A results-oriented and strategic cooperation platform based on the principle of “From discussion to commitment, from contact to collaboration”.
Attention !!! This concept and programme are currently a proposal
and must be fully developed and approved through discussions!
DRAFT
The First Forum held in 2024 was an important milestone in identifying the potential of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad and establishing initial contacts. In the period that followed, online meetings were held between the Executive Board and members of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists (WAAS) and the majority of universities that participated in the First Forum; priority directions were defined and coordinators were appointed for their implementation. The Second Forum aims, as the logical continuation of this process, to move cooperation to an institutional and strategic stage.
The main distinguishing feature of the Second Forum is that it is a cooperation platform focused on practical outcomes.
Objective of the day: identification of discussion topics and organisation of joint working discussions around those topics with representatives of universities and ANAS (main driving force). Topics are determined on the basis of directions reflected in cooperation memoranda or conceptual topics (Notes section, items A–F).
Objective of the day: continuation of meetings with university and ANAS representatives (main driving force), detailing of concrete projects, and preparation of cooperation agreements.
It would be more appropriate to hold the Forum in the building of ANAS located on Huseyn Javid Avenue. This venue is close to the Heydar Aliyev Memorial and the Alley of Martyrs, as well as to BSU, ATU and the institutes of ANAS. Given the traffic congestion in Baku, the need for participants to move from venue to venue is greatly reduced, thereby minimising loss of time.
Unlike the First Forum, it is recommended that joint discussions involve not only WAAS members but also up to twenty key leading staff members (driving force) of each rector and the President of ANAS. This approach will help organise discussions in a more purposeful and results-oriented manner.
Joint discussions are envisaged to take place around tables formed in mixed composition of participants from different specialisations — local specialists and WAAS members — on pre-defined conceptual topics.
Attention! The topics presented below are for illustrative purposes only. Alternative topics may be defined if necessary. It is advisable for members of the Executive Board, as well as representatives of universities and ANAS, to submit their own proposals on conceptual topics.
Development of artificial intelligence, data science and intelligent infrastructure; big data analytics; cloud and high-performance computing; digital twins; 5G/6G and future communication technologies; smart city and smart village concepts; IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions; readiness for quantum technologies; cybersecurity and national digital resilience.
Modernisation of the education system; global ranking strategies for universities; digital education and hybrid learning models; AI-supported personalised learning; lifelong learning and micro-credentials; development of academic leadership; international dual-degree and joint programmes; establishment of a research-oriented university model; scientific ethics standards and open science policies.
Biomedical research and genomics; national health information systems and e-health; personalised medicine; AI-based diagnostics; bioinformatics and biotechnology; drug research and clinical trial infrastructure; public health and epidemiological modelling; medical innovations for an ageing population; digital health and telemedicine.
Green energy strategies; renewable energy sources; energy storage technologies; smart-grid systems; climate change mitigation and adaptation; carbon neutrality policies; water resource management; circular economy; ecological restoration of war-affected areas; sustainable urbanisation and environmental monitoring.
Digital culture platforms; digitisation of national heritage; AI-based language technologies; mass translation systems; digital humanities; promotion of global Azerbaijani culture; media and information literacy; creative industries and the cultural economy; virtual museums and augmented reality applications.
Establishment of a national science fund and international models; innovation and start-up ecosystems; technology transfer and industry–university cooperation; grant mechanisms and joint international projects; science diplomacy and international networking; systematic integration of diaspora scientists; brain-drain prevention and return programmes; intellectual property rights and digital legal frameworks; evidence-based decision-making in science governance.
Holding the final session with the participation of all groups in the same venue is one of the key conditions for increasing the effectiveness of the Forum and presenting adopted decisions in a unified manner.
Redirecting participants to university or ANAS premises may cause additional loss of time. Therefore, a more efficient approach is considered to be for WAAS members and local partners — the main driving force groups — to continue all discussions at the venue where the Forum is held. This approach helps simplify logistics and strengthen coordination among working groups.