Aynel Mashadiyeva:
Science Day in Azerbaijan: State scientific policy priorities
The level of progress of countries in the modern globalized world is mainly determined by the power of science, education and intellectual potential. From this point of view, the development of science and education in Azerbaijan is considered as one of the main directions of the state policy. One of the important indicators of the high value given to the activity of Azerbaijani scientists and the state care for scientific activity is the celebration of March 27 as Science Day every year.
The decision on the establishment of Science Day in Azerbaijan was signed by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as an important step reflecting the high value given to the development of science in the country. This Order is a clear expression of the state's attention to the activities of scientists and the policy aimed at the development of intellectual potential. The establishment of the Day of Science is not only symbolic, but also important in terms of strengthening the scientific environment in Azerbaijan, increasing the reputation of scientists in society, and encouraging the interest of the young generation in science.
Aynel Mashadiyeva, scientific secretary of the Nasimi Institute of Linguistics of ANAS, said these thoughts in a statement to AZERTAC.
He said that in recent years, important steps have been taken in the direction of strengthening the material and technical base of higher education institutions in the country, creating new scientific research centers, supporting young scientists and expanding international scientific cooperation. At the initiative of the head of state, a number of state programs in the field of science and education were adopted, wide opportunities were created for the application of innovative technologies and the development of scientific research.
"Measures implemented in the direction of improving the social welfare of scientists, increasing their salaries, and supporting young researchers have had an important impact on the formation of a favorable environment for scientific activity. As a result of this policy, the reputation of scientific activity in Azerbaijan has increased even more.
The state strategy for the development of education approved by President Ilham Aliyev, in order to ensure the continuous progress of the country and competitiveness at the international level, defines training of highly qualified personnel with an innovative way of thinking and continuous improvement of the quality of scientific research as one of the main goals.
At the initiative of the head of state, state grants for young scientists have also been increased, opportunities to participate in international conferences have been expanded, conditions have been created for doctoral students to study in foreign countries, a "special state award for young scientists" has been established, the High Technologies Park, the Innovation Agency, the "ASAN Innovations" center, and funds supporting the startup ecosystem have been created," said Aynel Mashadiyeva.
According to him, in fact, the development of science is not limited only to research conducted in technological laboratories. In a broad sense, the scientific process includes humanitarian fields that form the cultural, historical and intellectual memory of society. From this point of view, fundamental humanitarian directions such as linguistics, literary studies, history, ethnography and archival studies consistently benefit from state care. As a result of the orders and decisions signed by President Ilham Aliyev, the organizational and structural base of these fields has been strengthened, the quality of scientific research has been improved, and the support provided to the development of humanitarian sciences has been further strengthened.
Emphasizing that the foreign policy carried out by President Ilham Aliyev is also reflected in the field of scientific cooperation, the scientist said that currently Azerbaijani scientists are joining international consortia, scientific projects are expanding with institutions such as UNESCO, ISESCO, TURKSOY, TURKPA, dual degree programs and joint laboratories are being created with foreign universities. This accelerates the integration of Azerbaijani science into global scientific processes.
Aynel Mashadiyeva, doctor of philological sciences, noted that large-scale activities are being carried out in the direction of conducting complex scientific research in the liberated territories under the leadership of the head of state. This activity includes archaeological research, scientific projects on ecology and biodiversity, the study of history and cultural heritage, as well as the application of "Smart City" and "Smart Village" technologies. These studies not only contribute to the formation of new knowledge in accordance with modern scientific trends in world science, but also expand the research opportunities of Azerbaijani scientists, provide additional stimulus to the development of scientific schools, and create the basis for further strengthening of the country's academic potential in the international scientific space.
"Today, scientific research in Azerbaijan covers various directions. In addition to humanities and social sciences, important scientific results are also achieved in the field of technical and natural sciences. Azerbaijani scientists participate in international scientific projects, cooperate with world scientific centers and contribute to global scientific processes.
Continuous attention paid by the state to the field of science and education creates a solid foundation for the future development of Azerbaijani science. As a result of the purposeful policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, the field of science and education in our country is developing dynamically, and new opportunities are being formed in the direction of innovation.
