bp, on behalf of its co-venturers in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Shah Deniz, and South Caucasus Pipeline projects – SOCAR, TPAO, LUKOIL, SGC, NICO, MOL, INPEX, ExxonMobil, ITOCHU, ONGC Videsh, Eni, MVM, and TotalEnergies – has announced the successful completion of a capacity-building project aimed at upgrading and enhancing the learning infrastructure of Baku State University.
As part of this initiative, a state-of-the-art, interactive geology museum was inaugurated today at the university. This innovative teaching and learning facility is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Azerbaijan’s rich geological heritage, natural resources, and scientific advancements in the field.
The museum is expected to offer the teaching staff and students of the geological and geophysical faculties cutting-edge resources to explore and study the geological sciences and related fields. It comprises eight thematic sections, each dedicated to specific themes such as:
∙ History of Azerbaijan’s geology
∙ Geological features of Azerbaijan’s regions
∙ Azerbaijan’s mineral resources
∙ Fossils and paleontology of Azerbaijan
∙ Unusual geological structures and protected natural monuments
∙ Heydar Aliyev and geological development
∙ Economic and social significance of Azerbaijan’s geological resources
∙ Geological research and innovation
Each section is equipped with interactive screens and maps, scientific exhibits, multimedia materials, touch games, technologically advanced boards, simulators, and virtual reality elements, providing visitors with an experience that is both educational and entertaining.
Additionally, the facility includes an open space designed as a teaching area. Approximately 600 undergraduate students, primarily majoring in geology, geophysics and related disciplines, as well as the teaching staff, will benefit from the museum's content for their teaching, learning, and scientific research activities.
Addressing the museum opening event at the university today, Gary Jones, bp’s regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, said: "This project is a testament to our continued commitment to supporting education among other important social developments in the country. bp and its co-venturers are pleased that Baku State University, with its over one century history and wide recognition as a leading and prestigious educational institution, will now possess such a unique facility to innovatively present a rich repository of geological and geophysical knowledge. We believe that the design of the museum, its equipment, and the wealth of information it presents will leave every visitor with a unique experience of delving into the rich and colorful wealth of the earth. We hope that both students and other visitors will gain a deep appreciation for the immense variety of their country’s natural resources and its remarkable geological heritage.”
The cost of the project, including all equipment, hardware, and software purchased for the museum, is 395,810 AZN (around $232,830). The project was implemented by the local company ADZONE-S LLC.
