A Republican Scientific Conference on the topic "Modern Problems of Ecological Chemistry and Environmental Protection" is being held at Baku State University (BSU) to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the university and the 20th anniversary of the Department of Ecological Chemistry.

The conference began with the National Anthem, followed by a one-minute silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our lands.

In his opening speech, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev stated that Azerbaijan is actively taking a position on global energy security, combating the climate crisis, and developing strategic mechanisms for the transition to a "green economy." The "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, includes "Clean Environment and the Country of Green Growth" as one of the five key priorities. Hosting the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's Conference of the Parties (COP29) and the subsequent adoption of significant decisions is a great success for Azerbaijan. The declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" in Azerbaijan will accelerate the country’s efforts toward achieving its environmental goals.

The rector emphasized that in recent years, the university's research on environmental protection and combating climate change has expanded, with projects being implemented to increase ecological awareness and responsibility. BSU has an Ecology and Soil Science Faculty, consisting of five departments, and the Scientific Research Laboratory on Ecological Chemistry and Environmental Protection, within the Research, Development, and Innovations Excellence Center. The university continuously improves and develops its scientific-pedagogical potential and infrastructure to solve ecological problems. In 2024, the ECOLEAD Clinic was established under BSU in collaboration with the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to investigate illegal acts against environmental protection and prevent legal violations in this area. Students are involved in preparing projects on "green energy" and "green technologies," which are presented at various international events. The opening of "Eko Mekan" at the university is of great significance in teaching students new innovative methods related to "green energy," "green food" production, and the formation of a "green atmosphere."

The rector noted that the Department of Ecological Chemistry, one of the most productive among BSU's 121 departments, was founded in 2004 under the leadership of academician Rafiga Aliyeva. Since its establishment, the department has been led by Professor Sevinc Hacıyeva. The department’s research on the ecological and chemical studies of the ecological state of the Karabakh region, Eastern Zangezur, Absheron lakes, and the Kura River is of great importance. Extensive research is being conducted on the synthesis of corrosion-resistant new organic compounds, new methods of wastewater treatment, and the determination and separation of certain heavy metal ions. More than 35 textbooks and study guides, as well as over 550 scientific works, have been published by the department.

Dean of the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science, Akif Aghababali, reviewed the history of the Department of Ecological Chemistry and provided information about newly created specialties and specializations. He highlighted that the department has the highest number of doctoral admissions within the faculty. Doctoral students and young researchers are actively involved in the teaching process. Akif Aghababali also mentioned that over 206 scientific articles from more than 30 organizations were submitted to the conference, with 178 of them accepted for publication.

Professor Sevinj Hajiyeva, Head of the Department of Ecological Chemistry, spoke about the department’s history, educational and scientific activities, and international relations. She emphasized that the foundation of ecological chemistry in Azerbaijan was laid by academician Rafiga Aliyeva. Since its establishment in 2004 under her initiative, the department has contributed significantly to training professionals in this field. Since 2011, it has been operating within the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science. Over the past 20 years, the department has trained professional personnel for Azerbaijan and other countries, with 26 PhD graduates and 7 doctoral degree holders. The department has received 23 patents and won 7 grant projects. Recently, there has been a special focus on the synthesis of corrosion-resistant new organic compounds, the development of new methods for wastewater treatment, and scientific research in the field of chemical ecology. Currently, the department’s researchers are working on the ecological and chemical investigation of the environment in the liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.

Academician Irada Huseynova, Vice President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Vagif Farzaliyev, Director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Academician Islam Mustafayev, Director of the Institute of Radiation Problems, and Academician Vagif Abbasov, Director of the Institute of Oil and Gas Chemistry and Chemical Processes, all congratulated the Department of Ecological Chemistry on its anniversary and wished success in its activities for environmental protection, ecological literacy, and "green education" in the country.

The conference will continue today and tomorrow with nine section meetings.