Aynura Pashayeva, PhD in Biology and an employee of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Public Legal Entity), was on a scientific trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from November 26 to 28, 2025. AR ETN Molekulyar. The purpose of the scientific trip was to participate in the regional forum “SheSCİENCE 2025”: “Promoting regional development through the integration of scientific innovation ecosystems”. The forum, held for the first time, brought together women scientists and researchers from Central Asia and the South Caucasus, serving as an important platform for the development of scientific cooperation. The event was attended by more than 60 women scientists representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the forum, extensive discussions were held on priority topics such as climate change and environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, science diplomacy, innovative technologies, and the organization of joint research among the countries of the region. At the conclusion of the forum, a Joint Statement was adopted by the women scientists representing the participating countries, emphasizing the coordination of scientific and innovation ecosystems in the region, the strengthening of information exchange, the establishment of mechanisms for shared use of research infrastructure, and the enhancement of the role of women researchers in science. Within the framework of the forum, at the panel session titled “Integration of Scientific-Innovation Ecosystems for Crisis Response and Regional Development: Challenges and Opportunities”, Aynura Pashayeva, PhD in Biology, delivered a presentation. Her presentation focused on integrating the scientific and innovation potential of the region, sharing regional research infrastructure, coordinating multidisciplinary research (molecular biology, agrobiotechnology, ecological studies, bioinformatics, etc.) at the regional level, and expanding the participation of women scientists in scientific leadership.
The speech also highlighted the significance of the COP29 conference held in Azerbaijan in 2024 for the region, emphasizing the need for a unified scientific approach to climate resilience, restoration of water and soil resources, biotechnological solutions, and the application of green technologies across the region.

Participation in the SheScience 2025 forum holds great importance for expanding the Institute’s international cooperation activities, strengthening science diplomacy, and promoting the active involvement of Azerbaijani women scientists in scientific processes at the regional level.