At a press conference regarding the merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University (GTU), Givi Mikanadze, Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, stated that the reform will introduce the academic position of Leading Professor, while emphasizing that there are no plans to reduce academic staff.

He also confirmed that, by ministerial decision, student enrollment quotas will not be reduced. Furthermore, after the merger, the university will be named Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

“We are introducing the academic position of Leading Professor. Individuals selected for this position through a competitive process will provide strategic leadership in teaching and research activities, enhance quality, and support the development of young academic personnel. It is important to emphasize that under this reform, there are no plans to reduce academic staff. We will retain as much academic personnel as possible and make every effort to utilize their experience and knowledge in both teaching and research activities.

At the same time, we have decided to maintain current student enrollment quotas, and there will be no reduction in the number of students admitted.

Our goal is to implement fundamental reforms in the education system transparently and with active public engagement. This is confirmed by the direct communication with target groups regarding the issues envisaged by the reform, a process we will continue to actively pursue,” Mikanadze said.