An article about the activities of Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), has been published on the website of “OpenAIRE,” one of Europe’s largest organizations supporting Open Science and Open Access initiatives.
Titled “The Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University Announces the Establishment of the First Open Science Center at the University,” the article states:
“In December, Professor Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, announced the establishment of the university’s Open Science Center. It is worth noting that the support provided by Professor Subhan Namazov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, to AzTU’s Library and Information Center in this area is undeniable. The Open Science Office will operate under the supervision of the university’s Rectorate within the Library and Information Center. This marks the first such initiative among higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, and according to the Rector, it is expected to play a major role in the development of Open Science activities across the country in the future.”
The center will carry out activities supporting Open Science and Open Access initiatives, complementing the efforts of Azerbaijan’s National Open Access Desk (NOAD). Its operations will be based on “OpenAIRE” policies and procedures, with a nationwide scope beginning in 2025.
The main goal of the Office is to work with AzTU’s academic staff, as well as representatives from other higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, in line with the 2025 action plan of OpenAIRE’s national representation. Based on OpenAIRE policy guidelines, the Office will serve as a hub to support the development of policies on Open Science, Open Access, digital repositories, and more, while also educating and informing the public.
The Open Science Center’s activities will include:
- Providing consultation on Open Access, Open Science initiatives, digital repositories, and related topics;
- Organizing online and in-person trainings, webinars, and seminars in relevant fields;
- Creating and regularly updating a dedicated section for the Open Science Office on the AzTU Library and Information Center website;
- Facilitating experience sharing and training in research data management;
- Raising awareness about open-source tools, open-access repositories, open-access databases, and other relevant resources.
During its first year, Azerbaijani representatives will primarily focus on spreading Open Science initiatives — including Open Access activities — within academic institutions, increasing awareness, and organizing webinars and training on the use of resources that support Open Access. One of the main goals of establishing the Open Science Office is to support initiatives that make academic content and scientific results accessible to everyone in Azerbaijan — a fundamental principle of Open Science that fosters the advancement of science and new discoveries.
It is worth noting that AzTU is the only Azerbaijani university that is a member of the OpenAIRE organization. The staff of the AzTU Library and Information Center also serve as the national representatives for Open Science in the country.
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