Work continues on a three-year project funded by the Swiss Science Foundation under the leadership of Doctor of Biological Sciences Dilzara Agayeva, Head of the Department of Mycology and Lower Plants of the Institute of Botany, MSERA and Dr. Simone Prospero, Head of the Department of Forest Health and Biotic Interactions of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research.

In May, research fellow Dr. Carolina Cornejo and Postdoc Luiz Ever Vega Gabrera,  Swiss participants in the project, were guests of the Institute of Botany. The General Director of the Institute, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva met with the guests, provided extensive information about the Institute's areas of activity and the work carried out, and exchanged views on various issues. As a result of the efforts of the Institute's leadership, the laboratories have been equipped with important equipment and supplies.

The project participants extensively discussed the goals and objectives set for the first year according to the plan and carried out certain joint activities within three weeks. The aim of the project is to monitor tree-associated fungi and oomycetes in a number of forests in Azerbaijan. Samples have been collected from a number of trees and soils growing in areas with different climates and soil types in accordance with the protocol, and in the next stages, they are planned to be studied using classical and modern biological approaches.

In addition to these scientific goals, it is planned to establish a new laboratory to improve the level of mycological research in Azerbaijan and significantly increase the "know-how" and technical skills of young researchers, junior research employee Khadija Apbayeva and senior laboratory assistant Turana Hasanli, in the field of mycology.