The 3rd Academic Development Council Meeting Held at UFAZ

From April 7 to 9, the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ), in collaboration with the University of Strasbourg (Unistra), organized a three-day series of Academic Development Council meetings.

The main objective of the meetings was to review and improve undergraduate and graduate programs. The meetings, held in a hybrid format, brought together faculty members from Baku and Strasbourg, program managers, the academic staff of ASOIU, industry partners, and UFAZ alumni and students.

The first meeting, held on April 7, was dedicated to the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry programs. The session began with opening remarks by UFAZ Executive Director Vazeh Asgarov, Secretary General Martin Godon, and UFAZ Operational Manager Yannick Hoarau.

Subsequently, program managers Aline Maisse (online), Frederic Melin, Dunya Babanly, and Philippe Bertani, the coordinator of the Chemical Engineering program Maxime Florent, and the Head of the Education Department Samra Shiriyeva delivered presentations on curriculum changes and student success rates. Career Center Coordinator Ganira Nasibova provided information regarding alumni employability rates and career perspectives.

During the meeting, representatives from industry leaders such as SOCAR Polymer, SOCAR Downstream, bp, Azerikimya, and the SOCAR Carbamide Plant shared their feedback on aligning the curriculum with the modern labor market.

The main topics of discussion during the meeting included curriculum improvement, the integration of new technologies into teaching, and students' academic achievement indicators.

On April 8, two separate sessions were held for the Geology, Geosciences & Georesources and Petroleum Engineering & Reservoir Geology programs. For Geology, Geosciences & Georesources, program managers Damien Lemarchand and Guilherme Bozetti, along with program coordinators Lucas Bofill and Arzu Aliyeva, presented the latest updates to the curriculum. Representatives from SOCAR, bp, JOCAP, SOCAR Fugro, and eiGroup expressed their views regarding modern industry requirements.

In the meeting for the Petroleum Engineering & Reservoir Geology, program manager Yannick Branquet and coordinator Fidan Aslanzada delivered presentations. Representatives from SOCAR, SLB, bp, and JOCAP shared new trends in the labor market.

During the discussions, focus was placed on the practical applications of the curricula, addressing existing gaps in the industry, and preparing students for a professional environment. In particular, the success of alumni in international work environments and the advantages of these specialties were analyzed.

The final meeting, held on April 9, was dedicated to the Computer Science program. Program managers Cecilia Zanni-Merk and Stephan Genaud, along with program coordinator Nahla El Kadhi, provided information on structural changes and the application of new technologies in teaching.

During the session, employees from Kibrit Tech, Pasha Bank, eiGroup, and Proxima Cyber touched upon the importance of acquiring skills in data science and artificial intelligence.

Participants exchanged views on the application of modern technologies in teaching, students' career preparation, and the program's compatibility with the digital environment.

At the end of the meetings, specific action plans for future improvements were agreed upon. The goal is to ensure that UFAZ students are fully prepared for international-level careers in both industry and academia.