Summer 1996 (4.2) Pages 21, 23   Azerbaijan's Academy of Sciences 50th Jubilee Founding Members of the Academy of Sciences in 1945. Left to right (Sitting): Samad Vurgun (Humanities), I. G. Esman (Energy), Uzeyir Hajibeyov (music), A. Alizade, M. Mirgasimov, I. Shirokogorov (Geology), A. Grosgeim (Botany), Mustafa Topchibashev (Medicine). (Standing): U. Mammadaliyev, M. Ibrahimov, Sh. Azizbeyov, G. Huseinov, M. Gashgayi, S. Dadashev (Architecture) and M. Huseinov (Architecture). Presidium Members of the Academy of Sciences (1996). Left to right (Sitting): N. A. Guliyev. Z.M. Bunyatov, Eldar Salayev (President), Mitad Abasov, Urkhan Alakbarov. (Standing): F. G. Maksudov, A. A. Nadirov, A. A. Zargarov, T. N. Shahtakhtinski, B.A. Nabiyev, Sh. Taghiyev, A. A. Alizade. Oil and Science have always walked hand-in-hand in Azerbaijan. The impetus for much of the scientific development came from the desire to extract and refine oil. And much of the early efforts to establish formal education in Azerbaijan was funded by the Oil Barons at the turn of the century. This year, the Academy of Sciences is celebrating their 50th Jubilee. The Institute was founded in 1945, though as early as 1929, the foundations were being laid for scientific research with the work of A. B. Hagverdiyev who established an institute for the study of natural sciences, biology, history, ethnography, linguistics, literature, arts, philosophy, Soviet and the Far East, Politics and Law. Structure of the Academy The Academy is the main scientific institution in the Republic. It plays a critical role in the study and development of the natural resources of Azerbaijan and the development of the economy and culture of the country. The Academy is comprised of six Departments: Physical, Mathematics & Technical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Language, Literature & Arts. Each Department, in turn, has various research institutes assigned to it. In all, there are 34 scientific research Institutes active within the Academy. Currently, the staff numbers more than 9,000, including more than 500 Post Graduate Doctorates and 2,200 Doctorates. Presently, the work of the Academy is directed by 42 Academicians and 63 Corresponding Academic members. Above: Interior entrance in the Presidium of the Academy of Science Building. Below: The Atrium to the President's office of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences. The Building dates back to the early 1900s by Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son, Ismayil, who died of tuberculosis in his youth. Built in the Venetian Gothic Style by the gifted Polish engineer, I. K. Ploshko, it took nearly six years to complete. Research Contributions to World Knowledge The Academy of Sciences plays a leading role in the Republic in undertaking fundamental research, creating new technologies and methodologies and in training highly qualified experts. Some of the scientific research carried out at the Academy has had an impact of international significance. Such projects include the solid state physics and semiconductors, mathematics and mechanics, petrochemistry, oil refining, crustal geology, the scientific basis for improving the productivity of arable and livestock farms. The Academy prides itself in having one of the largest scientific libraries in the country with more than 3 million books. Since independence, the Academy has sought to strengthen its international ties. Currently joint research projects are being carried out with scientists in the USA, Japan, France, Holland, Israel, Switzerland, Great Britain, Norway, Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and other countries. From Azerbaijan International (4.2) Summer 1996 © Azerbaijan International 1996. All Rights Reserved. Back to Index AI 4.2 (Summer 1996) AI Home | Magazine Choice | Topics | Store | Contact us