Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor in Viticulture, Plant Breeding, and Seed Production
Vugar Salimov is a renowned scientist and a highly qualified international expert specializing in viticulture and winemaking. Born in 1974, he began his scientific career in 1997. He earned his PhD in Agricultural Sciences in 2003, was awarded the academic title of Associate Professor in 2011, and received his Doctor of Sciences degree in “Plant Breeding and Seed Production” in 2017.
Scientific and Professional Career:
• Career Path: In 2001, he started working as a researcher at the Azerbaijan Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking (ARIVW). From 2007 to 2019, he headed the “Ampelography, Plant Breeding, and Nursery Management” department. Since 2019, he has been serving as the Director of ARIVW.
• International Projects: Between 2008 and 2018, he participated as an expert and researcher in joint international projects with “Bioversity International” (Italy) and COST (Luxembourg). He has presented reports at conferences held in Germany, Spain, Turkey, and other countries.
• Genetic Research: In collaboration with the Institute for Grapevine Breeding Geilweilerhof (Germany), he conducted molecular-genetic identification of more than 550 local Azerbaijani grape varieties and nearly 100 wild forms. As a result of these studies, 274 variety samples were genetically analyzed, and 10 local varieties with pure genetic profiles were included in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC). Additionally, he scientifically proved the Azerbaijani origin of several varieties whose origins were disputed.
• Practical Experience and Training: From 2019 to 2021, within the framework of GIZ (Germany), he provided consulting services on modern cultivation technologies to small and medium farmers in Shamakhi, Ismayilli, and Salyan. In total, he has conducted more than 300 field seminars and training sessions for farmers.
Currently, he continues his activities as a consultant for large-scale vineyards in the Salyan and Qakh regions. He possesses fundamental knowledge in grapevine breeding, variety testing, agrochemistry, and plant protection.