gle/GGgzAC3AQuwTmxbi9
Date and Time: November 15, 19:00
Location: Book House “Ligamus,” 32 I. Chavchavadze Ave.

International Students Day!
2024-11-18 12:00 - 17:00
International Students’ Day is commemorated globally by universities as a tribute to Czech patriotic students on November 17th.
Ilia State University, with the participation of both local and international students, will host an exciting event featuring a variety of engaging activities on November 18th, including:

Photo competition
Board games
Cultural and sports activities
Film screening

Don’t miss the chance to participate and enjoy the festivities!
Date: November 18
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm
Location: G building
2024

Immersive Technologies for the Future of Film: XR and AI
2024-11-19 18:00 - 19:00
On November 19th at 18:00 Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development Center of Ilia State University together with Film XR invites you to an event – “Immersive Technologies for the Future of Film: XR and AI”
The event will cover the impact of XR and AI technologies on the modern film and cultural industries:

Latest trends in the XR industry and an overview of the market
Opportunities for using AI technologies in film and video production

After the presentations, there will be a showcase of VR projects/films, featuring 10 well-known animation projects created with virtual reality and immersive tools.
Attendees will be able to use VR headsets to experience some of the world renowned XR works created in France, including projects that have won Emmy and Venice Film Festival Award.
registration link for the event: https://forms.gle/WwgwUSs51dAe9zY37
Date: November 19th
Time: 18:00
Location: Auditorium G106, Ilia State University, 1 Giorgi Tsereteli Street, Building G
Language: English
For more information, please contact: fablab@iliauni.edu.ge

PR Days 2024
2024-11-20 08:00 - 17:00
On November 15 at 20:00, the annual international forum on strategic communications, “Tbilisi PR Days 2024,” will be held via Zoom.
The forum aims to share international experiences, develop strategic communications in Georgia, and connect interested individuals with leading experts from relevant sectors.
At the forum, the top global specialists in strategic communications will discuss this year’s key topic, “PR and Gen Z.”
Invited Speakers:

Brian Smith – Department Chair and Professor University of Mississippi. Theme: “Strategic Communications Across Generations” (USA)
Nate Bernolet – Chief Executive Officer Theme: “The Power of Gen Z: How Values and Digital Engagement Influence Buyer Decision-Making” (UK)
Ansgar Zerfass – Chair of Strategic Communication at the Institute of Communication and Media Studies at Leipzig University. Theme: “Strategiccommunication: What research tells us and what practitioners should keep in mind” (GERMANY)
Adam Stezewski – Head of Social Media Management at MADIVO E-Commerce. Theme: “Social Media Management Across Generations” (POLAND)

Ilia State University is the main partner of the event.
Working Language: English
For registration: https://shorturl.at/T0D6b

Horizon Europe - Funding Opportunities for Doctorate Students, Postdocs and Young Researchers!
2024-11-20 11:00 - 12:00
On November 20 at 11:00, the National Office of “Horizon Europe” will host an online informational session on the diverse funding schemes available through the “Horizon Europe” programme. Learn about opportunities with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Research Council (ERC), COST, and more.
Working language: Georgian
Join us online via Zoom
Please see the Agenda https://shorturl.at/MYu0V

