Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On October 22, a national scientific conference dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry named after academician M. Naghiyev and the 100th anniversary of prominent Azerbaijani chemist, academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski, opened at the Central Scientific Library of ANAS.

The event began with an exhibition showcasing the activities of the Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry and academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski.

Opening the conference, President of ANAS, academician Isa Habibbayli, stated that the Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry has gone through a challenging, responsible, and honorable path over the past 90 years and has made significant contributions to the development of chemical science in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that the Institute has achieved remarkable success and produced important scientific results during its nine decades of activity.

Academician Habibbayli noted that the fundamental research conducted at the Institute based on theoretical interpretation and analysis has drawn international attention to Azerbaijani science. He added that the Institute, which holds a distinctive place in the history of national science, is also recognized worldwide as a reputable scientific institution. The Institute has successfully elevated Azerbaijani scientific achievements to the global stage.

Speaking about the distinguished scientists raised by the Institute, the ANAS President highlighted the life and contributions of academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski, describing him as not only a great scholar but also a talented science organizer. He served for many years as academic secretary of the Division of Chemical Sciences of the Academy and as a member of the Presidium, playing an important role in the organizational and scientific development of ANAS.

Academician Habibbayli emphasized that major scientific schools were established at the Institute and that these traditions continue to evolve and strengthen.

He added that under the leadership of academician Dilgam Taghiyev, the Institute has entered a new stage of development, operating in line with the realities of independent Azerbaijan and the demands of modern global science. “Through modernization in response to the requirements of the time, the Institute’s operations have been restructured, research on current issues in chemistry expanded, and new scientific directions identified. The publications of the Institute’s researchers reflect their intellectual potential, their innovations in Azerbaijani science, and the Institute’s standing in the global scientific arena,” he said.

Concluding his speech, academician Isa Habibbayli congratulated the Institute’s leadership and staff on the jubilee and expressed confidence that new scientific achievements in the field of chemistry would continue to emerge from the institution.

Vice-President of ANAS and Director General of the Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, academician Dilgam Taghiyev, then delivered a report on the Institute’s activities and the life of academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski. He provided detailed information about the Institute’s establishment, research directions, its outstanding chemists, their inventions, international integration, training of new specialists, and priority research areas.

It was noted that the Chemistry Institute was founded in 1935 based on the chemistry and applied chemistry departments of the newly established Azerbaijan branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences Konstantin Krasuski, invited to Azerbaijan in 1929, became the founder and first director of the Institute. Over the years, the Institute was headed by Professor Mammadamin Afandi, Professor Shikhbala Aliyev, Corresponding Member of the Academy Shamskhal Mammadov, Corresponding Member Heydar Afandiyev, Academician Izzat Orucova, Corresponding Member Zulfiqar Zulfiqarov, Corresponding Member Telman Qurbanov, and Academician Ramiz Rizayev. After several structural changes, in 2014 the Institute received its current name in accordance with its main scientific directions.

Academician Taghiyev emphasized that the Institute has always enjoyed a leading reputation as a major scientific center both in Azerbaijan and abroad. Its scientists have conducted fundamental and applied research of significant scientific and practical importance, including studies on recirculation theory, optimization and modeling of chemical complexes, geochemistry, crystallochemistry, chemical kinetics and catalysis, corrosion protection of metals, colloid chemistry, inorganic materials, materials science, coordination compounds, processing of mineral raw materials, biomimetic catalysis, and macromolecular chemistry.

Highlighting recent accomplishments, academician Taghiyev noted the establishment of two international laboratories, a rapid increase in publications and citations in high-impact journals, the implementation of innovation-oriented projects, and ongoing research in prospective scientific areas that will shape the Institute’s future. From 2015 to 2025, the Institute’s staff published 1,800 papers (1,150 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science) and 95 books and monographs, including 14 abroad. Their works have been cited more than 19,000 times, with 100 national and Eurasian patents obtained and 34 grant projects (20 international) totaling AZN 4.5 million implemented. In 2023 and 2024, the Institute ranked among the eight Azerbaijani scientific organizations listed in the global SCImago database, which includes more than 9,000 research institutions.

He also noted that the results of the Institute’s research have been highly recognized by the state. Among the Institute’s staff, one person received the title Hero of Socialist Labor, one was awarded the Lenin Prize, one received the USSR Lenin Komsomol Prize, six received the State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR, three were awarded the Lenin Order, one the Order of the October Revolution, three the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, five the Order of the Badge of Honor, one the State Prize of the Republic of Azerbaijan, one the Order of Honor, and six the Order of Glory. Many were also awarded honorary titles such as Honored Scientist, Honored Science and Technology Worker, and Honored Teacher, as well as medals including For Distinguished Labor, Progress, the 100th Anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918–2018), and the 100th Anniversary of Heydar Aliyev (1923–2023).

Speaking about academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski’s meaningful life and his contribution to Azerbaijani science, Taghiyev recalled that his first monograph on oil, published in 1959, marked the beginning of his research career. For many years, he conducted fundamental studies in petroleum chemistry and chemical technology. His research covered hydrocarbon catalytic transformations in organic and petrochemical synthesis, chemical kinetics, catalysis, and theoretical foundations of chemical technology.

According to Taghiyev, Shahkhtakhtinski developed scientific and theoretical principles for modeling and optimizing complex chemical and technological systems. Alongside his prolific scientific work, he also played a vital role in training highly qualified personnel, supervising more than 60 PhD and doctoral dissertations.

Academician Dilgam Taghiyev added that Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski was honored with the Orders of Glory and Independence for his outstanding contributions to the development of Azerbaijani science.

Academicians Akif Alizadeh, Vagif Farzaliyev, Vagif Abbasov, academic secretary of ANAS Arif Hashimov, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education and Acting Rector of Sumgayit State University, Corresponding Member of ANAS Aminağa Sadigov, Rector of the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University Associate Professor Rufat Azizov, and representative of the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Professor Gulrukh Begjanova, congratulated the Institute’s staff and wished them continued success. The speakers also discussed Shahkhtakhtinski’s scientific legacy, noting his high reputation and his contribution to building a collegial atmosphere among chemists.

At the end, Emin Shahkhtakhtinski, speaking on behalf of the family of academician Toğrul Shahkhtakhtinski, expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants for honoring his grandfather’s memory.

The conference continued its work in sectional meetings.

It should be noted that the event will conclude on October 23.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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