Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

The first specialized scientific research center in Azerbaijan in the field of next-generation materials is being established at Baku State University (BSU). A relevant decision has been adopted by the University’s Academic Council.

It was noted that against the backdrop of the rapid development of new technologies, advanced materials science has become one of the most priority areas of fundamental and applied research. The development and study of next-generation materials for high technologies, quantum technologies, energy conversion, and energy storage represent strategically important challenges. Research conducted in this field contributes not only to the advancement of fundamental science but also directly influences the formation of innovative, competitive technologies and sustainable energy solutions. In this context, the establishment of the Advanced Materials Science R&D Center at BSU is both scientifically and strategically necessary and expedient.

The main objective of the Center is to conduct high-level fundamental research focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced functional materials for quantum technologies and energy conversion, to expand international scientific cooperation, and to train young researchers and specialists.

Research on advanced materials is currently one of the fastest-growing areas in global science, enabling the discovery of functional materials with new physical and chemical properties. This opens new prospects for the development of energy, electronics, optoelectronics, sensor, and quantum technologies. In recent years, targeted and systematic research has been carried out at BSU in these directions, particularly in the preparation and study of materials for high technologies, quantum technologies, and energy conversion. These studies address актуal fundamental and applied problems at the intersection of condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, and materials engineering, fully aligning with the international scientific agenda. This demonstrates that a strong scientific foundation and practical experience already exist at the University for the establishment of a new research center.

Within the Advanced Materials Science R&D Center, the creation of two specialized research laboratories is planned: the Materials Design and Synthesis Laboratory and the Materials Physics Laboratory.

The Materials Design and Synthesis Laboratory will focus on structural and compositional design, theoretical modeling, synthesis, and crystal growth of new advanced functional materials. Research will include next-generation quantum materials such as topological insulators, Weyl semimetals, Kagome metals, and topological superconductors, as well as energy materials such as thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. The composition, crystal structure, and properties of these materials will be predicted using computational methods based on machine learning and electronic structure theory, followed by synthesis and crystal growth using modern techniques.

The Materials Physics Laboratory will investigate the structure–function relationships of newly synthesized materials and study their electronic, magnetic, optical, and topological properties from the atomic scale to the macroscopic level. Advanced experimental methods — including X-ray techniques, microscopy, spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements — along with first-principles calculations will be employed. A significant part of the research will be carried out within the framework of international collaborations, contributing to the expansion of scientific partnerships and the exchange of young researchers. In both laboratories, interdisciplinary research on materials for quantum technologies and energy conversion will be conducted in a coordinated manner.

The Advanced Materials Science R&D Center will be the first specialized research center in Azerbaijan dedicated to new materials for quantum technologies and energy conversion. Its activities will significantly contribute to positioning the country among the leading participants in global research in these fields and will strengthen multidisciplinary research in materials science at BSU, support the development of modern research infrastructure, and establish a strategic scientific platform.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)