On June 30, a defence of the dissertation submitted by Turana Isgandarova for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology was held at the ED 1.25 Dissertation Council operating under the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The dissertation, conducted in the specialty 2415.01 – Molecular Biology, is entitled: "Investigation of the antioxidant system, ultrastructural features, and expression of certain genes in wheat during natural and drought-induced senescence of the flag leaf". The scientific supervisor of the dissertation is academician Irada Huseynova. The official opponents are corresponding member of ANAS Panah Muradov, doctor of physical and mathematical sciences, professor Rovshan Khalilov, and professor Ali Ahmad Naz from the University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

At the meeting chaired by doctor of biological sciences, Professor Saftar Suleymanov, the candidate explained the main points of the dissertation, stating that the processes of natural and drought-induced leaf senescence in wheat were studied comprehensively. The research was conducted at the molecular, physiological, biochemical and ultrastructural levels and it was determined that resistant genotypes maintained cellular functions for a longer period of time. Ultrastructural changes occurring in the flag leaves were visualized using microscopic methods, and degenerative signs were observed. These results contribute to the explanation of conserved mechanisms related to senescence in wheat, a strategic crop. The research findings identify new molecular targets for increasing productivity by preventing premature aging.

After the official opponents’ speeches were heard, an extensive discussion was held around the dissertation, during which various suggestions and recommendations were put forward. The applicant responded to the recommendations and objections of the opponents and answered the questions of the council members. The council members shared their opinions on the dissertation. After hearing the candidate’s concluding remarks, a vote was held. Based on the voting results, a decision was made to submit a recommendation to the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for awarding Turana Isgandarova the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology.