Strategic Plan 2026 \u2014 Mathematics Research Center<\/title>\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=EB+Garamond:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;1,400;1,500&family=DM+Mono:wght@300;400;500&family=Outfit:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script>window.MathJax = { tex: { inlineMath: [['\\\\(','\\\\)']] } };<\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/mathjax@3\/es5\/tex-chtml.js\" async><\/script>\n<style>\nbody { background: #e8e4dc; padding: 2rem; margin: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Print button \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.print-btn {\n display: block; text-align: right; max-width: 850px; margin: 0 auto 0.8rem;\n}\n.print-btn button {\n font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace; font-size: 0.62rem; letter-spacing: 0.1em;\n text-transform: uppercase; padding: 0.4rem 1rem;\n border: 1px solid #C8BFA8; background: #F5F0E8; color: #7A6E60;\n cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.15s;\n}\n.print-btn button:hover { background: #3D4A5C; 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padding: 0; }\n .print-btn { display: none; }\n .report-paper {\n margin: 0; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 3cm 3.5cm; max-width: 100%;\n }\n .report-paper::before { display: none; }\n .btn-archive { display: none; }\n .report-paper a { color: var(--ink) !important; border-bottom: none !important; }\n .item-links { display: none; }\n section { page-break-inside: avoid; }\n}\n\n@media(max-width:680px) {\n .report-paper { padding: 2.5rem 1.8rem; }\n ul.explicit-list li { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 0.15rem; }\n .highlight-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\n .speaker-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<div class=\"print-btn\">\n <button onclick=\"window.print()\">\u2399 Print \/ Save PDF<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"report-paper\">\n\n <header class=\"mrc-brand\">\n <div>\n Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University<br>\n Mathematics Research Center\n <\/div>\n <div style=\"text-align:right;\">\n <span class=\"mrc-brand-logo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\">mrc-baku.org<\/a><\/span><br>\n Baku, Azerbaijan\n <\/div>\n <\/header>\n\n <h1>Strategic Plan<\/h1>\n <p class=\"report-meta\">REF: MRC\/2026\/SP-01 \u00b7 YEAR: 2026<\/p>\n <p class=\"report-subtitle\">Submitted to the Ministry of Science & Education and the Rector of ASOIU by Olcay Co\u015fkun, Director<\/p>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">01<\/span> Executive Summary<\/h2>\n <p>The Mathematics Research Center aims in 2026 to consolidate a core team of seven international researchers, establish a high-standard Master of Mathematics programme, and host a series of high-impact workshops. This plan details the specific research trajectories, educational initiatives, and measurable outputs designed to elevate the standing of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the global scientific community.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"highlight-grid\">\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">7<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Researchers by end of 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">9+<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Planned invited speakers<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">MSc<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">New programme target<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">5+<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Active collaborations<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"impact-box\">\n <h4>Strategic Alignment & National Impact<\/h4>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>National impact.<\/strong> Securing a broader national impact on the mathematical environment in Azerbaijan by fostering rigorous, peer-reviewed contributions that elevate the country’s position within the global mathematical community.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Scientific leadership.<\/strong> Establishing a sustainable, world-class school of pure mathematics in the country by recruiting and integrating distinguished international experts.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Graduate school.<\/strong> Cultivating high-potential talent by providing advanced research opportunities and a clear pathway for academic growth within Azerbaijan.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Mathematical environment.<\/strong> Creating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration between international researchers, local scholars, and students from all departments and regional universities.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">02<\/span> Core Research Faculty<\/h2>\n <p>The MRC currently consists of four active members, with two additional international researchers joining in 2026. The team consists of world-class specialists bridging the gap between local talent and global expertise.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"member-grid\">\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/olcaycoskun\/\">Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Director<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Representation theory, biset functors, category theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/turkerbiyikoglu\/\">T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Senior Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Graph theory, graph modelling, graph applications<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/ertanelma\/\">Ertan Elma<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Analytic number theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/firtinakucuk\/\">F\u0131rt\u0131na K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fck<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Postdoctoral Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: NOV 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Algebraic number theory, arithmetic geometry, Iwasawa theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card incoming\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\">Incoming Members<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">March \u2013 June 2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"incoming-list\">\n <li><strong>Keegan Flood<\/strong> (Researcher)<br><em>Expected March 2026<\/em><\/li>\n <li><strong>Erkko Lehtonen<\/strong> (Senior Researcher)<br><em>Expected June 2026<\/em><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">03<\/span> Detailed Research Portfolio<\/h2>\n <p>Our members lead independent but globally integrated research programmes with partners in the USA, Germany, Ireland, and Turkey.<\/p>\n\n <h3>T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu \u2014 Graph Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">METU<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Inferential Reasoning in Knowledge Graphs<\/strong>\n <em>Joint project with Aziz Zambak, Philosophy Dept, METU Ankara.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Germany<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Novel Graph Algorithm for De Novo Sequencing<\/strong>\n <em>Joint project with Jens Allmer, Hochschule Ruhr West, M\u00fclheim.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Olcay Co\u015fkun \u2014 Algebraic Structures & Biset Functors<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">ADA Univ.<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Simple fibered biset functors<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Ruslan M\u00fcsl\u00fcmov.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining the explicit structure of simple functors that frequently occur in applications, to be applied to finite group representation theory.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Bilkent<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>\\(p\\)-bifree functor structure of block functors<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Deniz Y\u0131lmaz.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Applying the theory of \\(p\\)-biset functors to block functors to target conjectures in the field.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">UCSC<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Functor of \\(p\\)-permutation modules<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Robert Boltje.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining the exact structure of the trivial source functor controlling the class of all \\(p\\)-permutation modules.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Monomial Burnside rings for \\(p\\)-groups<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Mustafa Akda\u011f.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining indecomposable summands both as a ring and as a module to complete the explicit structural analysis.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Ertan Elma \u2014 Analytic Number Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Dirichlet<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Error term in the PNT for arithmetic progressions<\/strong>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Studying series where zeros come from a Dirichlet \\(L\\)-function. Investigating structural differences regarding exceptional zeros when character moduli differ.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>F\u0131rt\u0131na K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fck \u2014 Iwasawa Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">UCD<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Algebraic adjoint \\(p\\)-adic \\(L\\)-functions<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Kaz\u0131m B\u00fcy\u00fckboduk.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Deriving a factorization formula around \\(\\theta\\)-critical points of the eigencurve, addressing the decomposition of local Galois representations.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">04<\/span> Local & Interdisciplinary Collaboration<\/h2>\n <p>In line with our mission to create a vibrant local ecosystem, the MRC is actively developing partnerships to bridge pure mathematical theory with applied scientific problems.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"impact-box\">\n <h4>Active and Planned Partnerships<\/h4>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>ADA University.<\/strong> Exploring synergies between the MRC Number Theory group and ADA researchers in analytic and algebraic number theory.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>ASOIU Chemistry.<\/strong> Discussions led by T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu for interdisciplinary mathematical modelling within Chemical Sciences.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>UFAZ.<\/strong> Networking with faculty at the French-Azerbaijani University to establish a framework in Chemical Graph Theory.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Karabakh University.<\/strong> Establishing mutual support and shared growth through joint seminars and collaborative research with their new Mathematics department.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">05<\/span> Educational Activities<\/h2>\n <p>One of the main goals of MRC is to create a research-friendly environment in Baku. We are open to undergraduate and graduate supervision to attract future mathematicians.<\/p>\n\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">MSc<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Master of Mathematics<\/strong>\n <em>Outline submitted to the Ministry. Target: 3 students per year.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">PhD<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>PhD in Algebra curriculum<\/strong>\n <em>Ready to lead following ASOIU announcements.