On April 8, a meeting was held at Qarabağ University within the framework of ongoing cooperation with the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists (WAAS). This collaboration extends beyond the organization of individual events and holds significant strategic importance for the university’s integration into the international academic environment, the strengthening of its academic potential, and its development in line with modern higher education standards. It should be noted that during previous meetings between the parties, key areas of cooperation were identified, including the implementation of joint research projects, the establishment of modern laboratories, the organization of online lectures and seminars, the involvement of Azerbaijani scientists working abroad in the teaching process, as well as the organization of joint conferences, forums, and symposiums. A concrete action plan has been developed accordingly. In this regard, the meetings held serve as an integral part of WAAS’s systematic and continuous support for Karabakh University.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of WAAS, Azerbaijani mathematician based in Germany, Professor Masud Efendiyev, and a member of the association, Professor Saadat Karimi from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

It is worth noting that WAAS serves as a reputable platform that brings together Azerbaijani scientists working in different countries and channels their scientific potential into the higher education and research environment of the country. In this context, the organization’s cooperation with Qarabağ University is regarded as a significant contribution to the university’s scientific development.

Fariz Ahmadov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation at Qarabağ University, opened the event with welcoming remarks and emphasized the importance of cooperation with WAAS. It was highlighted that such partnerships play a crucial role in promoting scientific research, supporting the professional development of academic staff, and expanding international academic relations.

As part of the meeting, Professor Masud Efendiyev delivered a lecture on “Popularization of Science.” The lecture provided detailed insights into the role of science in society, ways to promote scientific knowledge among young researchers, and mechanisms for advancing science within universities. The discussion also addressed the use of modern technologies to disseminate scientific knowledge to a wider audience. Such contributions are seen as part of WAAS’s mission to promote science and encourage younger generations to engage in research.

Subsequently, Professor Saadat Karimi conducted a seminar titled “Higher Education Pedagogy: Theoretical and Practical Foundations of Teaching Professionalism.” The seminar offered practical recommendations on enhancing teaching effectiveness in higher education institutions, implementing pedagogical innovations, and utilizing modern teaching methods. These training initiatives are considered an essential component of WAAS’s systematic support aimed at strengthening pedagogical capacity at Qarabağ University.

In addition, Saadat Karimi presented certificates to instructors who successfully completed the participants of online seminar on “Higher Education Pedagogy,” organized in collaboration with the School of Education at Qarabağ University. During the certificate award ceremony, it was emphasized that the continuous professional development of educators plays a decisive role in ensuring quality in higher education.

Furthermore, within the framework of cooperation with WAAS, academic staff have been engaged in international training programs. One such program is the course titled “Higher Education Pedagogy and Flexible Learning,” organized by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. This program, valued at 15 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, is recognized as a high-level course covering higher education pedagogy, flexible learning approaches, and the application of modern teaching methods. Conducted over a six-month period from April to November 2025, such initiatives significantly contribute to enhancing the professional competencies of the academic staff at Qarabağ University, enabling them to adopt contemporary teaching methodologies and apply innovative pedagogical practices.

It was particularly emphasized that the academic staff of Qarabağ University stand out for their high level of professionalism, openness to innovation, and commitment to continuous development—factors that ensure the effectiveness of support provided by international scientific platforms such as WAAS.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties discussed future prospects for cooperation and reached an agreement to expand joint scientific projects, seminars, and training programs. It was noted that this model of collaboration between WAAS and Qarabağ University will not be limited to current initiatives but will, in the long term, significantly contribute to strengthening the university’s position in the international academic arena, as well as to the development of both faculty members and students.