On June 30, the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan held a commemorative event marking the 98th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished scientist, public and political figure, Academician Jalal Aliyev.

The event began with a visit by the participants to the late scientist's grave at the Alley of Honor, where they laid a wreath and flowers in tribute to his memory.

The commemorative ceremony continued in the Institute's assembly hall, where the participants honored the cherished memory of Academician Jalal Aliyev with a minute of silence.

Acting Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academician Irada Huseynova, spoke about Academician Jalal Aliyev's exceptional contributions to the advancement of biological science in Azerbaijan and his rich scientific legacy. She emphasized that Jalal Aliyev, an outstanding scientist and remarkable personality, made invaluable contributions to world science through his fundamental research in biology, plant breeding, and particularly photosynthesis. He devoted his life to the advancement of science, the establishment of a new scientific school, and the development of agriculture. As a result of his scientific achievements, Azerbaijani biological science gained widespread international recognition.

In the 1970s, Academician Jalal Aliyev laid the foundations for several new areas of biological research in Azerbaijan, including molecular biology, molecular genetics, gene and cell biotechnology, mathematical biology, computational biology, and bioinformatics. He defined the principal directions for their development and established a distinguished scientific school that continues to shape biological research in the country. His pioneering studies on the processes of photosynthesis and photorespiration had a profound impact on the development of biological science. In particular, he achieved significant scientific breakthroughs in elucidating the mechanisms of photosynthesis. Academician Aliyev demonstrated that the efficient functioning of photosynthesis is one of the key determinants of plant productivity, and his research in this field attracted considerable international attention. For many years, Academician Aliyev challenged the prevailing view that photorespiration was detrimental to plants. Instead, he provided compelling scientific evidence demonstrating its essential role in plant life. His findings in this area received high recognition from the international scientific community.

Academician Jalal Aliyev emphasized the importance of applying computer technologies in biology as early as the 1970s, earning recognition as a scientist whose vision anticipated the future directions of biological research.

Irada Huseynova noted that one of the most significant areas of the scientist's work was the development of high-yielding and high-quality wheat cultivars. "For more than 60 years, Academician Jalal Aliyev's scientific research focused on the theoretical foundations of the photosynthetic productivity of agricultural crops, primarily wheat. Under his leadership, breeding programs resulted in the development of new wheat cultivars adapted to the climatic conditions of Azerbaijan. These cultivars played a significant role in strengthening the country's food security and were incorporated into the genefund of the Scientific Research Institute of Crop Husbandry under the Ministry of Agriculture."

Academician Huseynova also highlighted that, through the direct initiative and organizational efforts of Academician Jalal Aliyev, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies was established on the basis of the Department of Fundamental Problems of Biological Productivity, which had been formed within the Institute of Botany.

According to her, the departments established by Academician Aliyev at the Institutes of Botany and Crop Husbandry made substantial contributions to global research on photosynthesis. Their studies identified specific photosynthetic characteristics and parameters whose dynamics and quantitative values exhibited the strongest correlations with plant productivity, providing an important scientific basis for evaluating and improving crop yield potential.

Academician Huseynova further emphasized that Academician Jalal Aliyev conducted comprehensive investigations of the processes of photosynthesis and photorespiration. His research encompassed the physiological, biophysical, biochemical, and molecular genetic foundations of plant productivity, as well as the study of productivity-related processes across all levels of the structural and functional organization of plants—from the molecular level to the whole plant and crop stand.

She also noted that Academician Jalal Aliyev served as a lifelong role model for his students. The internationally recognized scientific school he established has produced dozens of outstanding researchers who are now conducting research at leading universities and research centers in Azerbaijan and abroad, making significant scientific contributions while enhancing the reputation of both the country and its scientific community.

Irada Huseynova remarked that, although Professor Jalal Aliyev devoted his entire life to science and was known for his high standards and strong sense of responsibility, he was also exceptionally kind, attentive, and supportive of his students. She noted that he trained more than 500 highly qualified specialists, including 15 Doctors of Science and 81 PhD graduates under his scientific supervision and academic mentorship. According to Academician Huseynova, Jalal Aliyev was the author of nearly 800 scientific publications, 25 monographs, and numerous inventor's certificates.

Concluding her remarks, Academician Huseynova stated: "It is our shared responsibility to preserve the Institute of Molecular Biology founded by Academician Jalal Aliyev and to further enrich and expand his remarkable scientific legacy."

Corresponding Members of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Novruz Guliyev and Ibrahim Azizov, Doctor of Biological Sciences Hasan Babayev spoke about Academician Jalal Aliyev's unparalleled contributions to the advancement of science in Azerbaijan. They shared their personal recollections of the eminent scientist and emphasized that his cherished memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and the wider scientific community.

The event concluded with the screening of a documentary film dedicated to the life and scientific achievements of Academician Jalal Aliyev.