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Thesis<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Mustafa Akda\u011f \u2014 Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i University<\/strong>\n <em>Structure of the Monomial Burnside functor<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Supervisor: Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Undergrad<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Nuray \u0130smayilli \u2014 ADA University<\/strong>\n <em>The Game of Cycles<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Supervisor: T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">06<\/span> Scientific Output & Publications<\/h2>\n <p>The fundamental philosophy of the MRC is the pursuit of depth and quality over mere quantity. We prioritize substantive work in reputable journals, referencing the <strong>Australian Mathematical Society’s rankings<\/strong> as our benchmark. The publication cycle in top-tier mathematics journals typically exceeds ten months, necessitating a long-term strategic view of research output.<\/p>\n\n <h3>Published & Accepted (2025\u20132026)<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Alp Eden, Ersin Karabudak<\/strong>\n <em>Revisiting a 19th Century Vector Algebra Book<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Journal of Humanistic Mathematics 15(2): 146\u2013185 (2025)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Fatihcan M. Atay, T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/strong>\n <em>Graph entropy, degree assortativity, and hierarchical structures in networks<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Physical Review E 112, 064315 (2025)<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.aps.org\/pre\/abstract\/10.1103\/PhysRevE.112.064315\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Bittu Chahal, Ertan Elma, Nic Fellini, Akshaa Vatwani, Do Nhat Tan Vo<\/strong>\n <em>On the second Hardy\u2013Littlewood conjecture<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Acta Arithmetica 223 (2026) 185\u2013196<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/www.impan.pl\/en\/publishing-house\/journals-and-series\/acta-arithmetica\/online\/116375\/\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Deniz Y\u0131lmaz<\/strong>\n <em>\\(p\\)-bifree biset functors<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Journal of Algebra (accepted 2026)<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.16719\">arXiv:2505.16719<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Preprints & Under Review<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Nov 2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Alp Eden<\/strong>\n <em>An Exceptional 7-dimensional Real Algebra: Octonions, \\(G_2\\), and the Fano Plane<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2511.09395v2\">arXiv:2511.09395v2<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Ruslan M\u00fcsl\u00fcmov<\/strong>\n <em>A Categorical Decomposition of \\(\\mathbb{C}^\\times\\)-fibered \\(p\\)-biset Functors<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.15163\">arXiv:2505.15163<\/a>\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0021869326002322\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>\u0130brahim Aslan, Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/strong>\n <em>\\(p\\)-Biset Functor of Monomial Burnside Rings I: Composition Factors<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.15150\">arXiv:2505.15150<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/publications\/\" class=\"btn-archive\">\n <svg viewBox=\"0 0 10 10\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><path d=\"M1 5h8M5 1l4 4-4 4\"\/><\/svg>\n Full publications list\n <\/a>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">07<\/span> Research Infrastructure Requirements<\/h2>\n <p>To maintain momentum and ensure the center functions at international standards, the following infrastructural needs must be addressed as a priority for 2026.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"req-grid\">\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 1 \u2014 Access to Scientific Literature & Databases<\/h4>\n <p>Modern mathematical research is impossible without digital libraries. We urgently require institutional access to <strong>MathSciNet<\/strong>, <strong>ScienceDirect (Elsevier)<\/strong>, <strong>SpringerLink<\/strong>, and <strong>JSTOR<\/strong>, along with a budget for a core physical library of advanced graduate-level texts.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 2 \u2014 Digital Presence & Communication<\/h4>\n <p>To attract international students and speakers, the MRC requires a professional, dynamic digital presence via a dedicated website with full administrative rights for the directorate.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 3 \u2014 Operational Hardware<\/h4>\n <p>With the arrival of two new international faculty members, current hardware is insufficient. We require high-performance workstations for new researchers and a dedicated, high-capacity printer and scanner.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <footer class=\"report-footer\">\n <span>Olcay Co\u015fkun \u00b7 Director, Mathematics Research Center<\/span>\n <span>Strategic Plan 2026 \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\">mrc-baku.org<\/a><\/span>\n <\/footer>\n\n<\/div><\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Strategic Plan 2026 \u2014 Mathematics Research Center \u2399 Print \/ Save PDF Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University Mathematics Research Center mrc-baku.org Baku, Azerbaijan Strategic Plan REF: MRC\/2026\/SP-01 \u00b7 YEAR: 2026 Submitted to the Ministry of Science & Education and the Rector of ASOIU by Olcay Co\u015fkun, Director 01 Executive Summary The Mathematics Research Center […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-743","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=743"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":763,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions\/763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

