The revocation of scientific titles and degrees is a rare but existing phenomenon in global practice. Historically, there are instances of scholars being stripped of their titles and privileges due to allegations of plagiarism, political stance, or activities against the state.
Modern.az presents an article on similar cases that occurred in the past, against the backdrop of preparations to strip Ramiz Mehdiyev, former head of the Presidential Administration and former president of ANAS, of his academic scientific title.
The pro-Armenian Soviet physicist, Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov was stripped of all state awards and academic privileges by a decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and exiled to the city of Gorky. He was rehabilitated only in 1986 by Mikhail Gorbachev.
Another Nobel laureate, American James Watson, is also considered among those stripped of scientific titles. He came to public attention in 2007 with a racist statement.
Following that comment, Watson lost his job at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and was removed from all administrative positions. Although he apologized, he lost his titles of Honorary Chancellor, Honorary Professor, and Honorary Trustee.
Cases of deprivation of scientific degrees also exist in Azerbaijan. The chairman of the Supreme Attestation Commission (SAC) under the President, Famil Mustafayev, announced in 2021 that a person whose plagiarism was confirmed had been stripped of their Doctor of Philosophy scientific degree. This was recorded as the first such decision in the history of the SAC.
On December 30, 2025, Aminagha Sadigov, acting rector of Sumgait State University and corresponding member of ANAS, was stripped of his professorship status. The reason for the decision has not been disclosed to the public.
Currently, similar discussions are being held around Ramiz Mehdiyev, former head of the Presidential Administration and former president of ANAS. Materials presented by investigative bodies state that he is accused of serious crimes. Information from the State Security Service alleges that the former official legalized a large amount of funds.
According to the Criminal Code, it is possible to revoke the ranks, honorary titles, and awards of persons convicted of serious or particularly serious crimes. In this regard, the fate of the honorary titles and awards received by Ramiz Mehdiyev at various times has come to the fore.
It is reported that the first steps in this direction have already been taken. The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences has announced that a meeting will be held to discuss the issue of stripping Ramiz Mehdiyev of his academic title. Additional information regarding the outcome of the decision is expected to be provided to the public.
