Vision:

To become the region's pioneering hub for engineered biomaterials bench-to-bedside research, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship that translates breakthrough discoveries into next-generation solutions for a healthier world.

Mission:

We are dedicated to:

• Pioneering Innovation: We spearhead the development of cutting-edge biomaterials through open innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry with superior properties for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications.
• Empowering the Next Generation academic ecosystem: We nurture a dynamic environment by Interdisciplinary Collaboration where students and researchers can translate knowledge into entrepreneurial ventures, propelling the creation of innovative startups in the biomaterials field.
• Global Impact: We actively cultivate international collaborations with researchers, institutions, and companies, accelerating technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
• Technology & IP Development: We emphasize the development of novel biomaterials with a focus on patentable technologies to fuel successful startup ventures.
• Industry & Societal Engagement: We build deep and active relationships with industry partners and the broader community to bridge the gap between bench-to-bedside translation and real-world impact.

Core Values:

• Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary team working
• Bench-to-Bedside Approach
• Multi-sector Open Innovation
• Futures Study
• Systems Thinking
• Next Generation Universities
• Evidence-Based Research and Technology Development
• AI-Tailored Translational Research
• P4 Medicine
• CKTS (NBIC)

Strategies (2025-2028):

Main Strategic Pillars for Khazar University's Pioneering Biomaterials Research Center are:

1. Pioneering Research & Engineered Biomaterials:

• Focus on Translational Research: Prioritize biomaterial development with clear pathways to clinical application, addressing critical regional healthcare needs.
• Embrace Next-Generation Technologies: Utilize tools like bioprinting, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput screening to accelerate material design and selection.
• Establish International Collaborations: Partner with international researchers to access cutting-edge expertise and resources for novel biomaterial development.

2. Fostering Innovation & Startup Ecosystem:

• Cultivate an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encourage researchers to translate their discoveries into commercially viable biomaterial-based technologies.
• Develop a Startup Incubation Program: Provide resources, mentorship, and funding to help researchers launch successful startups.
• Attract Investment: Partner with venture capitalists and angel investors interested in the biomaterials field.

3. Bench-to-Bedside Translation & Industry Partnerships:

• Bridge the Gap: Establish strong collaborations with hospitals and clinical research institutions for pre-clinical and clinical trials.
• Partner with Industry Leaders: Collaborate with medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies for product development and market entry.
• Secure Intellectual Property: Develop a robust patent strategy to protect novel biomaterials inventions.

4. Global Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing:

• International Collaboration Committee: Establish a dedicated committee to foster partnerships with researchers, scientists, centers, and companies worldwide.
• Participation in International Events: Actively participate in international conferences, workshops, and symposia to showcase research and network with potential collaborators.
• Joint Grant Applications: Partner with international collaborators to secure funding from international research agencies.

5. Building Value & Public Engagement:

• Measure Impact: Define metrics to track progress and assess the center's impact on healthcare, economic development, and innovation.
• Public Outreach Programs: Organize science cafes, workshops, and media outreach to increase public understanding and support for biomaterial research.
• Highlight Pioneering Role: Promote the center's unique position as a leader in biomaterials research within the Caucasus region and its focus on addressing regional healthcare needs.

These strategies work together to create a comprehensive roadmap for Khazar University's engineered biomaterials research center. By focusing on cutting-edge research, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, translating research into real-world applications, collaborating globally, and engaging the public, the center can become a driving force for progress and make a significant contribution to the advancement of biomaterials research and its impact on healthcare.

Main Objectives (2025-2028):

Strategic objectives and Sub-Strategies for Khazar University's Pioneering Biomaterials Research Center (2025-2028) are as below. By implementing these SMART Objectives and sub-strategies across the five key strategic pillars, Khazar University's biomaterials research center can establish itself as a leading force in the region, fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful biomaterial solutions with the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to economic growth

1. Pioneering Research & Engineered Biomaterials:

Objectives:

• 1.1 Publish 10 peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact journals (Q1/Q2) by December 2027, focusing on biomaterials with translational potential for regional healthcare needs.
• 1.2 Secure 2 research grants from international funding agencies (e.g., EU Horizon Europe) by December 2026, with at least one involving collaboration with a foreign research institution.
• 1.3 Establish a state-of-the-art bioprinting facility with access to 3D bioprinters by June 2025, allowing for the development of 3D-printed biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
• 1.4 Formulate 2 strategic partnerships with international research groups by December 2026, focusing on complementary areas of biomaterials expertise (e.g., biomaterial characterization, drug delivery).
• 1.5 Organize an international symposium on Engineered biomaterials by June 2028, attracting at least 50 researchers from institutions outside Azerbaijan.

