The rector of the university, Rufat Azizov, spoke about the successes achieved in education, science, international cooperation and other areas in 2024, as well as new goals ahead. In his speech, Rector Rufat Azizov emphasized the steps taken to organize scientific activity, increase human resource potential, and develop international scientific cooperation. The measures implemented in accordance with the university's strategic development plan in 2024 served to strengthen the scientific and human resource potential of Sumgayit State University as well as the region. He noted that the steps taken to improve the quality of education at SSU, the integration of the results of scientific research into the educational process, and the results of state-university-industry cooperation are among the main strategic goals. In addition, the increase in the number of articles published by the teaching staff in quartile journals, the expansion of participation in international and especially foreign scientific events, and the increase in young people's interest in research were assessed as successful results of the work done in this area. These works serve to strengthen the position of SSU in the international arena and serve more successful performances, as well as to increase the motivation and well-being of the teaching staff. Thus, in order to improve the international rating indicators of SSU regarding scientific publications, further stimulate scientific research work, and encourage the publication of scientific articles of employees in journals indexed in international databases ("Web of Science" by Clarivate Analytics, "Scopus" by Elsevier), a mechanism for rewarding scientific articles has been developed. The rewarding process for scientific articles was carried out based on the mentioned criteria. The first prize was awarded to the 5 authors with the most articles in Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 category journals, the second prize was awarded to the 5 authors with the most references to their articles in Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 category journals, the third prize was awarded to authors with articles in Q1/Q2 category journals, and the fourth prize was awarded to authors with articles in Q3/Q4 category journals. It should be noted that 1/3 of the teaching staff has distinguished themselves for their scientific research activities. A total of 50.000 AZN has been allocated in 4 nominations for scientific activity in 2024. In addition, a recreation camp has been planned for employees who have distinguished themselves for their scientific research activities. At the end of his speech, the rector congratulated the employees who were awarded for their scientific activities in 2024. He added that events will be held in the coming years to reward employees with high scientific metrics. This will also play a stimulating role in their success in their scientific activities. Then, discussions were held and decisions were made on other issues on the agenda of the expanded meeting of the Scientific Council.