Social and political sciences in context of modern challenges: roles of think tanks, academic research, and universities discussed

The Social Research Center hosted a roundtable dedicated to President Ilham Aliyev’s address delivered at the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). The event focused on the theme “Social and Political Sciences in Context of Modern Challenges: Roles of Think Tanks, Academic Research, and Universities.”

Participants discussed the key challenges facing social and political sciences today, the need to align research activities with state policy, the place of scientific inquiry in shaping strategic decisions, and the responsibilities of the academic community amid global developments. Speakers emphasized that developing research-oriented universities is essential for improving the quality of higher education and supporting the growth of an innovative economy. They noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s clear articulation of the responsibilities facing higher education and the scientific community provides an important basis for future legislative initiatives. He also underlined that universities are not only centers of learning but places where national ideas, technological progress, and social innovation take shape.

Participants highlighted that contemporary scientific progress depends on close cooperation between think tanks, academic institutions, and universities. Scientific work, they stressed, should aim not only at producing results but also at contributing to national security, economic independence, and technological sovereignty.

Other participants noted that President Ilham Aliyev placed particular emphasis on the importance of protecting the Azerbaijani language. He stated that safeguarding the purity of the language is a responsibility shared by every citizen. According to the President, the state, scholars, linguists, writers, poets, journalists, and political figures all need to approach this issue with serious attention. He recalled raising this concern a decade ago, after which the necessary measures were taken, and added that neglecting the language could weaken national identity.

The President also drew attention to the country’s historical and cultural heritage. He stressed that the preservation of national values across the territory inhabited by the Azerbaijani people for centuries was made possible through the language. He noted that, in some cases, external interference affects the language without any justification. He added that scholars should help address this issue and set an example for future generations.
The event also included an assessment of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences’ 80 years of work. Speakers noted that the Academy has played a leading role in the country’s scientific development. They recalled that National Leader Heydar Aliyev consistently supported scholars, strengthened the Academy’s activities, and established new research institutes. President Ilham Aliyev remarked that the foundations of today’s scientific potential were laid during that period.

President Ilham Aliyev also underscored the importance of advancing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and both industrial and defense technologies. He stated that artificial intelligence has already become an integral part of countries’ future development and stressed that Azerbaijani scientists must remain active in this field and avoid falling behind. The President additionally highlighted the significance of renewable energy and geological exploration, drawing particular attention to work underway in the territories liberated from occupation.

In his remarks, the President placed particular emphasis on the study and promotion of Azerbaijan’s history. He stated that young people should be well-versed in the nation’s rich past and help share it internationally. He noted that research and public communication on the history of Azerbaijani statehood must be grounded in solid academic work. He added that countering distortions and falsifications of history is one of the key responsibilities of scholars and civil society institutions.

The discussion also addressed the preservation of place names. The President stressed that the vast majority of toponyms in Western Azerbaijan originate from Azerbaijani sources. He recalled that historical documents from the period of the Russian Empire also confirm this fact. He added that comprehensive research, along with books and informational materials, should be prepared so that both younger generations and the international community have access to accurate information.

The event also included an in-depth discussion of President Ilham Aliyev’s emphasis on technological development in the post-war period. The President noted that modern science forms the foundation of the country’s strategic progress in the economy, industry, and governance. He added that the integration of scientific results into the real sector is one of the main indicators of national development.

Participants emphasized that the strategic priorities identified by the President strengthen Azerbaijan’s scientific potential. They noted that these priorities should guide the work of young researchers, university faculty, and academics.

At the end of the event, speakers highlighted that scientific work is both a source of knowledge for young scholars and a key pillar of national progress. They also stressed that President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the scientific community should remain a point of reference for all researchers.

 stm.az