Public Lecture “Immune Evasion Strategies by Viruses” by Philip M. Murphy
2024-11-22 18:00 - 19:00
On November 22, at 18:00, in Auditorium T102 at Ilia State University, Philip M. Murphy, Chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology (LMI) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, will give a public lecture “Immune Evasion Strategies by Viruses.”
This lecture will explore the diverse mechanisms viruses use to avoid and survive detection by the immune system, focusing on human pathogens of clinical importance.
About the Speaker
Philip Murphy is a Senior Investigator and Chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology (LMI) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.
Dr. Murphy studies WHIM syndrome, a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the chemokine receptor CXCR4, in an attempt to better understand pathogenesis
and to develop both drug treatment and genetic cure strategies. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, mostly on basic, translational, and clinical studies related to immunoregulation and infectious disease. He has received numerous patents and awards, including the NIAID Mentor of the Year Award, the NIH Director’s Award (twice), the Pillars of Immunology Award from the Journal of Immunology, and both the Dolph Adams Award and the Bonazinga Award from the Society of Leukocyte Biology.
Dr. Murphy has had two papers selected as Classics by Science magazine. He is a member of the Association of American Physicians, the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the American Society of Microbiology, the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Henry Kunkel Society.
Working Language: English
Date and Time: November 22, 18:00
Location: Ilia State University, Auditorium T102, 3/5 Cholokashvili Avenue
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Workshop "Applying Photogrammetry Method in Historical Heritage Studies"
2024-11-27 17:00 - 18:00
On November 27, Ilia State University will host an international workshop titled “Applying Photogrammetry Method in Historical Heritage Studies” as part of the research project ‘Interdisciplinary Research and Documentation of the Architectural Heritage of Uznadze Street in Tbilisi’ (FR-23-6740) funded by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation.
The project comprises archival, artistic, and field studies, including the measurement and documentation of buildings. Photogrammetry, which was selected as the primary technique for the research, allows for the creation of architectural documentation (drawings) through the capture and post-processing of photographic images using specialized software.
Italian colleagues from the Institute of Heritage Science (Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale) possess a wealth of experience in this direction. One of the leading experts of the institute, Daniele Ferdani, with whom the Georgian counterparts have maintained a long-standing collaboration, will share his expertise with his colleagues. The event aims to examine worldwide experience and practices, facilitate information exchange between Georgian and Italian scientists and promote the use of the photogrammetry method.
The workshop participants will include:
Daniele Ferdani, National Research Council, Institute of Heritage Science (Rome);
Giorgi Partskhaladze, Ilia State University;
Ekaterine Kiknadze, Theatre and Film State University;
Davit Nioradze, Publishing House “Artanuji,” PhD student at Tbilisi State Academy of Art;
Tatia Ghvineria, International Black Sea University, PhD student at Tbilisi State Academy of Art.
Join Zoom Meeting

https://iliauni-edu-ge.zoom.us/j/85655689655?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 856 5568 9655
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Date: November 27, 17:00
Location: F303 Lecture Hall, Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Ave.
Everyone interested is welcome.

Workshop "Applying Photogrammetry Method in Historical Heritage Studies"
2024-11-27 17:00 - 2024-11-28 18:00
On November 27, Ilia State University will host an international workshop titled “Applying Photogrammetry Method in Historical Heritage Studies” as part of the research project ‘Interdisciplinary Research and Documentation of the Architectural Heritage of Uznadze Street in Tbilisi’ (FR-23-6740) funded by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation.
The project comprises archival, artistic, and field studies, including the measurement and documentation of buildings. Photogrammetry, which was selected as the primary technique for the research, allows for the creation of architectural documentation (drawings) through the capture and post-processing of photographic images using specialized software.
Italian colleagues from the Institute of Heritage Science (Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale) possess a wealth of experience in this direction. One of the leading experts of the institute, Daniele Ferdani, with whom the Georgian counterparts have maintained a long-standing collaboration, will share his expertise with his colleagues. The event aims to examine worldwide experience and practices, facilitate information exchange between Georgian and Italian scientists and promote the use of the photogrammetry method.
The workshop participants will include:
Daniele Ferdani, National Research Council, Institute of Heritage Science (Rome);
Giorgi Partskhaladze, Ilia State University;
Ekaterine Kiknadze, Theatre and Film State University;
Davit Nioradze, Publishing House “Artanuji,” PhD student at Tbilisi State Academy of Art;
Tatia Ghvineria, International Black Sea University, PhD student at Tbilisi State Academy of Art.
Date: November 27, 17:00
Location: F303 Lecture Hall, Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Ave.
Everyone interested is welcome.

Transparent Conductive Oxide Thin Film and Its Applications in Lasers – Public Lecture by Yuanan Zhao
2024-11-29 16:00 - 17:00
On November 29, at 16:00, in Auditorium T102 at Ilia State University (ISU), Yuanan Zhao, a professor at Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, will deliver a seminar titled “Transparent Conductive Oxide Thin Film and Its Applications in Lasers.”
Organized by Avtandil Tavkhelidze, a professor of the School of Technology, the visit of a group of Chinese scientists to ISU at the end of November aims to foster closer ties with Iliauni’s research staff, explore the university’s laboratories, and deepen cooperation between the institutions.
Working Language: English
Date/Time: November 29, 16:00
Location: Ilia State University, Auditorium T102, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Ave.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Marking 100 Years Since the 1924 Uprising − Panel Discussion Featuring Professors
2024-12-13 16:00 - 17:00
On December 13, at 16:00, a panel discussion marking the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Uprising will be held at the Book House Ligamus. The event is organized by the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University.
The opening will be delivered by Ilia State University Rector, Professor Nino Doborjginidze.
The moderator will be Stephen Jones, professor at Ilia State University and co-supervisor of the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia.
Participants in the discussion include:

Beka Kobakhidze, Professor at Ilia State University, co-supervisor of the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia;
Timothy Blauvelt, Professor at Ilia State University;
Dimitri Shvelidze and Mikheil Bakhtadze, Associate Professors at Tbilisi State University.

