Bakhtiyar Badalov is an international relations expert with extensive experience in higher education, research innovation, and global academic cooperation. He holds a PhD in International Relations from Baku State University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Lund University (Sweden), specializing in European Affairs. He currently serves as Head of the Research and Development Department at Azerbaijan Technical University, where he drives institutional research strategy, advances innovation ecosystems, and builds high-impact partnerships between academia, industry, and international stakeholders. In parallel, he contributes to academic excellence as a lecturer in Research Methods and Project Management, equipping the next generation of professionals with strong analytical and practical competencies. Badalov has played a pivotal role in expanding international engagement and strengthening the global positioning of higher education institutions. He has successfully led and delivered major international initiatives, including Erasmus+ and TEMPUS programs, demonstrating proven expertise in securing competitive funding, managing complex projects, and achieving measurable, high-value outcomes. He is also the coordinator of a European Commission-funded Jean Monnet Module, reinforcing his leadership in EU studies and academic project development.