UNEC Scholars in Belgium: Scientific Experience and New Collaborations at Ghent University
Efforts to advance science and expand international scientific integration at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) continue.
Within this framework, UNEC’s Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Rovnag Rzayev, and the Head of the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Associate Professor Tural Naghiyev, paid a two-week scientific visit to Ghent University, one of the leading higher education institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium.
The main purpose of the visit was to familiarize UNEC scholars with cutting-edge research conducted within Europe’s advanced scientific environment, to make use of modern laboratory facilities, and to further deepen existing scientific cooperation.
During the visit, the UNEC delegation became closely acquainted with research activities carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Solid-State Sciences at Ghent University and observed advanced analytical techniques applied there. New-generation nanoscale materials synthesized at UNEC were analyzed in various directions using Ghent University’s high-technology equipment. As a result of these studies, the physical and optical properties of the materials were examined in greater depth, and their potential applications in industry, engineering, and high-technology fields were assessed.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the achievement of concrete agreements on the preparation of joint scientific outputs between UNEC and Ghent University. At the initial stage, it is planned to publish two articles in high-impact international journals by mid-2026, with a total of at least five joint scientific articles to be prepared within the framework of this collaboration.
During the visit, appreciation was once again expressed to Professor Dirk Poelman, Head of the Department of Solid-State Sciences at Ghent University, who had previously participated as a keynote speaker at the 1st International Scientific-Practical Conference on “Current Issues of Engineering and Applied Sciences” held at UNEC. A commemorative plaque prepared in his honor was presented. At the same time, discussions were held regarding the participation of a broader Ghent University delegation in UNEC’s upcoming international conferences.
Belgian researchers were also provided with detailed information about UNEC’s international scientific journal JEAS, which is indexed in the Scopus database.
During the meetings, agreements were reached on continuing joint research between the relevant department of Ghent University and UNEC’s Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Composite Materials Research Center, as well as on the preparation of international grant projects and the organization of reciprocal scientific visits.