Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

The scientific discoveries made by Professor Aziz Sancar in deciphering DNA codes, particularly in the unique field of DNA repair, have been highly recognized by the international community. The awarding of the Nobel Prize to the scientist in 2015 represented the presentation to the international scientific community of the path he had pursued over many years, beginning with his studies at Istanbul University and continuing through his work at the University of Texas and Yale University, as well as his research efforts and bold results.

President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli made these remarks during his speech at a scientific conference dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Honorary Member of ANAS, Nobel Prize laureate, Professor Aziz Sancar, held in the Great Assembly Hall of the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli warmly congratulated Nobel Prize laureate Aziz Sancar, Professor at the University of North Carolina and a prominent Turkish scientist, on behalf of the Azerbaijani scientific community and the staff of ANAS on being awarded the “Shohrat” Order by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The President of ANAS noted that the high appreciation shown by the head of state for the scientific activities and contributions of Aziz Sancar is of great importance for the development of scientific relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. At the same time, the award demonstrates the opportunities for Azerbaijani science to integrate into the world scientific community through Aziz Sancar.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that the awarding of the “Shohrat” Order to Aziz Sancar represents a path toward training and preparing his successors in the Turkic World and Azerbaijan, as well as devoted representatives who will follow this great path. He noted that the Azerbaijani scientific community is grateful to President Ilham Aliyev for his high appreciation of Aziz Sancar, a source of pride for the Turkic World.

Speaking about cancer treatment, the President of ANAS noted that various methodologies have been proposed in this field. He emphasized that Aziz Sancar opened an entirely new scientific direction in the biochemical treatment of cancer.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli recalled that in 2024, Aziz Sancar accepted the invitation of ANAS and visited Azerbaijan. A very memorable week was marked by a series of events under the name “Aziz Sancar Week”. During his visit, Aziz Sancar held meetings at ANAS, travelled to Nakhchivan, and met with scientists, researchers, teachers and students at Baku State University, Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), ADA University, Azerbaijan Medical University and other institutions. These meetings were a practical expression of his great contribution to Azerbaijani science.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that Aziz Sancar’s presentation entitled “Science Policy of the Turkic World: Realities and Challenges”, delivered before the public in the Great Assembly Hall of the Presidium of ANAS, demonstrated the priorities of science in Azerbaijan and the Turkic World, as well as the prospects for its future development. The comparison of the scientific processes taking place in the Turkic World with those in the People’s Republic of China, taking into account the full potential of the Turkic World and presenting the Chinese model through specific examples and figures, became an important starting point for scientists to reconsider and restructure their activities.

According to Academician Isa Habibbeyli, Aziz Sancar believes that scientists of the Turkic World can integrate with one another, work on joint projects, unite their efforts, strengthen the role and position of the Turkic World in 21st-century science, and advance by following China’s example. He emphasized that this constitutes Aziz Sancar’s concept and model for the development of science in the Turkic World.

The President of ANAS noted that the Academy maintains very close relations with Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Kirkuk. Relations with academic institutions and research organizations in the countries of the Turkic World are developing day by day. According to Academician Isa Habibbeyli, this is another example of Azerbaijani science contributing to the path opened and defined by Aziz Sancar.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli congratulated Aziz Sancar, Professor at the University of North Carolina in the United States, a son and representative of brotherly Türkiye and a Nobel Prize laureate who has demonstrated profound respect for his country, language and the Turkic World, on his 80th birthday and on being awarded the “Shohrat” Order. He wished the distinguished scientist good health and continued success.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli then brought to the attention of the participants the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on awarding Aziz Sancar the “Shohrat” Order.

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

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