Mahmud Kərimov

1948 - 2013

Mahmud Kərimov: Architect of Modern Azerbaijani Physics and Scientific Leadership

Mahmud Kərim oğlu Kərimov (1948–2013) was a distinguished physicist, academician, and statesman who served as the President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) for over a decade. His career spanned the transition from Soviet-era scientific structures to the modernization of independent Azerbaijan’s research landscape. Kərimov’s work in the physics of dielectrics and radiation physics provided critical insights into how materials behave under extreme conditions, while his leadership preserved and revitalized Azerbaijan’s intellectual infrastructure.

1. Biography: From Yerevan to the Presidency of Science

Mahmud Kərimov was born on October 18, 1948, in Yerevan, Armenian SSR, into a family of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia. His early education was marked by a profound aptitude for the natural sciences, leading him to move to Baku to pursue higher education.

Education: He enrolled in the Faculty of Physics at Azerbaijan State University (now Baku State University), graduating in 1971.
Early Career: Upon graduation, he joined the Institute of Physics of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences. He began as an engineer and quickly ascended through the ranks of junior and senior researcher.
Doctoral Path: In 1979, he defended his candidate dissertation (Ph.D. equivalent), and in 1989, he earned his Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. His research primarily focused on the physics of semiconductors and dielectrics.
Leadership Trajectory: In 2001, Kərimov was elected a full member (Academician) of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. That same year, he was appointed President of the Academy, a position he held until his death in 2013. He also served as the Director of the Institute of Radiation Problems from 2002 to 2013.

2. Major Contributions: Radiation and Molecular Physics

Kərimov’s scientific output was characterized by a focus on the intersection of radiation physics, the physics of dielectrics, and molecular electronics.

Radiation Effects on Dielectrics: Kərimov conducted pioneering research into how high-energy radiation interacts with polymer dielectrics. He investigated the formation of defects and the change in electrical properties of materials when exposed to ionizing radiation, which has significant implications for aerospace technology and nuclear power safety.
Molecular Information Carriers: He was deeply involved in the study of high-molecular compounds as potential mediums for information storage. His work explored the "memory effect" in polymers, seeking ways to use molecular structures to record and process data at the nano-scale.
Electronic Processes in Condensed Matter: He developed several methodologies for analyzing the movement of charge carriers in disordered systems. His theories helped explain the mechanisms of electrical conductivity and polarization in complex organic and inorganic insulators.
Environmental Physics: Under his leadership, the Institute of Radiation Problems expanded its scope to include ecological monitoring, specifically investigating radioactive contamination and the impact of radiation on the Caspian Sea environment.

3. Notable Publications

Kərimov was the author of over 200 scientific papers, several monographs, and numerous patents. While much of his early work was published in Soviet journals such as Physica Status Solidi and Soviet Physics—Semiconductors, his later work reached a broader international audience.

"Radiation-induced processes in polymer dielectrics" (Monograph): A comprehensive study on the structural changes in polymers under radiation.
"Electronic processes in high-molecular compounds": This work established a framework for understanding how electricity moves through complex chains of molecules.
Patents: He held numerous patents related to the development of radiation-resistant materials and specialized sensors for detecting ionizing radiation.

4. Awards & Recognition

Mahmud Kərimov’s contributions to science and his role in national development were recognized through several high-level honors:

Order of "Shohrat" (Glory): Awarded by the Republic of Azerbaijan for his outstanding contributions to scientific development.
Academician of ANAS: Elected as a full member in 2001, representing the highest scientific rank in the country.
International Memberships: He was a member of several international scientific societies and served as the head of the Council for Science and Technology Policy under the President of Azerbaijan.
State Prizes: Recipient of various national awards for his work in the field of radiation safety and physics of materials.

5. Impact & Legacy: Modernizing Azerbaijani Science

Kərimov’s legacy is twofold: his specific scientific discoveries and his institutional leadership.

Institutional Reform: As President of ANAS, Kərimov navigated the difficult post-Soviet transition. He worked to integrate Azerbaijani science into the global community, fostering partnerships with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna.
Education and Mentorship: He supervised dozens of PhD candidates, ensuring that the next generation of Azerbaijani physicists was trained in modern methodologies.
The "Radiation Institute" Evolution: He transformed the Sector of Radiation Research into a full-fledged Institute of Radiation Problems, which today remains a leading center for nuclear safety and radiobiology in the Caucasus region.

6. Collaborations

Kərimov was a bridge-builder between Eastern and Western scientific traditions.

International Partnerships: He maintained close research ties with the Russian Academy of Sciences and worked on joint projects with researchers in Turkey, Ukraine, and Germany.
Interdisciplinary Work: He often collaborated with chemists and biologists to apply his findings in radiation physics to the fields of polymer chemistry and environmental science.
Governmental Advisory: He worked closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on projects related to radiation safety and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Azerbaijan.

7. Lesser-Known Facts

A Scientific Dynasty: Kərimov came from a family with deep intellectual roots; his relatives included several prominent figures in Azerbaijani academia and medicine.
Sudden Passing: Kərimov passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2013, in a clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, following a sudden heart condition. His death was mourned as a national loss, with the President of Azerbaijan attending his funeral.
Advocate for ICT: Beyond physics, Kərimov was an early and vocal advocate for the "Information Society" in Azerbaijan. He pushed for the digitalization of scientific archives and the implementation of high-speed internet for research purposes across the country.

Summary

Mahmud Kərimov was more than a specialist in dielectrics; he was the "statesman of science" for Azerbaijan. By combining rigorous physical research with a vision for international cooperation, he ensured that his nation’s scientific community remained relevant and vibrant in the 21st century. His work on the behavior of materials under radiation continues to inform research in material science and environmental protection today.