Academia and Innovation Forum was held at the University of California, Berkeley
According to AZERTAC, the two-day event was organized by the Azerbaijani Network of Academics, supported by the California Azerbaijan Friendship Society and the Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California, and hosted by the Azerbaijani Students Association at UC Berkeley. It brought together Azerbaijani scholars, researchers, PhD students working in various academic institutions across the United States, professionals employed in high-tech companies, American scholars and startup representatives, as well as participants from Azerbaijan working in education and innovation.
The aim of the Forum was to discuss challenges and opportunities in the fields of education and innovation, strengthen ties between academic circles and innovation experts in Azerbaijan and the U.S., and expand networking among Azerbaijani scholars and professionals.
At the opening, the head of the Azerbaijani Network of Academics, Sevinc Mammadova, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University, delivered remarks inviting academic and innovation participants in California—considered the hub of innovation—to fruitful discussions.
Later, distinguished speakers included Professor Marguerite Gong Hancock, a well-known figure in Silicon Valley, and Professor Michael Feuer, Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University.
On the first day of the Forum, various panels and “Power Talk” sessions discussed the role of academia in a changing world, the application of technologies in education, innovation ecosystems, and the development of research potential in Azerbaijan. On the second day, discussions focused on science serving public benefit, and presentations highlighted the individual contributions of Azerbaijani students and professionals in education, technology, and other fields.
At the conclusion of the event, Azerbaijani scholars and professionals presented their contributions to community development, shared real-life experiences, and outlined opportunities for future collaboration. A new platform was also introduced for those wishing to join such initiatives in the future.
Alongside the Forum, a gala dinner was hosted at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club. In addition to delicious cuisine, the evening featured national music performed by Azerbaijani musicians. Around 100 participants attended, and the organizers expressed gratitude to all partners who sponsored the Forum.
It should be noted that the renowned Azerbaijani scholar and founder of fuzzy logic theory, Lotfi Zadeh, served as a professor at UC Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from 1959 to 1991.
Source: azertag.az
