Within the framework of the “Times Higher Education (THE) Eurasian Universities Summit” held in Baku with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, Baku State University (BSU) Rector Elchin Babayev participated as a panelist in the discussion titled “How Eurasian Universities Can Turn Science into a Driver of Regional Development.”

The panel, organized under the summit’s overall theme “Transnational Research: From Knowledge to Global Impact”, discussed the decisive role of science and innovation in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies.

In his speech, Rector Babayev highlighted BSU’s steps to align its scientific research strategy with regional and national development priorities. He emphasized that translating scientific results into practical solutions for global challenges such as climate change, public health, technological transformation, and socio-economic inequalities is among the university’s key objectives. He also underscored the importance of strengthening regional partnerships and international collaborations between universities to enhance innovation and research capacity.

Rector Babayev noted that supporting student-researchers’ initiatives helps them develop as transnational researchers within Eurasia’s knowledge economy. He further added that promoting sustainability in education and science in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a priority for BSU.

The panel included representatives from Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan, and other prestigious higher education institutions, who shared successful models of scientific development. Discussions emphasized the importance of translating research into practical, scalable solutions that directly contribute to regional progress.

BSU’s representation at this prestigious summit, both through the rector’s panel participation and the university’s exhibition stand, significantly enhances its international reputation, strengthens its leadership position in the Eurasian higher education space, and broadens the impact of science on regional socio-economic development.

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals