In Azerbaijan, some individuals will be paid up to 1,000 manats per month

The "Financial Reward for Scientists" project, implemented since 2024 with the aim of stimulating scientific activity in Azerbaijan, will continue in 2026 as well.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Ministry of Science and Education, this year the evaluation mechanism within the project was improved jointly with Clarivate specialists and the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The updated rules have been approved by the Council for Coordination of Scientific Research.

According to the new rules, up to 500 researchers working in scientific institutions subordinate to the ministry will be able to receive monthly financial incentives of up to 1,000 manats.

The evaluation criteria have also been expanded. Now, alongside scientific articles published in Q1 and Q2 category journals indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database, publications in Q3 and Q4 category journals will also be taken into account. In addition, patents and utility models have been included in the evaluation system for the first time — in the form of additional bonus points. This is aimed at stimulating the implementation of scientific developments in the real sector.

For comparison: in the first year of the project's implementation, about 150 scientists received support, and in 2025 — about 300. The application of the updated rules will begin in May 2026.

The main goal of the project is to increase the effectiveness of scientific activity, stimulate the activity of researchers in international scientific databases, and support the practical application of scientific results.