Today marks the 7th anniversary of the Social Research Center. The Center, whose main mission is the systematic analysis of social processes in Azerbaijan, the study of public opinion, and the scientific support of the state's strategic decisions, implemented 171 sociological survey projects (including 161 local, 10 international) covering 14 economic regions and 153,200 respondents across the country between 2019 and 2026. At the same time, nearly 600 respondents were involved in qualitative research. Over 7 years, Center employees prepared more than 160 analytical reports, and over 900 reference, analysis, and proposal documents. During its operation, STM implemented 14 book projects, published over 200 articles in local and foreign scientific journals, and more than 1000 analyses and expert articles in media resources. STM has established cooperation ties with several influential international and regional organizations and elevated these relations to the level of institutional partnership. Among these partnerships, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, the Council of Europe, the European Union Delegation, the World Bank, and BP Azerbaijan hold a special place.
STM employees deliver speeches on both local and international platforms, give interviews to television, radio, and print media outlets, and provide analytical commentaries in social, economic, and political fields. During the reporting period, STM employees made over 15,000 appearances, interviews, and analytical commentaries in the media. The Center's employees have supported the scientific formation of social and state policy by presenting both their research results and expert analyses related to national and regional contexts.
Among the Center's broadcast projects, programs such as “Real Tədqiqat” (Real TV), “Deportasiyaya uğrayan irsin izi ilə” (Qərbi Azərbaycan TV), “Arxa plan” (Füyuzat TV), “Siyasi baxış” (İki Sahil TV), and “Təhsilsiz” (in cooperation with Azedu portal) hold particular importance.
The English-language project “Global Bridges – Qlobal Körpülər”, prepared with the participation of foreign experts, also demonstrates the center's international communication potential. Through these programs, interactive communication with the public, popularization of scientific topics, and widespread dissemination of expert analysis are ensured.
Over 7 years, more than 2250 materials have been published on stm.az, STM's official internet platform, demonstrating the platform's richness from both a scientific and information-analytical perspective.
Through social media platforms, the center not only disseminates its research results, public opinion surveys, and analytical reports to a wide audience but also creates opportunities for interactive discussions. Over 2500 posts have been made on the Center's Facebook page. More than 1860 visual and information-oriented materials have been presented on the Instagram page. Over 1960 posts have been made on the X page within the framework of current news, analytical commentaries, and global thematic discussions.
Modern.az-a açıqlamasında Milli Məclisin İnsan hüquqları komitəsinin sədr müavini Arzuxan Əlizadə bildirib ki, 7 il ərzində STM sosial elmlər, eləcə də bir sıra digər sahələr üzrə tədqiqatlar aparmaqla aparıcı beyin mərkəzlərindən biri kimi çıxış edib:
"During this period, it has been in the spotlight with its multifaceted activities. The Center has also pioneered many innovations. During this period, it has conducted public opinion surveys, produced reports, and formed a sustainable resource for various state bodies and the public. And during its operation, by gaining trust from both the state and society, the center has played a special role in studying the future directions of existing processes as a whole. During this period, the main mission has been the systematic analysis of processes, the study of public opinion, and simultaneously, the support of the scientific foundations of decisions made and to be made by the state. In this regard, STM has played a significant role in strengthening mutual relations between central state bodies and society, and in promoting social dialogue. Important projects have been implemented over these 7 years. Significant work has also been done in terms of cooperation with both local and international organizations. Center employees have been in the spotlight by participating in both local and international events, as well as through several events they themselves organized. By coordinating its activities with civil societies, state bodies, and various other spheres, the center has achieved significant success in conducting surveys and studying public opinion. State institutions, public associations, and organizations operating on other platforms have benefited from STM's analytical information. Various books and analytical bulletins have been presented to society."
A. Alizade continued his thoughts as follows:
"It is a source of pride that our esteemed colleague Zahid Oruc leads STM. Under Zahid Oruc's leadership, STM has transformed into a sustainable structure in society, gaining prestige. Whether state institutions, public associations, or individual associations and persons engaged in socio-political activities, they can base their operations on the Center's analytical products, data, and opinion polls. Personally, I highly appreciate STM's 7 years of activity and wish continued success to both Mr. Zahid and the team he leads."
Ahmed Abbasbayli, Chairman of the Public Union “Center for Society Development”, assessed STM's activities as follows:
"On the occasion of the 7th anniversary of STM's establishment, I congratulate all its employees, especially our esteemed Member of Parliament and friend, Zahid Oruc. During this period, STM has gained considerable prestige by distinguishing itself among both the public and individual citizens through its professionalism, approach to work, and communication style. Very serious steps have been taken regarding STM's recognition in the international arena. International organizations now exchange information by referring to STM's data, projects, and research results. In any case, according to the information I have, significant work is being done in this area. STM has become one of the recognized institutions in the international arena."
A. Abbasbayli also spoke about the gaps filled by STM:
"In previous periods, there were several institutions conducting social research. The demand of the modern era is that social research should be conducted, and citizens' opinions in various fields, be it social, economic, or political, should be studied. This stood before our state as a very important and urgent task. Previous social research centers and survey centers carried out certain work, but the work was not conducted at a fully professional level. The research served the interests of individual centers. This was particularly evident in economic matters. In accordance with a company's order to study public opinion on a certain issue, they would produce results that aligned with its interests. During elections, individual social research centers would present results that aligned with the interests of specific political parties and leaders. This led to very serious dissatisfaction. Clear unprofessionalism and bias were evident. STM, as a structure under the state and serving the state, was a very significant step. Citizens' opinions should be studied on any matter. STM was able to fill the gap that existed 7 years ago. It was an important step from the perspective of studying citizens' opinions. It was an important message in demonstrating that citizens' voices are decisive in all matters of the country. We can also say that STM has been a very magnificent step in terms of establishing citizen-state or business relations in state governance."
