On March 30, students and professors of the Ilia State University held a meeting with Javier Solana (Secretary General of NATO in 1995-1999, High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy in 1999-2009) and Strobe Talbott (American diplomat, journalist and scholar, President of the Brookings Institution). Meeting was organized within the framework of the project "Debates on Public Policy". During the session participants discussed relations of Georgia, European Union and the United States of America. According to Javier Solana the major issues of the 21st century still remain poverty, climate change and danger of distribution of the weapons of mass destruction. Strobe Talbott focused on two topics: terrorism and danger, that comes from the failed states. Questions of the students mainly concerned Russia-Georgia relations, position of Europe towards Russia, energy security and assessment of the Georgian role in the campaigns of Euro-Atlantic Union. An important message delivered by both guest speakers was to encourage Georgia on its way of democratic development in order to ensure its integration in Euro-Atlantic structures.

Every Monday, at 6pm the book store "Ligamus" hosts "Book Club" which was initiated by the "Students' Service Center" and offers the students an opportunity to discuss their favorite literary works. Discussions are moderated by professors of the Ilia State University.

Session of March 22 was dedicated to the work of Ilia Chavchavadze. The evening was moderated by Gia Jokhadze, professor of the Ilia State University.

On March 11 presentation of the unique Georgian product - geo-multifunctional system GMSYS 2009 took place at the Ilia State University. Device, which was created by Georgian geophysicists consists of three main components and can be used during seismic observations as well as in the fields of geophysics, environmental protection and security. Compared to its foreign counterparts the newly created equipment possesses a higher degree of compatibility, flexibility, involves lower production costs and can be upgraded. Several buyers from the USA and the NATO States (among them Turkey) already expressed interest towards geo-multifunctional system made by the scientists from the Ilia State University. Seismic network of the Institute of Earth Sciences of the Ilia State University unites 30 stations. It is planed to increase number of stations to 40 by the end of the year.

The exhibition "Old + New + Virtual" which was opened on March 4 at the "Gallery "9"" was dedicated to the presentation of the Engineering College of the Ilia State University. The exhibition shows old and new architectural construction projects, 3D virtual education platform and multisensor touch-screen table made by Zviad Sulaberidze. Establishment of the Engineering College at the Ilia State University offers an interesting novelty to those who are interested in studying architecture, building constructions or computer science. After completing a four year study course the students will be awarded Bachelor's Degree. Graduates will have an opportunity to get employed at the state or private architecture and construction companies.

"Debates on Public Policy" is a project which gives professors and students of the Ilia State University an opportunity to conduct discussions on important issues of public policy with major decision making persons. The first session took place on February 3rd. The First Deputy Foreign Minister Giga Bokeria and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Euro-Atlantic Integration David Darchiashvili participated in the discussion of "Russian-Georgian Relations". The discussion was moderated by David Sikharulidze, Adviser of the President in the Issues of Defense and Security.

The guest speakers presented to the students and professors the policy principals which are applied by Georgia after the August War of 2008. During discussion it became clear that political relations and dialogue between two countries won't be restored until the start of the de-occupation process. According to Giga Bokeria the only alternative to the process of de-occupation lies within integration into the Euro-Atlantic zone and increase of the pressure from the side of international organizations on Russia.

Friday, February 26, established dissident and human rights activist Valeriya Novodvorskaya was awarded Honorary Doctorate following a decision of the Academic Board of the Ilia State University. She was conferred this title for extraordinary contribution to the process of liberalization and democratization of the post soviet societies. Diploma of the Honorary Doctor was handed over by the Rector of the Ilia State University Prof. Gigi Tevzadze.
Valeriya Novodvorskaya delivered a public lecture: "What is Russia and Why We Have to Avoid It?" Lecture was followed by a Q&A session. The main topic of the lecture concerned history of modern mentality of Russian society and the modern Georgian state.

Friday, February 26, established political dissident Vladimir Bukovsky was awarded Honorary Doctorate following a decision of the Academic Board of the Ilia State University. He was conferred this title for extraordinary contribution to the process of liberalization and democratization of the post soviet societies. Diploma of the Honorary Doctor was handed over by the Rector of the Ilia State University Prof. Gigi Tevzadze.
Vladimir Bukovsky delivered a public lecture on the danger of ideological corruption of the European Union. Lecture was followed by a discussion about an importance of European support towards Georgia, Georgian hopes for external forces and ensuring of security next to such an aggressive neighbor as Russia is.

February 15, Ilia State University presented its Annual Report 2009 and plans for the year 2010 at the "Courtyard Marriott". On February 15, 2006 a new university, which is now known under the name of Ilia State University, was established. Ilia State University is the first university in Georgia that is oriented towards liberal education and research. It unites 13 research institutes, three research centers and a scientific laboratory. The University administers several projects which are directed towards development of the civil society in Georgia.
Different unique projects are carried out here: Soviet studies, geology of the Black Sea, archaeology and ecology, diversity of Gareji Desert, study of climate and tourism potential. These research projects form a base for the study courses too: students are actively involved in the research process thus contributing to the development of professional skills and knowledge relevant to the demand in the world.

 Annual report - 2009

One of the major components of the program "Academic Swiss Caucasus Net" is development of research. The program will give young scientists an opportunity to participate in research projects to be conducted in accordance with research standards close to the European counterparts. One of the goals of the program is to support young scholars in their academic career. Funding which will be provided for the projects has to enable them to carry out scientific projects similar to the European academic standards.
On February 12, 2010 program initiated a workshop, that took place at the Ilia State University. Participants of the workshop came from different high education institutions, NGOs and research institutes.
The goal of the workshop was to discuss problems and challenges related to the research in the field of humanities and social sciences. Besides participants worked on identification of a joint topic for research projects on urgent issues of democratization/transformation. Projects to be funded are to be selected by an international scientific council. Participants of the workshop discussed possible focus of the projects and selected three topics: transformation, identities and social capital. Announcement of grants competition for research projects will be done in spring 2010.

Wednesday, February 10th, café Ligamus hosted presentation of a newly released book "Die georgische Sprache im Mittelalter" (Georgian Language of the Middle Ages in Search of the Identity). Author of the book, which was published in Germany, is the professor of the Ilia State University Mrs. Nino Doborjginidze.

Monograph is a part of a scientific project that is funded by the international Humboldt Foundation. It presents topological models of emancipation of the local, national language in the Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Research topic of the work concentrates on the standardization process of the old Georgian language.