Sub-Strategies:

• Recruit researchers with expertise in biomaterials synthesis, characterization, and tissue engineering.
• Invest in cutting-edge biomaterials research equipment (e.g., biomaterial characterization tools).
• Participate in international research conferences and workshops to present research findings and network with potential collaborators.

2. Fostering Innovation & Startup Ecosystem:

Objectives:

• 2.1 Launch a dedicated startup incubation program, as well as developing or contracting with a startup accelerator company for biomaterial-based technologies by December 2025, providing support to at least 5 early-stage startups.
• 2.2 Secure $1 million in funding for the startup incubation program through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships by June 2027.
• 2.3 Develop a comprehensive biomaterials entrepreneurship training program by June 2025, equipping researchers with skills in business development, intellectual property management, and pitching to investors.
• 2.4 Host an annual "Biomaterials Innovation Pitch Day" by December 2026, connecting promising startups with potential investors and industry partners.
• 2.5 Achieve at least one successful exit (acquisition or IPO) from an incubated startup by December 2028, demonstrating the program's effectiveness.

Sub-Strategies:

• Establish partnerships with venture capitalists and angel investors interested in the biomaterials field.
• Organize workshops and mentorship programs to guide researchers through the process of translating research into viable businesses.
• Connect startups with industry partners for potential co-development and commercialization opportunities.

3. Bench-to-Bedside Translation & Industry Partnerships:

Objectives:

• 3.1 Establish formal collaborations with at least 2 hospitals in Azerbaijan by December 2026 to facilitate pre-clinical testing of biomaterial prototypes.
• 3.2 Secure a partnership with a leading medical device company by June 2027, enabling joint development and potential commercialization of a biomaterial-based medical product.
• 3.3 File 5 patent applications for novel biomaterial inventions by December 2027, protecting intellectual property for potential licensing or commercialization.
• 3.4 Complete pre-clinical testing of at least one biomaterial prototype by December 2027, demonstrating its safety and efficacy for further clinical trials.
• 3.5 Initiate a Phase I clinical trial for a biomaterial-based therapeutic solution in collaboration with a hospital partner by June 2028.

Sub-Strategies:

• Establish a dedicated team within the research center responsible for technology transfer and industry liaison.
• Develop a clear intellectual property management strategy to protect novel biomaterials inventions.
• Participate in industry conferences and trade shows to showcase research and connect with potential industry partners.

4. Global Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing:

Objectives:

• 4.1 Form a dedicated International Collaboration Committee by December 2025, comprising researchers with experience in international partnerships.
• 4.2 Secure at least 2 ongoing research collaborations with international research institutions by June 2027, focusing on areas complementary to the center's expertise.
• 4.3 Participate in 5 international conferences related to biomaterials research by December 2027, presenting research findings and fostering collaborations.
• 4.4 Host 2 international visiting scholars from leading research institutions by June 2028, facilitating knowledge exchange and joint research efforts.
• 4.5 Submit 3 joint research grant proposals with international collaborators to international funding agencies by December 2027, increasing access to research resources.

Sub-Strategies:

• Identify potential international partners with complementary research expertise.
• Utilize online platforms and communication tools to facilitate collaboration with geographically dispersed researchers.
• Develop a communication strategy to effectively promote the research center and its collaborative opportunities to international researchers.

5. Building Value & Public Engagement:

Objectives:

• 5.1 Develop a comprehensive set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the research center by December 2025, tracking progress in research, innovation, industry partnerships, and public engagement.
• 5.2 Increase the research center's website traffic by 50% by December 2027 through targeted online content and social media outreach.
• 5.3 Organize 4 public science cafes on topics related to biomaterials research by June 2028, engaging at least 100 members of the public each.
• 5.4 Secure media coverage for the research center's activities in at least 5 major news outlets (national or international) by December 2027.
• 5.5 Partner with local schools and educational institutions to develop educational materials and workshops related to biomaterials science by June 2028, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.

Sub-Strategies:

• Develop informative and engaging content for the research center's website and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with science communication experts to craft compelling messages about the center's research and its impact.
• Partner with local media outlets to raise awareness of biomaterials research and its potential benefits for healthcare.