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The Future of Higher Education: Global Perspectives, Local Impact

International Conference on
The Future of Higher Education: Global Perspectives, Local Impact
Azerbaijan University, 4-5 May, 2026

Internation conference on The Future of Higher Education: Global Perspectives, Local Impact is organized to discuss contemporary trends, innovative approaches and the interaction of local realities with global changes regarding the future of higher education. The aim of the conference is to promote the exchange of ideas on the modernization of higher education systems, digital transformation, internationalization and the development of skills in line with the new demands of the labor market.

Committees

Conference Chair

  • Saadat Aliyeva | Rector, Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan

Scientific Committee

  • Paul Gibbs (Middlesex University, UK)
  • Davrov Juraev (University of Economics and Pedagogy, Uzbekistan)
  • Jasur Farmonov (University of Economics and Pedagogy, Uzbekistan)

Organizing Committee

  • Chair: Yusif Gasimov (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Co-Chair: Nushaba Guliyeva (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Latifa Aghamaliyeva (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Asif Pashayev (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Elvin Talyshinski (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Safar Mammadov (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Nariman Boyukkhishi (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Nahid Almasov (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Tural Gojayev (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Aygun Gasimova (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Nigar Shahhuseynbeyova (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Gulnar Rzayeva (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)
  • Rashad Mastaliyev (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)

Local Committee

  • Humay Baghirova (Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan)

Plenary Speakers

  • Kürşat Çağıltay
    TED University, Ankara, Turkiye
    Title of the talk: Is Artificial Intelligence the New Savior of Higher Education? 
  • Paul Gibbs
    Middlesex University, London, UK
    Title of the talk:      Scholarship or academic entrepreneurship - you decide

Topics

1. Digital Transformation in Higher Education

  • Digitalization of learning environments and smart campuses
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning in education
  • Adaptive learning technologies and personalized education
  • Data analytics and decision-making systems in universities
  • Digital literacy and emerging competencies for students and teachers

2. Innovation, Research, and Knowledge Transfer

  • Research-based university models and innovation ecosystems
  • University–industry collaboration and technology transfer
  • Open science and scientific publishing ethics
  • Development of micro-credentials and lifelong learning programs
  • STEM education and interdisciplinary research
  • Start-up culture and entrepreneurship in higher education

3. Globalization and International Collaboration

  • Internationalization of higher education and academic mobility
  • Global partnerships, double-degree programs, and Erasmus+ initiatives
  • Cross-cultural communication and inclusive education
  • Local adaptation of global education trends
  • Comparative studies of higher education systems

4. Sustainability, Equity, and Social Responsibility

  • Higher education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Green universities and sustainable campus management
  • Gender equality and inclusive leadership
  • Social responsibility of universities and community engagement
  • Student well-being and mental health support
  • Post-pandemic challenges and opportunities in education

5. Governance, Quality, and Future Skills

  • Leadership and management in higher education institutions
  • Quality assurance and accreditation systems
  • Educational policy and reform in higher education
  • Employability and future-oriented competencies
  • Financing models and sustainable university development
  • Ethics, integrity, and academic culture

Important Dates

  • 1 April 2026: Abstract submission deadline
  • 20 April 2026: Acceptance notification
  • 30 april 2026: Release of the program

Instruction for Authors

  • The official language of the conference is English, and only English written abstracts will be considered. 
  • Abstracts should not exceed three pages (three full pages preferred). 
  • Authors must strictly follow the abstract template: 
    Template.docx.
  • Authors will have 15 minutes for oral presentations.
  • Submit abstracts prepared in the Conference style and a presenter registration form (below) to elm@au.edu.az

Registration

  • To register, complete the appropriate registration form and return it to elm@au.edu.az 
    Registration Form
  • The registration fee for in person is USD 100 and should be paid to the official bank account below. The fee is also payable at the opening of the conference. Registration fee includes conference materials, coffee breaks, Gala Dinner and the social program.
  • The registration fee for the virtual participation is USD 50, is payable to the official bank account below. Registration includes on-line presentation and conference materials.
    Bank Account

Social Program

  • On 5 May 2026 a special social program will be offered to the registered presenters and attendees.
  • The program will be covered by the registration fee and will include visits to:
    A panoramic view of Baku from the observation deck on the upland park and Old City 



Venue and Contact 

  • Azerbaijan University
    Baku, Jeyhun Hajibeyli, 71
    elm@au.edu.az
    (+994 12) 431 41 12 (160)