UFAZ Holds the 5th Research Council Meeting

On June 19, the 5th meeting of the Research Council was held at the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ). The meeting was dedicated to discussions on the development of research activities at UFAZ, the expansion of international research collaborations, and support for young researchers.

The meeting was chaired by Associate Professor Dunya Babanly, chemistry lecturer at UFAZ and researcher-teacher at ASOIU. Participants included Associate Professor Vazeh Asgarov, Executive Director of UFAZ, Dr. Martin Godon, Secretary General of UFAZ, as well as research coordinators in computer science, geosciences, and chemical engineering from UFAZ, ASOIU, and the University of Strasbourg (Unistra).

Within the framework of the meeting, a scholarship programme funded by ASOIU for doctoral studies in France was discussed. The implementation mechanism of the programme, candidate selection process, contractual matters, and monitoring of doctoral students’ activities were reviewed. It was noted that the programme will enable UFAZ graduates to pursue doctoral studies at leading French universities and apply the knowledge gained in Azerbaijan in the future.

The Research Council also discussed the renewed Cotutelle doctoral programme planned to be implemented jointly by the French Embassy and ASOIU. The parties exchanged views on the programme’s implementation mechanisms, the organization of doctoral students’ education and research activities between the two universities, as well as the finalization of the cooperation agreement.

Another key topic of discussion was initiatives related to the development of postdoctoral researchers and young researcher-teachers. In this context, the implementation of postdoctoral programmes, identification of candidates, establishment of selection committees, and mentoring mechanisms were reviewed. Proposals concerning training programmes aimed at strengthening the scientific capacity of UFAZ and ASOIU, preparation for international grant projects, scientific article writing, and the development of laboratory skills were also presented.

During the meeting, projects submitted under the UFAZ Research Call 2026 were also evaluated. The final ranking and decisions of the selection committee were discussed, along with the allocation of funding, announcement of results, communication strategy, and the action plan for the implementation phase of the projects.

Members of the Research Council emphasized that the decisions taken would make a significant contribution to strengthening research activities at UFAZ, expanding international cooperation, and enhancing the university’s research potential.