Alumni Awards 2021-22

Narmin Babayeva

University of Leeds

Narmin is an Exploration Geophysicist at BP Azerbaijan. She is working on the up-to-date geophysical data interpreration and analysis for the well planning and delivery processes.

Rauf Jabarov

University of Manchester

Rauf is an expert in IT project management. He is piloting e-government projects as a director IKT LAB LLC (agency of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies).

Inqilab Shahbazov

University of Sheffield 

Inqilab is a researcher and chief consultant at a Social Research Centre. He published a book (Social Research Methods, 2019) which has been included in the curricula of several universities in Azerbaijan.

Lala Aliyeva

Goldsmiths, University of London

Lala is a freelance documentary filmmaker and producer. Her goal is to develop the documentary field in Azerbaijan, which stands out as a unique and powerful tool for self-education and social change.

Asiya Gasanova

University of the Arts, London

Asiya is a ceramics designer and a founder of the porcelain brand Gasanoff, which is driven by the goal of bringing cultural awareness through her arts and design projects.

Asli Samadova

London School of Economics and Political Science

Asli is the founder of Ta(r)dino 6 Art Platform, which supports the discourse on Azerbaijani contemporary art within an international context. She also received the inaugural Prince Claus Seed Award in 2021. 

Turkan Aliyeva

University of Leicester

Turkan is a lecturer and the Head of the Strategic Planning Department at the University of Architecture and Construction, working on the bilateral university partnerships between Azerbaijan and the UK.

Muzhdat Hasanov

University of Bristol

Muzhdat is the Head of Study Abroad and International Student Affairs at the Ministry of Education. He leads projects on the internationalisation of higher education via the Study in Azerbaijan web portal.

Hamida Zeynalova

Birmingham City University

Hamida is a Chevening Scholar and a founder of Kuki Kids education centre which offers English language learning programmes and coaching to the child refugees and kids with special needs.

Musa Afandiyev

London School of Economics and Political Science

Musa is the founder of a creative agency, Agilli Nagillar, which helps local start-ups and SMEs. He is also an amateur filmmaker whose short film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. 

Rovshan Alizadeh

Cardiff University

Rovshan is the founder and CEO of AMR Solutions, a software development company responsible for VAT Portal, a solution for large organizations in Azerbaijan. 

Rashad Mirzayev

London City University - CASS Business School

Rashad is the Vice-President of the International Project Association of Azerbaijan and the founder of ATL Group, a major player in marketing consulting, IT, e-commerce and SMS solutions.

James Sharp

James Sharp was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan in September 2019. He has previously serves as FCO's Policy Advisor, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate, and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Non-Resident Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.

Francis Gardener-Trejo

Francis Gardener-Trejo is an advocate for the transformative potential of cultural relations for young people and wider society, who is currently the British Council Director in Azerbaijan. Before moving to Baku, he has been managing government relations, strategy and risk for MENA, EU, and Wider Europe.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli (Business and Innovation)

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli is the BP’s Vice President for Communications & External Affairs, Strategy and Region covering Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Mr. Aslanbayli is also a visiting lecturer of the Baku State University, ADA and BHOS. Mr. Aslanbayli was awarded with Progress Medal by the President of Azerbaijan (2017) for contribution to the development of oil and gas industry in Azerbaijan.

Amina Melikova (Culture and Creativity)

Amina Melikova is the Director at the Old City Museum Centre in Azerbaijan. She has worked in the museum scene for over 20 years, and authored books such as Oil and Art, Kelagayi Art, and Shirvanshahs' Heritage in the World’s Museums.

Rafiga Huseynzadeh (Science and Sustainability)

Rafiga Huseynzadeh is the Vice-President for Ecology at SOCAR. She is the author of 60 reports and research works. She was also awarded the Tərəqqi medal and the title of Honored Engineer by the he President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Rufat Azizov (Social Action)

Rufat Azizov is a professional member of the London Institute of Materials (Chartered Scientist), and Director of Azerbaijan Republic Education Institute at Ministry of Education.