The closing ceremony of the “R.M. 90” programming contest, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s first programmer, distinguished pedagogue, “Shohrat” Order laureate, and former associate professor of Baku State University (BSU), Ramin Mahmudzade, was held within the framework of the 49th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals.

In his opening speech, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev emphasized that in recent years, significant state-level measures have been taken to modernize and develop the field of information and communication technologies in Azerbaijan. He noted that computer and programming sciences are among the university’s priorities, with a modern Digital Research Laboratory operating at BSU. The rector recalled Ramin Mahmudzade’s contributions to the development of computer sciences in Azerbaijan and stressed that such contests play an important role in enhancing the country’s intellectual potential.

The ceremony continued with a speech by Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA). He highlighted Mahmudzade’s invaluable role in bringing ICPC competitions to Azerbaijan and noted that awarding the winners during the ICPC World Finals was both inspiring and motivating for future success.

Following this, a panel discussion on “From ICPC to the Digital Society” was held with the participation of Shahin Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the IDDA, and Afgan Abbasov, Director of a department at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. The session covered topics of technology and digital development and reflected on Mahmudzade’s teaching methods.

After the panel, the awards ceremony for the winners took place. Students of BSU, ADA University, and Baku Higher Oil School won first place; ADA University, Baku Higher Oil School, and National Aviation Academy students took second place; while BSU, Marmara University (Turkey), and France-Azerbaijan University students secured third place.

It should be noted that the “R.M. 90” programming contest was jointly organized by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, BSU, ICPC Azerbaijan community, and Caspian Event Organisers on August 8 at BSU. The competition brought together around 50 university students interested in programming, who solved special tasks within four hours.

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