{"id":743,"date":"2026-05-14T05:37:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T05:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/?page_id=743"},"modified":"2026-05-14T18:55:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:55:49","slug":"mrc-asoiu-strategic-plan-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/mrc-asoiu-strategic-plan-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"MRC – ASOIU Strategic Plan 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\nStrategic Plan 2026 \u2014 Mathematics Research Center<\/title>\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=EB+Garamond:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;1,400;1,500&family=DM+Mono:wght@300;400;500&family=Outfit:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script>window.MathJax = { tex: { inlineMath: [['\\\\(','\\\\)']] } };<\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/mathjax@3\/es5\/tex-chtml.js\" async><\/script>\n<style>\nbody { background: #e8e4dc; padding: 2rem; 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gap: 0.15rem; }\n .highlight-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\n .speaker-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<div class=\"print-btn\">\n <button onclick=\"window.print()\">\u2399 Print \/ Save PDF<\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"report-paper\">\n\n <header class=\"mrc-brand\">\n <div>\n Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University<br>\n Mathematics Research Center\n <\/div>\n <div style=\"text-align:right;\">\n <span class=\"mrc-brand-logo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\">mrc-baku.org<\/a><\/span><br>\n Baku, Azerbaijan\n <\/div>\n <\/header>\n\n <h1>Strategic Plan<\/h1>\n <p class=\"report-meta\">REF: MRC\/2026\/SP-01 \u00b7 YEAR: 2026<\/p>\n <p class=\"report-subtitle\">Submitted to the Ministry of Science & Education and the Rector of ASOIU by Olcay Co\u015fkun, Director<\/p>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">01<\/span> Executive Summary<\/h2>\n <p>The Mathematics Research Center aims in 2026 to consolidate a core team of seven international researchers, establish a high-standard Master of Mathematics programme, and host a series of high-impact workshops. This plan details the specific research trajectories, educational initiatives, and measurable outputs designed to elevate the standing of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the global scientific community.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"highlight-grid\">\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">7<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Researchers by end of 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">9+<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Planned invited speakers<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">MSc<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">New programme target<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"highlight-card\">\n <span class=\"highlight-val\">5+<\/span>\n <span class=\"highlight-label\">Active collaborations<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"impact-box\">\n <h4>Strategic Alignment & National Impact<\/h4>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>National impact.<\/strong> Securing a broader national impact on the mathematical environment in Azerbaijan by fostering rigorous, peer-reviewed contributions that elevate the country’s position within the global mathematical community.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Scientific leadership.<\/strong> Establishing a sustainable, world-class school of pure mathematics in the country by recruiting and integrating distinguished international experts.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Graduate school.<\/strong> Cultivating high-potential talent by providing advanced research opportunities and a clear pathway for academic growth within Azerbaijan.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Mathematical environment.<\/strong> Creating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration between international researchers, local scholars, and students from all departments and regional universities.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">02<\/span> Core Research Faculty<\/h2>\n <p>The MRC currently consists of four active members, with two additional international researchers joining in 2026. The team consists of world-class specialists bridging the gap between local talent and global expertise.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"member-grid\">\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/olcaycoskun\/\">Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Director<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Representation theory, biset functors, category theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/turkerbiyikoglu\/\">T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Senior Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Graph theory, graph modelling, graph applications<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/ertanelma\/\">Ertan Elma<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: AUG 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Analytic number theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/firtinakucuk\/\">F\u0131rt\u0131na K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fck<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">Postdoctoral Researcher<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"member-meta\">JOINED: NOV 2025<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-research\"><strong>Research:<\/strong> Algebraic number theory, arithmetic geometry, Iwasawa theory<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"member-card incoming\">\n <div class=\"member-header\">\n <div class=\"member-name\">Incoming Members<\/div>\n <div class=\"member-role\">March \u2013 June 2026<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"incoming-list\">\n <li><strong>Keegan Flood<\/strong> (Researcher)<br><em>Expected March 2026<\/em><\/li>\n <li><strong>Erkko Lehtonen<\/strong> (Senior Researcher)<br><em>Expected June 2026<\/em><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">03<\/span> Detailed Research Portfolio<\/h2>\n <p>Our members lead independent but globally integrated research programmes with partners in the USA, Germany, Ireland, and Turkey.