Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On December 4, the international conference titled “Yusif Mammadaliyev: Science. Legacy. Innovations”, dedicated to the 120th anniversary of prominent chemist, State Prize laureate, Honored Scientist, academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, commenced its work.

Organized jointly by the Ministry of Science and Education and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the conference is devoted to the study of the scientific legacy of the eminent chemist, whose exceptional contributions played a pivotal role in the development of Azerbaijani science, and its reassessment in the context of contemporary perspectives.

At the outset, participants visited the Alley of Honor to pay tribute at the graves of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva. Wreaths and flowers were laid at the resting places of the National Leader and the distinguished ophthalmologist, and their cherished memory was honored with deep respect.

Subsequently, the participants visited the grave of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev and paid tribute to his memory.

Prior to the opening ceremony held at the Presidium building of ANAS, attendees viewed a photo exhibition dedicated to the life and work of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev.

The official opening ceremony of the conference began with the performance of the State Anthem.

A video dedicated to academician Yusif Mammadaliyev was then presented.

In the official opening session, Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev stated that Yusif Mammadaliyev’s scientific legacy is widely applied today in the chemical industry, research institutions, and higher education programs.

Emphasizing that the Ministry consistently takes steps to popularize science, strengthen the integration of science and education, and support a broad community of researchers, Emin Amrullayev noted that, within this framework, various events are being organized in academic and educational institutions on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev. These events provide extensive information to the public, scholars, and students about his life and scientific activity, while students are assigned research tasks on relevant topics.

He added that the establishment of various research grants, scholarships, and other instruments supporting young scientists under the name of Yusif Mammadaliyev would significantly contribute to the continuous preservation of his legacy.

According to the Minister, the introduction of scholarships and various fellowship programs for young scientists from both Azerbaijan and abroad in the coming years will help convey the name of Yusif Mammadaliyev to the new generation in the most accurate form and will also foster the development of globally influential scientific initiatives.

Emin Amrullayev emphasized that, starting next year, a chemistry olympiad named after Yusif Mammadaliyev is planned. This olympiad will cover students from both Azerbaijan and regional countries, marking an important initiative.

Addressing the audience next, ANAS President, academician Isa Habibbayli, stated that 2025 is notable for several historic events for the Azerbaijani scientific community. He noted that, earlier this year, the 130th anniversary of academician Mustafa Topchubashov, one of the legends of Azerbaijani medicine, was celebrated by Presidential decree. He also pointed out that on November 3, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences was celebrated at a high level. In his programmatic speech at the jubilee meeting, the Head of State outlined the roadmap for the future work of Azerbaijani science and its scholars.

The ANAS President added that today, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the 120th anniversary of world-renowned chemist academician Yusif Mammadaliyev is being celebrated. He stressed that, thanks to the state science policy and support initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani scholars contribute to the country’s progress through their creative work. On behalf of all conference participants, academician Isa Habibbayli expressed profound gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his constant attention to Azerbaijani science, scholars, the legacy of historical scientific figures, and the tradition of cultivating new scientific generations.

Academician Isa Habibbayli stated that Yusif Mammadaliyev’s scientific legacy has always been highly valued by the country’s leadership. He recalled that National Leader Heydar Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the scientist’s monument and delivered an extensive address, while President Ilham Aliyev, in his Decree on the 120th anniversary, described him as a brilliant figure of Azerbaijani science and a scholar who laid the foundations of petrochemistry in Azerbaijan. He also noted that in 2005, during a UNESCO event marking the 100th anniversary of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva highly praised his scientific contribution, remarking that “Yusif Mammadaliyev lived several lives within a single lifetime.”

“Yusif Mammadaliyev entered the history of Azerbaijani science as the founder of the petrochemical school. He was the first to conduct essential research on the chlorination of petroleum gases, the use of halogenated compounds in various fields, and halogenation processes. He discovered high-octane aviation fuel, which played a historic role in the Soviet Union’s victory during World War II. He also achieved major scientific results in alkylation related to petrochemistry and oil refining. Moreover, Yusif Mammadaliyev uncovered the secrets of Naftalan oil, explaining its essence on a scientific basis—an achievement that continues to benefit patients at the Naftalan Health Center today,” academician Isa Habibbayli emphasized.

Academician Isa Habibbayli noted that Yusif Mammadaliyev also made exceptional contributions to the development of the humanities and social sciences, as well as the Azerbaijani language, literature, history, and culture. As President of ANAS, he consistently guided the expansion of research in these areas. During his leadership, the Manuscripts Fund and the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory were established, and significant studies were conducted on the Gobustan monuments and the epic “Kitabi-Dede Qorqud.”

The ANAS President also stated that academician Yusif Mammadaliyev always prioritized the integration of science and education in Azerbaijan, noting that during his years as rector of Baku State University, he consistently worked to ensure that scientific achievements were tested in practice.

Academician Isa Habibbayli added that both academician Yusif Mammadaliyev and academician Mustafa Topchubashov were nominated for the Nobel Prize for their scientific achievements of that time, but the Soviet leadership’s reserved stance prevented this.

In conclusion, academician Isa Habibbayli stated that Yusif Mammadaliyev’s scientific legacy, historical contributions, inventions, and life achievements form a rich heritage that continues to inspire the training and future work of young specialists. He wished success to the conference.

Next, Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis, academician Rafael Huseynov, highlighted notable moments from Yusif Mammadaliyev’s life. He noted that Yusif Mammadaliyev was deeply devoted to culture and spoke about his close and warm friendships with prominent cultural figures such as Bulbul, Samad Vurghun, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli. He emphasized that these connections reflected his sensitivity and genuine love for culture.

President of the International Turkic Academy, academician Shakhin Mustafayev, stated that dozens, perhaps hundreds, of world-renowned scholars are emerging within Azerbaijan’s public and intellectual environment, following the path paved by academician Yusif Mammadaliyev. Stressing the vital role of Mammadaliyev’s enlightened ideas in advancing the Azerbaijani people along the path of science and progress, he affirmed that the International Turkic Academy is ready to contribute to the development of both Azerbaijani science and the science of the Turkic world, its peoples, and its states.

Greeting the conference participants, ANAS corresponding member Sevda Mammadaliyeva, the daughter of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, emphasized that the services of her father have always been highly appreciated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and that President Ilham Aliyev continues to treat his memory and legacy with great sensitivity. Expressing her deep gratitude for the high respect shown toward her father’s memory, she thanked all organizers and participants of the jubilee conference. She noted that Yusif Mammadaliyev’s life path lives on as an idea, a school, and a value, and that today hundreds of scholars and numerous educational efforts continue this legacy.

Within the framework of the conference, video messages from Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, were presented.

After the speeches, a documentary film dedicated to the life and scientific activity of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev was screened.

Following this, several local and foreign scientists were awarded the “ANAS Yusif Mammadaliyev Badge” and the “ANAS-80” badge.

After the official opening ceremony, the conference continued with panel discussions.

On the first day, panel sessions were held with the participation of renowned scholars representing various scientific centers around the world on the topics “Scientific, Pedagogical, and Organizational Activity of Yusif Mammadaliyev: Contribution to the Development of Azerbaijani and World Science,” “Modern Challenges in Chemistry: Continuity and Innovations,” and “Scientific Legacy and Horizon of the Future.”

It should be noted that the conference will continue tomorrow.

On the second day of the conference, participants are scheduled to visit the monument of the academician in Nakhchivan, as well as the Yusif Mammadaliyev House-Museum.

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

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