An international conference titled "Advanced Materials for Solving Biomedical and Ecological Problems" and the opening ceremony of the "I BSU School on Green and Sustainable Science and Education" were held at Baku State University (BSU), dedicated to the 105th anniversary of BSU and the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World." The event was jointly organized by BSU and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

The ceremony began with the national anthem. A minute of silence was observed in honor of the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who lost their lives for the liberation of our lands.

In his opening speech, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev stated that Baku State University, with its 105 years of history, has played a significant role in organizing and developing scientific research activities as Azerbaijan's first higher education institution and center of science. One of the university's priorities is to organize scientific research, build infrastructure that meets modern requirements, and expand international cooperation. BSU hosts modern laboratories, research centers, and institutes for the effective organization of scientific research, which is why it maintains its leadership position in the development and organization of scientific research. He emphasized that international collaboration, especially the partnership with ICESCO, plays a special role in these successes. "The Biomedical Materials Department, established with the support of ICESCO, has become a crucial center for scientific research. The research conducted in this department has led to significant results in the medical applications of biomaterials and the integration of modern technologies in solving human health and ecological problems."

Rector Babayev further noted that under the cooperation with ICESCO, BSU aims to conduct international-level research in biomedical materials and other advanced technologies, ensure the participation of students and young researchers in ICESCO's training programs, implement projects that promote the application of modern scientific technologies in the region, and collaborate on solving ecological problems and achieving sustainable development goals. The implementation of new joint initiatives, such as organizing international conferences with ICESCO's support and publishing collaborative articles in high-impact scientific journals, is also planned. Among the key projects are networking regional scientific centers and applying innovative technologies for sustainable development. He added that BSU is also working to deepen its cooperation with ICESCO in the fields of education and culture, particularly in the areas of cultural heritage preservation, the application of digital technologies in education, and preparing the younger generation for global challenges. "Deepening cooperation with ICESCO will contribute not only to BSU's development but also to strengthening Azerbaijan's scientific and educational potential. I am confident that our joint efforts will lead to even greater successes in science, education, and culture."

Rector Babayev emphasized that applying modern approaches to the organization of science in Azerbaijan is of great importance. Developing universities as scientific research centers and engaging students in scientific activities strengthens the integration of science and education. He believes that the "Advanced Materials for Solving Biomedical and Ecological Problems" international conference and the "I BSU School on Green and Sustainable Science and Education" will be beneficial not only for Azerbaijan but also for the participants from Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Bulgaria.

A video message from Mohammad Sharif, Senior Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General on Science and Technology, was then played.

Yusuf Baran, Rector of Izmir Institute of Technology, noted that over recent decades, universities have become centers that not only teach knowledge but also lay the foundation for technological and economic development. He emphasized the crucial role of industrial revolutions in the rapid changes in the world and how universities lead this development. He also highlighted that research in biomedical fields plays an important role in solving global ecological problems and wished success for the conference.

Academician Irada Huseynova, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Rufat Azizov, Rector of Sumgayit State University; Orkhan Isayev, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Azerbaijan Medical University; Milka Mileva, Professor at the Stefan Angelov Microbiology Institute in Bulgaria; Sholpan Abzxanova, Head of the Department of Biotechnology at Almaty Technological University in Kazakhstan; and Ismail Turkkan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at Yaşar University in Turkey, all spoke about how the conference and the "I BSU School on Green and Sustainable Science and Education" address global challenges related to climate change, ecological problem-solving, and the development of biomedicine. They also emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and experience exchange among universities, especially for young researchers, from different countries.

During the plenary session, Yusuf Baran delivered a presentation on "Drug Resistance in Cancer," and Professor Ülviyya Hasanova, Head of the ICESCO Biomedical Materials Department at BSU, spoke on "The ICESCO Biomedical Materials Department: Science and Research Based on International Cooperation."

The conference continues with sessions held in smaller groups.