The Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) has hosted an event dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).
Prior to the official ceremony, the participants laid flowers at the bust of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, paying tribute to his cherished memory. They then familiarized themselves with the book exhibition organized on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of ANAS. The official opening ceremony commenced with a moment of silence in memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs, followed by the performance of the State Anthem.
In his opening speech, UNEC Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov, congratulated the ANAS community and the entire academic society on the anniversary. The Rector noted that the 80th anniversary of the Academy is not merely a jubilee but symbolizes 80 years of dedicated service to the Motherland through science, as well as a celebration of national thought, scientific tradition, and intellectual strength: “The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is the national sanctuary of science. This sanctuary is not only a place for conducting research but also a symbol of faith in science and respect for intellectual thought,” the Rector stated.
Professor Muradov emphasized that, thanks to the farsighted policy of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, ANAS has evolved into the intellectual foundation and think tank of Azerbaijan. He noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the development of science has become one of the state’s key priorities: “The digitalization of scientific research, the promotion of innovation, and the implementation of development programs for young scientists all serve to align Azerbaijani science with contemporary global challenges,” he said. The Rector also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, to the advancement of national science.
Touching upon the successful cooperation between ANAS and UNEC, Professor Muradov noted: “Over the past five years, 333 joint scientific papers authored by UNEC and ANAS scholars have been published in Scopus and Web of Science, receiving a total of 2,050 citations.”
President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbayli, in his speech, expressed gratitude for President Ilham Aliyev’s decree on celebrating the 80th anniversary of ANAS at the state level, describing it as a clear manifestation of the President’s deep respect and high appreciation for science and scientists: “This decree is a reflection of the state’s esteem and trust toward the intellectual forces of our nation,” he stated. Academician Habibbayli spoke about the rich history of the Academy, emphasizing its exceptional role in shaping the scientific and intellectual potential of Azerbaijan since its establishment. He underscored that scientific and intellectual values are the cornerstone of sustainable social development: “If science and knowledge do not serve the progress of society, this would mean a loss of potential for future generations. Research must pass through trials, analysis, and logical proof, only then can the results be reliable,” he stressed.
At the event, Professor Misir Mardanov, Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics of ANAS, and Academician Ziyad Samadzada, Member of Parliament, also delivered speeches. The speakers highlighted the Academy’s significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijani science and noted that since its establishment, ANAS has left an indelible mark on the history of the nation’s intellectual thought and continues to play a crucial role in defining the strategic directions of scientific advancement today.
