2024 was a landmark year for Sumgayit State University (SSU). The university has achieved significant successes in many areas, from international cooperation to academic results. Rector of SSU Rufat Azizov commented on these achievements and highlighted the main factors that influenced their achievement  According to the rector, the location of SSU in Sumgayit brings the university closer to the world of industry and business. This provides an opportunity to take advantage of industrial potential and favorable environment of the city. High-level meetings with foreign professors and guests visiting the university, organized with the support of the Sumgayit city executive authority, have increased the international reputation of SSU. The continuous support of state and private institutions in the city, the organization of internship programs for students, and the involvement of professionals from industry in teaching have made a significant contribution to the development of the university.

   Rector Rufat Azizov, who highly appreciated the successes of SSU in 2024, specially presented the ten most outstanding of these achievements:

 

1. The Rector first noted that the success achieved by SSU in the international arena on the 75th anniversary of Sumgayit is a great milestone for both the city and the university. Then the rector emphasized that the university ranks 483rd in the QS European University Rankings among more than 5,000 universities in Europe, adding that this result is 31st among West Asian universities and 5th in the overall ranking within Azerbaijan. The rector stated that the rise of SSU to the top as the first regional higher education institution to be included in this ranking is one of the most magnificent and proud moments in the history of university.

 

2. Stressing that cooperation of SSU with Oxford University is the second important event of the year, Rufat Azizov specifically noted active participation of SSU in COP29, held in our country this year at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev. The rector stated that for this purpose, SSU has implemented two important projects with Oxford University. One of them is the ‘School of Climate Change’, within the framework of this project professors from Oxford University came to SSU and conducted trainings for nearly 30 specialists from industry and higher education institutions. The second project was the ‘Climate Change Problems’ project competition, and 1,035 projects from 58 countries were submitted to this competition, the rector said, adding that the final stage of the project was held in Baku within the framework of COP29 and the winners were jointly awarded. He noted that it was gratifying and proud that within a few months, the SSU logo, together with Oxford, was featured on various social networks and in local and international media.

 

3. The rector noted that the third important event is the presentation of programs with new content. He emphasized that SSU has succeeded in opening SABAH groups for the first time, stating that SABAH groups have been organized at 3 master"s and 1 bachelor"s levels, and noted that these groups are important in terms of new content and quality of teaching. The rector said that these programs are already starting to be felt and that the increase in SABAH groups will encourage the admission of students with high scores to SSU. At the same time, he also informed about the start of teaching in English in two specialties and the launch of 3 MBA programs for the first time.

4. The rector noted the fourth important event was the support of the private sector. He emphasized that a new content Chemical Engineering master"s program was organized jointly with BP and that for the first time, SSU received 340 thousand AZN financial support from BP for the construction of laboratories. The rector stated that the renovation of 5 laboratories has already begun. At the same time, he added that 2 computer laboratories (45 computers purchased) have been renovated with the support of Kapital Bank, and that SOCAR Polymer, STP, Azerkimya, and Nobel Energy companies have supported the organization of various events at SSU.

5. The rector stated that the renovation of 5 laboratories has already begun. At the same time, he added that 2 computer laboratories (45 computers purchased) have been renovated with the support of Kapital Bank, and that SOCAR Polymer, STP, Azerkimya, and Nobel Energy companies have supported the organization of various events at SSU. The rector noted that SSU teachers were closely acquainted with STP production lines and their technical indicators. He added that they are currently preparing for a pilot project on ‘topic-based’ teaching. He also emphasized that STP has provided financial support for various events throughout the year.

6. The rector noted that the sixth important event was a significant improvement in admission results. He noted that the number of students has approached 6,500, the number of those who scored more than 500 points and were admitted to SSU has increased 20 times, and the number of those who scored more than 400 points has increased more than 4 times, reached to 206 people. He also emphasized that students who scored more than 600 points also chose SSU.

7. As the seventh important event, the rector noted the development of science at SSU. He stated that as a result of the promotion of science and continuous training, the number of articles published in impact factor journals during the year was 46, which is 35% more than last year. The rector noted that this rapid dynamics will result in more articles and strengthening of international rankings in the future.

 

8. As an eighth event, the rector emphasized the international mobility of students and teachers. He noted that this year, teachers from Turkiye, mainly from the Middle East Technical University, have been coming to SSU every week during the academic year and that students have been given project-based training on innovations. The rector noted that students have been studying in Turkiye for one semester and that guest students from 10 Russian universities have been attending short-term courses. He also noted that SSU teachers and staff have been participating in conferences, exhibitions, lectures, competitions and trainings in more than 20 countries, that international grant applications and scientific publications have increased, that agreements have been signed with 12 foreign universities and that joint projects have been implemented. The brother particularly emphasized the development of relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

9. As a ninth event, the rector noted positive changes related to foreign students. He reported that the number of foreign students has almost doubled to 46, students from new countries have been attracted, and a scholarship program for foreign students has been announced for the first time. At the same time, he added that teaching in English has begun.

10. The tenth important event concerns internal issues. The Rector noted that content renewal, curriculum optimization and structural renewal are being implemented rapidly. He stated that they have revealed the potential of employees and attracted new employees, increasing salaries by an average of 20%. He emphasized that student-oriented activities have been increased, a student-oriented environment has been created at SSU, and the Center of Excellence, the Center for Sustainable Development and numerous student clubs are included in these activities. These achievements have created a solid foundation for the future development of SSU. According to the rector, Sumgayit State University will expand its activities to achieve greater successes in both scientific and educational fields. The implemented projects and established international relations strengthen leading position of SSU in the Azerbaijani education system. In order to ensure the sustainability of these successes, the university is determined to expand its cooperation with industrial partners and government agencies.