<\/p>\n\n <h3>T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu \u2014 Graph Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">METU<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Inferential Reasoning in Knowledge Graphs<\/strong>\n <em>Joint project with Aziz Zambak, Philosophy Dept, METU Ankara.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Germany<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Novel Graph Algorithm for De Novo Sequencing<\/strong>\n <em>Joint project with Jens Allmer, Hochschule Ruhr West, M\u00fclheim.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Olcay Co\u015fkun \u2014 Algebraic Structures & Biset Functors<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">ADA Univ.<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Simple fibered biset functors<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Ruslan M\u00fcsl\u00fcmov.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining the explicit structure of simple functors that frequently occur in applications, to be applied to finite group representation theory.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Bilkent<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>\\(p\\)-bifree functor structure of block functors<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Deniz Y\u0131lmaz.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Applying the theory of \\(p\\)-biset functors to block functors to target conjectures in the field.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">UCSC<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Functor of \\(p\\)-permutation modules<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Robert Boltje.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining the exact structure of the trivial source functor controlling the class of all \\(p\\)-permutation modules.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Monomial Burnside rings for \\(p\\)-groups<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Mustafa Akda\u011f.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Determining indecomposable summands both as a ring and as a module to complete the explicit structural analysis.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Ertan Elma \u2014 Analytic Number Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Dirichlet<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Error term in the PNT for arithmetic progressions<\/strong>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Studying series where zeros come from a Dirichlet \\(L\\)-function. Investigating structural differences regarding exceptional zeros when character moduli differ.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>F\u0131rt\u0131na K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fck \u2014 Iwasawa Theory<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">UCD<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Algebraic adjoint \\(p\\)-adic \\(L\\)-functions<\/strong>\n <em>Joint with Kaz\u0131m B\u00fcy\u00fckboduk.<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-quote\">Deriving a factorization formula around \\(\\theta\\)-critical points of the eigencurve, addressing the decomposition of local Galois representations.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">04<\/span> Local & Interdisciplinary Collaboration<\/h2>\n <p>In line with our mission to create a vibrant local ecosystem, the MRC is actively developing partnerships to bridge pure mathematical theory with applied scientific problems.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"impact-box\">\n <h4>Active and Planned Partnerships<\/h4>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>ADA University.<\/strong> Exploring synergies between the MRC Number Theory group and ADA researchers in analytic and algebraic number theory.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>ASOIU Chemistry.<\/strong> Discussions led by T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu for interdisciplinary mathematical modelling within Chemical Sciences.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>UFAZ.<\/strong> Networking with faculty at the French-Azerbaijani University to establish a framework in Chemical Graph Theory.<\/div>\n <div class=\"impact-item\"><strong>Karabakh University.<\/strong> Establishing mutual support and shared growth through joint seminars and collaborative research with their new Mathematics department.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">05<\/span> Educational Activities<\/h2>\n <p>One of the main goals of MRC is to create a research-friendly environment in Baku. We are open to undergraduate and graduate supervision to attract future mathematicians.<\/p>\n\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">MSc<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Master of Mathematics<\/strong>\n <em>Outline submitted to the Ministry. Target: 3 students per year.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">PhD<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>PhD in Algebra curriculum<\/strong>\n <em>Ready to lead following ASOIU announcements.