UFAZ Alumnus Rashad Abbasov Successfully Defended His PhD at the University of Strasbourg

Rashad Abbasov, a 2022 graduate of the Geosciences program at the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ), successfully defended his PhD dissertation at the University of Strasbourg, France, on September 25, under the supervision of Dr. Marwan Fahs and Dr. Renaud Toussaint.

His research, titled “Hydro-Mechanical Modelling of Rainfall-Induced Landslides: Assessing Uncertainties, Model Simplifications, and Surface Tension Impact,” aims to improve the understanding and prediction of rainfall-triggered landslides through advanced hydro-mechanical modeling approaches. His work places particular emphasis on applying scientific research to strengthen knowledge and prevention of natural hazards.

Rashad’s doctoral studies were supported by the State Program on Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023, funded by the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

Before pursuing his PhD, Rashad earned a Master’s degree with distinction from UFAZ and a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU). During his academic journey, he was awarded several prestigious scholarships, including those named after Khoshbakht Yusifzade, Akif Alizade, and SOCAR internal scholarships.

UFAZ extends its warmest congratulations to Rashad on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes him continued success in his academic and professional endeavors.

It’s worth noting that 52 other UFAZ alumni are currently pursuing or have already completed their doctoral studies. Among them, four are preparing to defend their PhD dissertations in the near future.