Working languages: Georgian, English
Date/Time: December 13, 16:00
Location: Book House Ligamus, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Ave.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

International Conference “The Middle East and the Caucasus: Culture, History, Politics”
2024-12-19 10:00 - 2024-12-21 18:00
On December 19, at 10:00 a.m., the International Conference “The Middle East and the Caucasus: Culture, History, Politics,” organized by the Giorgi Tsereteli Institute of Oriental Studies, will open in Auditorium T102 at Ilia State University. The event is dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of Academician Giorgi Tsereteli and the 95th anniversary of the birth of Academician Tamaz Gamkrelidze. The conference will be conducted on December 20 and 21.
On December 22, a roundtable will also be held to discuss the results of the first year of the project “Perception of Georgia and Armenia in Western and Eastern Sources (Middle Ages and Early Modern Period)” (FR-23-10274-1), supported by the Shota Rustaveli National Scientific Foundation.
On December 22-23, a final international conference of the project “Ethnoreligious Mosaics of Tbilisi (1801-1921)” (FR-21-8081), supported by the Shota Rustaveli National Scientific Foundation, will take place.
Conference languages: Georgian and English
Date/Time: December 19-21, 10:00 a.m.
Location:

December 19 – Auditorium T102;
December 20-21 – Auditorium S201-202

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Marking 100 Years Since the 1924 Uprising − Student Panel Discussion
2025-01-08 19:00 - 20:00
On January 8, at 19:00, a student panel discussion marking the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Uprising will be held at the Book House Ligamus. The event is organized by the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University.
The opening will be delivered by Ilia State University Rector, Professor Nino Doborjginidze.
The moderator will be Alexander Mikaberidze, a professor at Louisiana State University and a visiting lecturer in the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University.
Participants in the discussion include:

Giorgi Chkadua, graduate of the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University, PhD student at Iliauni;
Ninutsa Zakalashvili, graduate of the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University, master’s student at the University of Glasgow;
Ketevan Akhobadze, student of the Master’s Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University;
Mariam Chincharauli, PhD student at Tbilisi State University.

Working languages Georgian
Date/Time: January 8, 19:00
Location: Book House Ligamus, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Ave.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Public defense of the dissertation by doctoral student Ivane Lomidze
2025-01-14 13:00 - 14:00
Public defense of the doctoral dissertation “Liberal Realism: Politics of Difference beyond Universalist-Contextualist Debate” by the doctoral student of the doctoral programme Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ilia State University, Ivane Lomidze, will be held on January 14, at 13:00, under the Cotutelle Agreement between University of Münster (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster) and Ilia State University.
The joint project gives the doctoral student an opportunity to defend a dissertation based on the cotutelle principle and obtain a double doctoral degree and diplomas from both universities.
The dissertation examines the problem of difference in democratic theory, critiquing liberalism’s universalism and realism’s inability to normatively adjudicate differences. Building on moral particularism’s meta-ethical insights on practical rationality, it introduces the idea of “particularist political principles”, addressing the limitations of both liberalism and realism and offering an alternative framework − liberal realism − that enables the politics of representing difference in contemporary democratic societies characterized by deep pluralism.
Supervisor from the University of Münster: Professor Thomas Gutmann
Supervisor from Ilia State University: Professor Giga Zedania
Working language: English
Time: January 14; 13:00
Venue: Ilia State University, S800, 3 G. Tsereteli str.

Fully Funded Master’s Programs at Korea University
2025-01-20 11:30 - 12:30
Korea University in Seoul is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the SK Global Scholarship Program (Fall 2025), offering full funding for master’s degrees in Information Technology/Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Engineering, and Physics.
In this regard, Korea University representatives will host an informative session for students at Ilia State University. The meeting will take place on January 20 at 11:30 AM in Auditorium G106.
For detailed information on the program’s requirements and conditions, please refer to the attached appendix.

