Nanotechnology platform in Azerbaijan
Baku State University (BSU) successfully managed and implemented the proposed research programme elaborated by the project NAPEP (Nanotechnology platform for electronics and photonics). Its most important goal was to integrate the BSU staff and, more generally, Azeri researchers into the European Research Area (ERA) through cooperation with leading European institutions. This was accomplished with the mutually beneficial training, networking and joint research activities carried out in conjunction with Szegedi Tudomanyegyetem in Hungary and Oulun Yliopisto in Finland. Scientists identified the relevant nanotechnology research in each of the partner countries as well as associated policies and key actors. The team mapped the research capabilities of the partners in these areas using indicators including economic growth, research and development expenditures, and funding schemes. The technological focus was on nanomaterials for electronics and photonics. NAPEP made major scientific contributions in areas including semiconductor quantum dots and luminescent phosphor, inorganic 1D nanostructures, transparent conductive coatings and photovoltaics. Building bridges with other universities and with small and medium-sized enterprises and industry was an important part of project activities. Efforts supported training activities balanced for basic and applied research, and helped establish the required critical mass to sustain the momentum after the project's completion. Scientists identified shared research interests and potential targets for future collaborations in part through presentations by young and senior researchers at NAPEP meetings. Exciting new materials developed with support from the EU funding schemes Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and its successor Horizon 2020 can be expected in the fields of solar cells, hydrogen generation and nanocomposites. The highly successful NAPEP project demonstrated the leadership capabilities of Azeri scientists in coordination of large-scale European research projects. The nanotechnology platform established at BSU will strengthen the institution's regional leadership position in nanotechnology for years to come, supporting the country's socioeconomic well-being. Finally, the networking has fostered strong scientific and personal ties expressed in the partners' desire to continue collaborations with alternate funding upon project completion.
Keywords
Nanotechnology, Azerbaijan, electronics, photonics, nanomaterials