Baku preparing for Science Festival

/AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan’s capital Baku will host first Science Festival on November 10-11.

Baku Science Festival will see extensive program of action aimed to stimulate public interest in science in Azerbaijan and to promote the scientific achievements of the National Academy of Science.

The program includes an exhibition on the discoveries of scientists of the country, as well as interesting lectures, and excursions to museums.

A number of events will be held as part of the program called " In science campus", in various institutes of ANAS, the Central Scientific Library, the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, Baku State Uniiversity, Azerbaijan Medical University and other scientific and educational institutions.

The festival will also organize trips for visitors to such museums of ANAS as National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. The event is open to the public.

"Baku Science Festival - 2014" is co-organized with assistance of the Baku Executive Power, Education Ministry, Communications and High Technologies Ministry, supported by the state oil company SOCAR and Azercell.

The inaugural festival will first cover Baku and if successful, it will be held around the country in the future.

The idea of holding the festival came from some developed countries, where holding such events is common and attracts more people to new technologies.

Azerbaijan, with about half of its 9.5 million population, is keen to attract youth to science and encourages scientific activities of students.

Earlier this year, the Education Ministry reported that students with high educational performance and engaged in scientific activities will be provided with nominal grants.

Moreover, successful students will be provided with free vouchers. This all is reflected in a provision on the research works of students of higher education institutions, approved by Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov.

Talented students will also be provided with opportunities to attend international competitions, conferences, and exhibitions at the expense of higher education institutions, conduct research works on a paid basis by a grant or contract.

All these measures are expected to contribute to scientific developments of the country.