BSU Rector Outlines BSU’s Research Priorities at THE Eurasian University Summit
At the Times Higher Education (THE) Eurasian University Summit, held in Baku with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, Baku State University (BSU) Rector Elchin Babayev spoke at the panel discussion “How Can Eurasian Universities Transform Science into an Engine of Regional Development?”
Panelists examined the pivotal role of science and innovation in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies. In his address, Rector Babayev outlined the steps BSU is taking to align its research strategy with regional and national development priorities. He stressed that transforming research outcomes into practical solutions — addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, technological change, and socio-economic inequality — is among the university’s key objectives.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening regional partnerships and international cooperation between universities to enhance innovation potential. Supporting student research initiatives, Babayev noted, creates conditions for developing a new generation of transnational researchers within the Eurasian knowledge economy. He added that advancing education and science in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a top priority for BSU.
Representatives of Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan) and other higher education institutions also presented models of scientific development during the panel, which emphasized transforming research into scalable, real-world solutions to drive regional progress.
BSU’s active participation at this prestigious summit — through both its stand and the rector’s contribution as a speaker — marks an important step toward enhancing the university’s international standing, strengthening its leadership within the Eurasian higher education space, and expanding the impact of science on regional socio-economic development.
