International conference on “Photosynthesis research for sustainability-2013: in honor of Jalal A. Aliyev”, held during June 5–9, 2013, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

In this brief report, we provide a pictorial essay on an international conference “Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability-2013 in honor of Jalal A. Aliyev” that was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, during June 5–9, 2013 (http://photosynthesis2013.cellreg.org/). We begin this report with a brief note on Jalal Aliyev, the honored scientist, and on John Walker (1997 Nobel laureate in Chemistry) who was a distinguished guest and lecturer at the Conference. We briefly describe the Conference, and the program. In addition to the excellent scientific program, a special feature of the Conference was the presentation of awards to nine outstanding young investigators; they are recognized in this report. We have also included several photographs to show the pleasant ambience at this conference. (See http://photosynthesis2013.cellreg.org/Photo-Gallery.php; https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qcr124dajwffwh6/TlcHBvFu4H?m; and https://www.copy.com/s/UDlxb9fgFXG9/Baku for more photographs taken by the authors as well as by others.) We invite the readers to the next conferences on “Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability—2014: in honor of Vladimir A. Shuvalov” to be held during June 2–7, 2014, in Pushchino, Russia. Detailed information for this will be posted at the Website: http://photosynthesis2014.cellreg.org/, and for the subsequent conference on “Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability—2015” to be held in May or June 2015, in Baku, Azerbaijan, at http://photosynthesis2015.cellreg.org/.

Appendix 1: Messages received by one of the authors (SIA) and the National Organizing Committee

Agnieszka Wojtania, Seiji Akimoto, Jim Barber (who could not attend the meeting), Les Dutton, Thomas Friedrich, Győző Garab, Alex Ivanov, Anjana Jajoo, Watabe Kazuyuki, Ernst-Walter Knapp, Mahir Mamedov, Norio Murata, Bruce Osborn, George Papageorgiou, Jörg Pieper, Fumihiko Sato, Tatsuya Tomo, Tohru Tsuchiya, Imre Vass, John Walker, and many others, sent messages.

We reproduce here just a few. All other messages can be obtained by writing to one of us (SA).

• Jim Barber wrote: “Dear Suleyman, I heard from John Walker and Les Dutton, and also Jean-David Rochaix, that the meeting was a great success. Congratulations. So all your hard work paid off and appreciated by the photosynthesis community. Les Dutton made the point that the programme was a bit short on “sustainability” He also told me in an email “At the beginning ceremony—honoring Jalal Aliyev at the opera house I praised him for his interest and bringing this meeting to Baku and suggested that the city could become the world center for research seriously pitched toward sustainability from solar energy conversion.150 years ago the first/leader in oil as an energy source—the future a leader in solar energy conversion…Good idea don’t you think”.

• Les Dutton wrote: “Dear Suleyman, the meeting that you and Irada organized in Baku was important and a joy. I thank you a lot for that, but I also wish to thank you for your hospitality and kindness before and during the meeting; ever present and concerned. And extra thanks for the gift of the two days sight-seeing in and around Baku; that was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to see more than the conference room”.

The above sentiment was echoed by many including Thomas Friedrich.

• Anjana Jajoo wrote: “My student Rupal is back from Baku conference and was telling me that it was a very well organized conference. She was very happy to attend it. Thank you very much for all your support.”

• Agnieszka Wojtania wrote: “I have just returned to work. Thank you for the Baku meeting, for the high level of lectures, fantastic atmosphere, and hospitality. It was a magic conference for me.”

• Norio Murata wrote: “Your Baku Conference was wonderful and successful. I enjoyed it and am sure that all the participants felt the same. You made and will make such a forum for the exchange of information among many researchers who appreciate your effort and input so much. Your contribution to our scientific field is invaluable.”

• George C. Papageorgiou wrote: “I take this opportunity to congratulate you for the highly successful international photosynthesis conference in Baku, and also to thank you personally for enabling me to attend it.”

• Tatsuya Tomo wrote: “Thank you very much for the wonderful conference and your great organization and hospitality. Talks were big help for my future work. I was excited by poster presentations too. I also thank local organizing committee. I had a great time during conference due to their help. I am looking forward to participate at the next meeting!”