The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Dr Fateh Boutbig, and his delegation visited the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory during their official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, exploring opportunities for cooperation with African universities and research institutions. The tour followed a series of high-level parliamentary diplomacy engagements, cultural exchanges and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and the African continent.
Founded in 1959 and named after the renowned Azerbaijani astronomer and mathematician Nasiraddin Tusi, the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory is one of the Caucasus region’s leading astronomical research institutions. Located in the Pirqulu Mountains, where high altitude and relatively low light pollution provide favourable conditions for observation, it has contributed to research on stars, the Sun, galaxies, comets and other celestial bodies.
During the visit, Dr Boutbig discussed the potential establishment of partnerships between the Observatory, Azerbaijani universities and African higher-education and research institutions. Such cooperation could expand educational and professional opportunities for African students, academics and researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, space science, data analysis and related disciplines.
Potential areas of collaboration identified included short-term training programmes, undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities, research internships, scholarships, academic exchanges, joint research projects, online lectures and institutional capacity-building initiatives for African universities.
“Partnerships of this nature can open new pathways for African students and researchers to acquire specialised knowledge and participate in cutting-edge scientific research,” said Dr Boutbig. He emphasised that strengthening collaboration between academic and scientific institutions in Azerbaijan and Africa would help nurture a new generation of African scientists while expanding access to specialised education and research opportunities.
Read the original release on pap.au.int
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