On April 1, a jubilee event dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Microbiology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and the 90th anniversary of Academician Mammad Salmanov, who made significant contributions to the development of this scientific institution, was held.
In advance, the conference participants visited the grave of great leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honors and laid wreaths and flowers at his grave. The graves of prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, well-known statesman Aziz Aliyev and prominent scientist, Academician Jalal Aliyev were also visited.
The conference was preceded by an exhibition dedicated to the scientific achievements of the institute for 50 years. The event commenced with the sound of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Opening the conference, Acting President of ANAS, Academician Arif Hashimov touched upon the importance of Microbiology in modern times. He said that along with the formation of successful human resources at the Institute of Microbiology for 50 years, important work has been done in the field of science. Arif Hashimov noted the great contribution of our prominent microbiologists to bringing the science of microbiology to the modern level of development, noting that Academician Mammad Salmanov was distinguished among these scientists for his contribution to our science, as well as his close participation in the establishment of the institute. He said that the scientific work of Academician Mammad Salmanov was closely connected with this institute. He worked here from the first day of its establishment and headed it for many years.
"As a result of successful state policy, Azerbaijan maintains its stability even during the turmoil and wars in the world," Hashimov said, noting that scientists have a great responsibility to maintain this stability and ensure the future development of the country.
According to him, in a world with a growing population and facing global challenges, ensuring food and nutrition security, as well as biological security is of vital importance. For this, it is important to conduct fundamental and applied microbiological research in various areas.
At the end of his speech, Academician Arif Hashimov congratulated the staff of the Institute of Microbiology on the 50th anniversary and wished everyone new achievements and creative success in the development of our microbiological science. He expressed confidence that relying on the experience gained by the institute and the existing staff potential, as well as the support of ANAS, it will continue to build its work effectively and mobilize all its forces to cope with the tasks.
Then, the vice-president of ANAS, Academician Irada Huseynova delivered a lecture on "Development of Microbiology science in Azerbaijan and the challenges of modern times."
The scientist spoke about the history of the origin and development of Microbiology, which is more than 100 years old. Noting that the anti-plague station was launched in Ganja in 1902, the vice-president said that for the first time research was carried out on pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases in humans and animals. He noted that the Department of Microbiology was established at Baku State University in 1935, and the fundamental development of microbiology was connected with ANAS. According to the academician, research on many areas of general microbiology in Azerbaijan has been conducted in small departments at the Institute of Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Zoology of ANAS for about 20 years.