<\/em>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Thesis<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Mustafa Akda\u011f \u2014 Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i University<\/strong>\n <em>Structure of the Monomial Burnside functor<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Supervisor: Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Undergrad<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Nuray \u0130smayilli \u2014 ADA University<\/strong>\n <em>The Game of Cycles<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Supervisor: T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">06<\/span> Scientific Output & Publications<\/h2>\n <p>The fundamental philosophy of the MRC is the pursuit of depth and quality over mere quantity. We prioritize substantive work in reputable journals, referencing the <strong>Australian Mathematical Society’s rankings<\/strong> as our benchmark. The publication cycle in top-tier mathematics journals typically exceeds ten months, necessitating a long-term strategic view of research output.<\/p>\n\n <h3>Published & Accepted (2025\u20132026)<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Alp Eden, Ersin Karabudak<\/strong>\n <em>Revisiting a 19th Century Vector Algebra Book<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Journal of Humanistic Mathematics 15(2): 146\u2013185 (2025)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Fatihcan M. Atay, T\u00fcrker B\u0131y\u0131ko\u011flu<\/strong>\n <em>Graph entropy, degree assortativity, and hierarchical structures in networks<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Physical Review E 112, 064315 (2025)<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.aps.org\/pre\/abstract\/10.1103\/PhysRevE.112.064315\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Bittu Chahal, Ertan Elma, Nic Fellini, Akshaa Vatwani, Do Nhat Tan Vo<\/strong>\n <em>On the second Hardy\u2013Littlewood conjecture<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Acta Arithmetica 223 (2026) 185\u2013196<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/www.impan.pl\/en\/publishing-house\/journals-and-series\/acta-arithmetica\/online\/116375\/\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Deniz Y\u0131lmaz<\/strong>\n <em>\\(p\\)-bifree biset functors<\/em>\n <span class=\"item-venue\">Journal of Algebra (accepted 2026)<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.16719\">arXiv:2505.16719<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Preprints & Under Review<\/h3>\n <ul class=\"explicit-list\">\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">Nov 2025<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Alp Eden<\/strong>\n <em>An Exceptional 7-dimensional Real Algebra: Octonions, \\(G_2\\), and the Fano Plane<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2511.09395v2\">arXiv:2511.09395v2<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>Olcay Co\u015fkun, Ruslan M\u00fcsl\u00fcmov<\/strong>\n <em>A Categorical Decomposition of \\(\\mathbb{C}^\\times\\)-fibered \\(p\\)-biset Functors<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.15163\">arXiv:2505.15163<\/a>\n <a class=\"item-link publisher\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0021869326002322\">Publisher<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <li>\n <span class=\"date-label\">2026<\/span>\n <div class=\"item-content\">\n <strong>\u0130brahim Aslan, Olcay Co\u015fkun<\/strong>\n <em>\\(p\\)-Biset Functor of Monomial Burnside Rings I: Composition Factors<\/em>\n <div class=\"item-links\">\n <a class=\"item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.15150\">arXiv:2505.15150<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/publications\/\" class=\"btn-archive\">\n <svg viewBox=\"0 0 10 10\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><path d=\"M1 5h8M5 1l4 4-4 4\"\/><\/svg>\n Full publications list\n <\/a>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <section>\n <h2><span class=\"h2-num\">07<\/span> Research Infrastructure Requirements<\/h2>\n <p>To maintain momentum and ensure the center functions at international standards, the following infrastructural needs must be addressed as a priority for 2026.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"req-grid\">\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 1 \u2014 Access to Scientific Literature & Databases<\/h4>\n <p>Modern mathematical research is impossible without digital libraries. We urgently require institutional access to <strong>MathSciNet<\/strong>, <strong>ScienceDirect (Elsevier)<\/strong>, <strong>SpringerLink<\/strong>, and <strong>JSTOR<\/strong>, along with a budget for a core physical library of advanced graduate-level texts.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 2 \u2014 Digital Presence & Communication<\/h4>\n <p>To attract international students and speakers, the MRC requires a professional, dynamic digital presence via a dedicated website with full administrative rights for the directorate.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"req-card\">\n <h4>Priority 3 \u2014 Operational Hardware<\/h4>\n <p>With the arrival of two new international faculty members, current hardware is insufficient. We require high-performance workstations for new researchers and a dedicated, high-capacity printer and scanner.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n <footer class=\"report-footer\">\n <span>Olcay Co\u015fkun \u00b7 Director, Mathematics Research Center<\/span>\n <span>Strategic Plan 2026 \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\">mrc-baku.org<\/a><\/span>\n <\/footer>\n\n<\/div><\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Strategic Plan 2026 \u2014 Mathematics Research Center \u2399 Print \/ Save PDF Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University Mathematics Research Center mrc-baku.org Baku, Azerbaijan Strategic Plan REF: MRC\/2026\/SP-01 \u00b7 YEAR: 2026 Submitted to the Ministry of Science & Education and the Rector of ASOIU by Olcay Co\u015fkun, Director 01 Executive Summary The Mathematics Research Center […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-743","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=743"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":763,"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/743\/revisions\/763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrc-baku.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}