Discussion at UNEC: “The model of science popularization in Azerbaijan”
On April 17, an event was held at UNEC on “The model of science popularization in Azerbaijan”.
Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, President of ANAS Academician Isa Habibbayli, the rector of UNEC Professor Adalat Muradov, MPs, rectors, well-known representatives of the country’s science, education, press, and public took part in the event.
Professor Adalat Muradov, the rector of UNEC, spoke about the importance of the topic and said that the rapid increase of different interest groups in society makes new approaches to the popularization of science inevitable. The Rector said that the discussions to be held will increase the interest of the young generation in science and attract new, young specialists to science. He also said that the popularization of science will increase the general level of awareness of society, will ensure the intellectualization of ordinary knowledge, and will be useful for the mass and individual citizens’ consciousness to adequately accept reality. The Rector pointed out that the Center for Popularization of Science was created at UNEC under the chairmanship of MP Etibar Aliyev, and expressed his confidence that the discussions will be useful in terms of the successful organization of the center’s activities.
The Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev spoke about the current problems and ways to solve them in the direction of popularizing science. The minister highlighted the importance of developing an interest in science from secondary school and increasing the efficiency of specialized institutes in the country. He also touched on the issues of society’s value to science and scientists, scientific ethics, and giving scientific names.
Academician Isa Habibbayli, president of ANAS, spoke about the role of media and social networks in popularizing science. I. Habibbeyli stated that there are negative trends in this direction and that educational activities related to science are not encouraging, and he also touched on the position of Azerbaijani science in the world rankings. He assessed the lack of academic profiles of the country’s scientists and the low number of references as factors that negatively affect the popularization of science. The academician noted that in order to increase efficiency in this field, work should be carried out in accordance with the priorities of international rating organizations.
Academician Vagif Abbasov, general director of the Institute of Petrochemical Processes of MSE, spoke about the role of outstanding scientists in popularizing science. The academician emphasized the importance of publishing popular textbooks and expanding relations with scientists living in foreign countries.
Professor of the Technical University of Munich, Honored Scientist Masud Efendiyev made a speech with the presentation on “The Model of Popularization of Science in Azerbaijan”. He spoke about the importance of creating a scientific and educational environment, as well as a national approach to science.
Member of Parliament and head of UNEC Science Popularization Center Etibar Aliyev informed about the center’s activities. He said that the center will carry out projects in the direction of preparation of scientific dictionaries, translation of popular books, promotion of scientific literature, as well as meetings with intellectuals and other important scientific events. In his speech, the deputy also emphasized the importance of creating a science popularization website.
MP, corresponding member of ANAS Musa Guliyev, Director General of the Institute of Information Technologies Professor Rasim Aliguliyev, Director General of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology Professor Ilham Mammadzade, Honored Journalist Professor Gulu Maharramli, Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics Professor Misir Mardanov, Professor Shahlar Asgarov made speeches at the event. They shared their views and voiced suggestions in the direction of popularizing science. During the discussions, the importance of disclosing scientific results to society, the creation of scientific journalism, integration of Azerbaijani science into the world were discussed, and the role of the press in conveying scientific achievements to society was emphasized.