Western Caspian University

Mission

Conducting basic and applied scientific research focused on gaining new knowledge of the biology and ecology of the Caspian Sea and inland waters

Scientific support for risk assessment related to the impact of anthropogenic factors and natural forces on the Caspian Sea and determining ways to minimise these risks

Development of theoretical bases of rational use of nature

Dissemination of achievements of national and international scientific methods of protection of nature

Ensuring close interaction between scientific research conducted in the Centre and teaching processes in the University.

General Activities of the Centre

Conducting fundamental research and applied research in specific areas:

Flora and fauna of aquatic waters of the Caspian Sea and its basin

Biological cycle of substances in the waters of the Caspian Sea and its basin

Ecology of aquatic organisms, their populations and associations

Building up of scientific basis of rational use of water bio-resources.

Relationship between research and teaching issues:

Ensuring close interaction between research activity carried out at the Centre and the educational processes carried out at the University

Involvement of teachers with undergraduate and graduate student research activities at the Centre

Active participation by the Centre’s researchers in pedagogical activities carried out through proper applications

Undergraduate and graduate students take part in the execution of research activity in conjunction with their coursework for their diplomas and dissertations

Creating ideal conditions to fully use the laboratories of the Centre

The staff of the Centre (by profile) supervise the scientific work of all students at the University

Preparation of researchers with superior knowledge and skills at master’s and doctoral levels

Creation of courses for improving qualifications to increase the scientific professionalism of the teaching staff

Organising regular monitoring expeditions to collect detailed information about physical, chemical, biological and geological processes in the Caspian Sea

Participation in national and international programmes and projects through preparation and presentation of technical expertise

Organising national and international symposiums, congresses, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, competitions and other avenues of knowledge and information exchange

Organising various school conferences as well as summer and winter schools for young researchers to conduct hands-on activity

When performing scientific research, provide ship transportation for expedition members and their cargo

It is possible to create complex thematic groups, as well as scientific expeditions within the University for a certain period of time to solve certain scientific problems.

The structure of the Centre and the research work to be carried out:

The Centre was created in July, 2019. The main structural units of the Centre are research departments and laboratories. These units conduct research in the following areas:

- Fluctuations in sea levels

- Study of seabed relief

- Meteorological, hydrological, hydro-physical research

- Atmospheric air quality research; quantitative studies of some gases as an indicator of pollution

- Research on the measurement of gamma radiation background

- Studies on marine microorganisms as a source of potential antimicrobial drugs

- Research on the study of sea water quality, research to determine the zones of chemical and biological pollution

- Research on the quality of bottom sediments

- Research on the study of microflora in seawater and sediments

- Studies on the status of phytoplankton

- Studies on the status of zooplankton

- Studies on the status of bacterioplankton

- Studies on the status of macro zoobenthos

- Periphyton status studies

- Studies on the status of Phyto benthos

- Research on the state of ichthyofauna

- Research on ornithofauna

- Research in the field of aquaculture (mariculture)

- Revision and confirmation of the taxonomy of living creatures in the Caspian Sea by genetic analysis

- Research on the operation of a wind power plant installed on the shore of the Marine Biological Station.

In the laboratory at the Marine Biological Station, we plan to hold practical classes on biology, aquatic bio-resources, aquaculture and ecology on the following subjects:

• Hydrobiology
• Vertebrate Zoology
• Ichthyology
• Water Treatment
• Biotechnology of Mariculture
• Toxicology of Marine Organisms
• Hatchery, Feeding Fish, etc.

The Centre’s electricity supply is fully powered by solar panels.