Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 19 / Trend M.Aliyev /
The "First Republic Fair of Innovative Ideas of Young Scientists" has opened in Azerbaijan.
The event aims to identify the capabilities of academic youth, provide practical assistance in the implementation of interests and increase research activities and interests in the sciences, Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov said at the opening of the fair.
"During the fair, young scientists will become familiar with research conducted at the institutions of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)," Rahimov said.
He added that the sciences occupy a significant place in the life of every nation and the Azerbaijani government is holding a campaign to promote scientific activity among youth.
ANAS President Mahmud Karimov said it is encouraging that more than 100 young scientists are taking part in the fair.
"The fair will lead to Azerbaijani youth becoming more active in the sciences," Karimov said, adding that in recent years Azerbaijan has seen record levels fo youth activism in the sciences.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Azerbaijani Presidential Science Development Foundation Elchin Babayev said the fair may acquire a regional character in the future.
"We can also organize a forum for young scientists from Europe in the future," he said.
Stimulating creative activity in Azerbaijan is a national priority, Deputy Education Minister Irada Huseynova said. She noted that Azerbaijan has held extensive work in education and the sciences since the country gained independence in the early 1990s.
Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, Ambassador Roland Kobia said his organization considers education a priority area of its activities.
"The EU attaches special importance to capital investments in human capital, and from this point of view, we attach great importance to Azerbaijan," Kobia said.
The fair is organized by the Youth and Sports Ministry, ANAS Presidium, Azerbaijan Society for Young Scientists and postgraduate and masters students. The event will run until Nov. 23.
Scientists and young researchers of the institutions of ANAS, as well as other organizations attend the fair with scientific theses, articles and presentations.
Workshops on "Prevention ways of lands subject to erosion and protection of biodiversity in Azerbaijan" and "Integration into the world science: Increasing innovative activity of young researchers - organization of exchange of information" will be organized during the fair.
The event includes the conference on theme "Under the Science umbrella: Stimulation and re-production of intellectual capacity for the innovative development of young scientists and researchers", workshop "Green umbrella: Ecology and global climate changes and manifestations of these processes in Azerbaijan" for young scientists and researchers the round table talks on "The economic power of science: application ways of new ideas and inventions of young scientists and researchers in economy".
The First Business Plan Competition among young scientists and researchers, to increase application opportunities of the best scientific and innovative ideas and inventions in for economy - "Towards knowledge economy!" is expected to be held, as well. The winners will be awarded.
On the last day of a five-day event will be organized Eco-tour "for young scientists".
Participants will familiarize with mud volcanoes in the Garadagh district of Baku and presentations of young scientists conducting research in this area.