Students’ life in Korea
2025-01-24 17:00 - 18:00
On January 24th, at 5:00 PM, in auditorium G106 of Ilia State University, a public lecture by Inha University’s student, Lee Youngmin (Youngmin Lee), will be held, organised by Ilia University’s Korean Culture Club. During the public lecture, the spiker will be talking about: his experience as a student in Korea, the characteristics of the Korean University system, student clubs and student projects in Korea. He will also talk about the challenges Korean students encounter during the studying period.
Location: Ilia State University, Auditorium G106, G.Tsereteli N3

AWS 2024 re:Invent re:Cap
2025-02-28 16:00 - 20:30
Join us for a day of cloud computing insights at the AWS re:Invent re:Cap in Tbilisi. This event brings you the essence of the world’s largest cloud conference, featuring the most impactful announcements, innovations, and insights from our 2024 Las Vegas event. Explore most recent developments in areas like AI/ML, generative AI, analytics, security, and industry-specific cloud solutions. Network with fellow cloud enthusiasts and engage directly with AWS technical representatives. Learn from those at the forefront of cloud innovation and gain practical knowledge to elevate your own projects.
Date: February of 28th
Time: 2025 16:00 (UTC+4)
Register Here: https://forms.gle/tu2aS9zHvBn6rfY86
Venue: Georgia, Tbilisi, Ilia State University, Building T, Auditorium T102 1st floor
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNUWofjUMeZDbHox5)
Agenda:
16:00 – 17:00 | Doors Opens
17:00 – 17:15 | Welcome Notes
17:15 – 18:00 | Securing Infrastructure with AWS Shield&WAF – Giorgi Semenikhin @TBC
18:00 – 18:15 | Coffee Break
18:15 – 19:45 | AWS re:Invent re:Cap – Viktor Vedmich and Alexandr Bernadskiy @AWS
19:45 – 20:30 | TCP Networking with Community
Why Attend AWS Community Meetup?
Unlock the Potential of AWS: Explore the latest innovations, best practices, and case studies that will empower your organization to thrive in the cloud.
Connect with Experts: Engage with AWS experts, solution architects, and partners to get answers to your toughest questions and learn about AWS services.Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow cloud enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.

Tbilisi AI Meetups at Ilia State University
2025-03-15 14:00 - 16:00
On March 15, Ilia State University will host an event as part of Tbilisi AI Meetups: “Implementation of Transformer Architecture in PyTorch”.
Speaker: Malkhaz Suladze
Agenda:

Key innovations of the Transformer architecture compared to RNNs and LSTMs
The role of self-attention, positional encoding, and residual connections
How multi-head attention is interpreted through Anthropic’s 0-layer and 1-layer theory
Hands-on implementation: writing multi-head self-attention and building the Transformer Encoder-Decoder from scratch using PyTorch

Working language: English
Register Here: https://lu.ma/wsk6ddc1
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 14:00
Location: Ilia State University, T Building, Auditorium N102, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Ave.

Alumni Talks – Civil Solidarity Before the Soviet Occupation
2025-03-26 11:00 - 12:00
On March 26 at 11:00, the Alumni Development Network and SovLab present a lecture from the Alumni Meeting Series – “Civil Solidarity Before the Soviet Occupation”.
Speaker: Badri Okujava
Date & Time: March 26, 11:00
About the Lecture: “Civil Solidarity Before the Soviet Occupation”
The discussion will focus on examples of philanthropy and civil solidarity in the 1890s, highlighting the unique culture of public support and solidarity in Georgia before the Soviet Russian occupation, involving thousands of people.
The lecture will be conducted in Georgian.
Attendance / Location
Please note that seating is limited for this lecture. If you wish to attend, please follow the registration link below:
https://forms.gle/9tARxDNjq59BeuVc9
Registered participants will receive the venue details via a personal message.

A Public Lecture by Professor Paul Salkovskis
2025-03-28 17:00 - 18:00
Professor Paul Salkovskis, a renowned Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy expert, will deliver a public lecture on current issues in modern Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Ilia State University, Hall G106, on March 28th at 17:00.
Professor Paul Salkovskis, Director of the Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, also leads the Clinical Psychology Course and serves as the Editor of the BABCP journal, “Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy”. https://oxicptr.web.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-paul-salkovskis
The meeting will be moderated by Ketevan Tchanturia, a Clinical Psychology Professor at King’s College London and Ilia State University. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/kate.tchanturia.html; www.peacepathway.org
Working language: English
Date/Time: March 28, 17:00
Location: Ilia State University Hall G106, N1 G. Tsereteli St.
Everyone interested is welcome to attend.
