The next meeting of the Scientific Council was held online at Sumgayit State University on March 18. Rector of the University, Chairman of the Scientific Council, Professor Elkhan Huseynov first congratulated the staff and students of the university on the upcoming Novruz holiday, conveyed his best wishes and informed them about the issues on the agenda.

Faig Shirinov, Director of the Teaching Methodological Center, spoke about the state of distance learning in the spring semester at SSU, noting that the spring session of the 2020/2021 academic year continues in online format in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Necessary measures have been taken by the university administration and relevant departments for the successful organization of the educational process. Online classes are held according to the traditional class schedule. Student participation in classes is high. Classes are supervised by dispatchers appointed by the Teaching Methodological Center.

Then deans of the faculties also spoke on the subject and gave detailed information about the course of classes in the spring semester. They noted that during the Coronavirus pandemic, the university staff, mobilizing all its resources for the systematic and successful organization of distance learning, is successfully implementing continuity in education.

Speaking about the action plan for the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan of SSU, Scientific Secretary Professor Mukhtar Samadov noted that by the order of the rector No. R-06/1 dated 05.02.2021, a working group was established to fulfill the tasks envisaged in the Strategic Development Plan of Sumgayit State University and to develop an Action Plan for the perspective development of the university. The proposals submitted by all the heads of the structures were analyzed by the working group and the Action Plan for 2021 was defined in accordance with the Strategic Development Plan.

Then the provisions of the Action Plan were brought to the attention of the members of the Scientific Council. Taking into account the proposals made during the discussions, the Action Plan was adopted unanimously by open ballot.

Speaking about the state of preparation for the scientific conferences to be held at the University, the head of the Scientific Department, Associate Professor Samir Orujov said that it is planned to hold Republican scientific conference in April 2021, on "Azerbaijan Republic 1991-2021: restoration of state independence, economic and socio-cultural development" (dedicated to the 30th anniversary of restoration of state independence), International Scientific Conference on "Problems of sustainable development of the economy in the information society", the Republican Scientific Conference on "Modern Problems of Chemistry" in April, in October the Republican scientific conference "Language, Personality and Society", in November the II Republican scientific conference on "Actual issues of staff training in energy specialties", the II International Scientific Conference on "Prospects for Innovative Development of Chemical Technology and Engineering", Republican scientific conference on "Regional Economy: modern aspects and current issues" in December.

Afterwards Professor Ramazan Mammadov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations, informed about the application of the supplement to the monthly salaries of the members of 3 Dissertation Councils and Scientific Seminars operating under them at SSU. He noted that paragraph 4.3 of the "Regulations on the procedure for awarding academic degrees" approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated June 11, 2019 and "Approved by the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated October 29, 2019 Based on paragraph 2.27 of the "Instruction on the establishment and organization of the activities of dissertation councils", it is expedient to pay additional salaries to members of 3 Dissertation Councils and scientific seminars operating at SSU. Then it was decided to pay additional salaries to the members of the Dissertation Councils and Scientific Seminars.

Scientific Secretary Professor Mukhtar Samadov noted that the staff of the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology applied to the Rector in connection with the filing of a petition before the SAC on awarding the title of Associate Professor for the scientific and pedagogical activity of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Sever Mirzayeva, on awarding the title of associate professor for scientific and pedagogical activity to Sevinj Karimova, Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, on awarding the title of Associate Professor for scientific and pedagogical activity to Aygun Aliyeva, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, employee of the Department of Finance and Accounting and the documents were submitted to the Scientific Council with the instruction of the rector.

Following the discussions, it was decided to apply to the SAC for the title of associate professor of all three employees based on the results of a secret ballot.

Thus, the meeting of the Scientific Council ended.