On September 11, a dissertation defense was held at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the dissertation submitted by Aygun Aghaverdi Sadigova, a researcher at the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology in the specialty 2422.01 – “Biotechnology (including bionanotechnology)” on the topic “Development of a biotechnological propagation method for the Shirvanshahi aboriginal grape variety.”

The scientific supervisors of the dissertation are PhD in Biology Tofig Garagyozov and PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Mahira Mammadova. The official opponents are Corresponding Member of ANAS, Professor Magsud Gurbanov; Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Ahad Nabiyev; and PhD in Biology Aygun Israyilova.

At the meeting chaired by Pənah Muradov, Corresponding Member of ANAS, the candidate presented the main findings of the dissertation and noted that the study is the first comprehensive research aimed at developing an integrated approach to the conservation, study, and mass propagation of the Shirvanshahi aboriginal grape variety through the application of modern biotechnological and molecular-genetic methods. The findings provide a scientific basis for incorporating Shirvanshahi and other local varieties into breeding programs and mass propagation efforts, as well as for increasing the efficiency of the utilization of genetic resources. The results of the dissertation present scientifically substantiated methods that can be applied in practical breeding and viticulture.

Following the presentations by the official opponents, an extensive discussion of the dissertation was held, during which various suggestions and recommendations were put forward. The candidate responded to the comments and recommendations of the opponents and answered questions from the members of the Council. The Council members expressed their views and opinions regarding the dissertation. Following the candidate’s concluding remarks, a vote was held. Based on the results of the vote, it was decided to petition the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology to Aygun Sadigova.