Rector of Baku State University (BSU), Elchin Babayev, participated in the panel discussion titled “The University of 2030 – What Will Your Institution Look Like?” as part of the “EduData Summit – 2025” event held in Singapore and organized by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based higher education services agency.

The session focused on current global transformations in higher education, their impact on university operations, new collaboration models with industry and tech companies, and ethically grounded applications of data transformation during the shift to AI-based digitalization. In his speech, Rector Babayev highlighted BSU’s strategic positioning during this transition, its goals, ongoing projects, and innovative initiatives.

He emphasized that, along with traditional teaching models, BSU is actively working to shape a flexible and digital education environment that addresses modern student needs, by expanding collaborations with industry, tech companies, and international academic institutions. He stressed the crucial role of AI-driven digitalization and the need to redesign universities not only as knowledge transmitters but also as institutions that nurture innovation-oriented human capital and contribute to societal development.

He also shared details about the Department of AI Ethics established at BSU, focusing on researching the deep side-effects of AI, and developing purposeful and responsible AI systems.

Alongside Rector Babayev, other speakers included Siok Siok Tan (Founder of Open Story), Khairul Rusydi (CEO of Reactor School), Aleks Farseev (Founder of SoMin.ai), and Laura Lightfinch (Strategic Content Manager at QS), who moderated the session. Discussions revolved around the role of AI in education, the rise of non-traditional learning formats, and future collaboration models and opportunities for universities.

BSU’s active participation in the international platform of EduData Summit – 2025 was recognized as a testament to the university’s growing reputation in global higher education and its strategic transformation aligned with evolving realities.

SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 16: Peace Justice and Strong Institutions SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals