An international conference entitled "Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability" started in Azerbaijan`s capital on Sunday.
Chairman of the conference is President of International Society of Photosynthesis Research of the United Kingdom James Barber.
A member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Jalal Aliyev is an honorary chairman of the conference.
The co-chairmen of the conference are President of International Association for Hydrogen Energy Nejat Veziroglu and Gary Brudvig from the USA.
The conference brings together about 260 participants from 40 countries.
Opening the ceremony, Barber thanked Azerbaijani government for hosting such event. He underlined participants get opportunity to familiarize themselves with ancient history, culture, national customs and traditions of Azerbaijan.
"Photosynthesis has large-scale and deep history. Each researcher participating in the conference has a share in the investigation of photosynthesis. Our main goal is to solve population`s food problems," Barber said.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan, academician Ali Abbasov said that nowadays the three problems are the ones the world is concerned of: energy, food and environmental security. He stressed politicians, economists, scientists search for the ways of their solution.
"Approximately 80 % of energy demands are supplied at the expense of hydrocarbon reserves. Everyone knows, energy prices are increasing continuously, but resources are limited. Use of alternative energy, especially solar energy, as well as production of bioenergy with the help of biotechnologies on the basis of photosynthesis are hopeful directions, "Abbasov said.
The conference specially stressed the approval of the "National Strategy on Science Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2015" is an evidence of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev`s attention and care. France`s William Rutherford, the US`s Bob Blankenship and Russian Suleyman Allahverdiev made speeches at the opening ceremony.
The conference, which will culminate on Saturday, features discussions on all areas of photosynthesis, as well as getting hydrogen and artificial photosynthesis.
The conference`s materials will be published in the special editions of journals "Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (Bioenergetics)" and "Journal of Hydrogen Energy".
Plenary sessions feature reports and exchange of views.

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