PhD in Biology, Associate Professor
Expert in Pomology, Tea Cultivation, and Agrarian Innovations
İlham Garagurbanli is a distinguished expert in Azerbaijan’s agricultural science, possessing deep fundamental knowledge and extensive management experience, particularly in pomology (fruit growing) and tea cultivation. Born in 1958, he graduated from Azerbaijan State University in 1980. He earned his PhD in Biology in 1988 and was awarded the academic title of Associate Professor in 2019.
Scientific and Professional Career:
- Career Path: Since 1988, he has held various senior leadership positions in state enterprises. He served as the Director of the Guba Regional Agrarian Science Center for many years. Since 2013, he has been the Director of the Research Institute of Fruit and Tea Growing under the Ministry of Agriculture.
- International Projects: He serves as the National Coordinator for Azerbaijan in the international project “Establishment of Super-Intensive Hazelnut Orchards,” involving Azerbaijan, Croatia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. He is also a leading scientific consultant on the study of the hazelnut gene pool based on international descriptors and its application in breeding.
- Innovative Achievements: As the head of the “Smart Orchard” project in the field of digital agriculture, he has spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge cultivation technologies in fruit growing. Additionally, he has served as a scientific consultant for the production of phylloxera-resistant grape seedlings and the AMAL projects focused on citrus fruits.
- Practical Experience and Contributions: In recognition of his productive activities in the agrarian sector, he was awarded the “Taraggi” (Progress) Medal by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2015. He is the author of 17 books, 15 scientific articles, and 3 patents.