Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

On the occasion of International Museum Day (18 May), a series of scientific events titled “Archaeological Heritage and Museums” were successfully organized through the joint initiative of the Archaeology Training and Research Center, the Faculty of History of Baku State University (Baku State University), and the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve.

The events aimed to promote the protection of archaeological heritage, explore contemporary approaches in museology, integrate digital technologies into heritage studies, and enhance the practical skills of students in archaeological research.

The series began on 14 May 2026 with a scientific seminar held at the Faculty of History of Baku State University. The seminar highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and modern methodologies in archaeological research. Speakers emphasized the role of academic training in strengthening students’ research competencies and underlined the significance of museums in preserving and interpreting cultural heritage.

During the seminar, specialists from the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve delivered presentations on key topics, including the documentation of rock art, digitalization of cultural heritage, application of 3D modeling technologies, and inventory management of museum collections. These contributions highlighted the growing role of advanced technologies in safeguarding and studying archaeological assets.

The second phase of the program took place on 15 May at the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, where undergraduate students from Baku State University participated in a field-based educational program. The session included museum familiarization activities, scientific presentations, and an on-site archaeological excursion, allowing students to observe rock carvings and ancient settlement traces within their original landscape context.

Discussions covered a range of contemporary issues, including the role of social media and digital communication in museum outreach, the application of ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis in reconstructing human ancestry, the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies in modern museology, and the archaeological significance of Bəndovan ceramic findings associated with submerged medieval settlements along the Caspian Sea.

The program concluded with discussions on future collaboration between Baku State University and the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, including student internship opportunities, joint seminars, and interdisciplinary archaeological research projects.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)