Dr. Kushvar Mammadova is an accomplished scholar, educator, and expert in the field of food hygiene and safety with over two decades of academic and professional experience. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Hygiene and Food Safety at Azerbaijan State Agricultural University (ADAU), where she has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and capacity building in food safety and veterinary public health.
She earned her PhD in Food Hygiene, Safety, and Technology from Atatürk University in Turkiye, where her doctoral research focused on critical aspects of food hygiene and the assessment of food safety risks. Her academic background and international exposure have provided her with a strong foundation in food microbiology, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems, and the control of foodborne pathogens, areas in which she has built her reputation as a recognized expert.
Dr. Mammadova’s research interests encompass a wide spectrum of food safety challenges, including the detection and control of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli, as well as the development of ecological and veterinary-sanitary assessments of food products. She has also devoted considerable attention to the practical application of HACCP systems and food safety management standards, linking theoretical knowledge with hands-on solutions for the agri-food industry.
Over the course of her career, she has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, conference proceedings, textbooks and research articles addressing foodborne diseases, microbiological risks in dairy and poultry production, and sustainable approaches to food safety. Her work is frequently cited in the areas of foodborne epidemiology, food safety management, and One Health approaches, reflecting her contributions to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical methodologies.
In addition to her academic research, Dr. Mammadova has played an active role in international research and development projects. She has served as a coordinator, researcher, and expert in projects funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, EuropeAid, and the World Bank, among others. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Erasmus+ UniClaD project has provided opportunities to engage in collaborative research and capacity building across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Through these activities, she has contributed to the enhancement of food safety systems, curriculum development, and the professional training of young researchers and industry specialists.
Her international engagement includes academic visits, training programs, and research stays in countries such as Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, and Turkiye. These experiences have enriched her global perspective and reinforced her commitment to integrating international best practices into the Azerbaijani context.
Beyond her research and project work, Dr. Mammadova is a dedicated educator, having taught courses in food hygiene, food microbiology, veterinary-sanitary expertise, and food safety management systems. She has supervised undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, research, and the food industry. Her teaching is informed by her research and professional expertise, ensuring that her students gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
Dr. Mammadova’s professional contributions extend to the field of food safety auditing and consulting, where she has applied her expertise to evaluate and improve food production facilities, ensuring compliance with HACCP standards and international food safety regulations. Her practical insights, combined with her academic knowledge, make her a highly valued advisor in the food industry.
She is also an active participant in the international academic community, frequently presenting her research at international conferences, workshops, and symposia. Her work has contributed to strengthening global awareness of the importance of food safety, zoonotic disease control, and the implementation of One Health approaches in addressing interconnected risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems.
Through her diverse academic, research, and professional activities, Dr. Kushvar Mammadova has established herself as one of the leading experts in food hygiene and safety in Azerbaijan. Her career is characterized by a commitment to advancing food safety science, improving food security, and training the next generation of specialists in this vital field. She continues to contribute actively to both national and international efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of food systems in a rapidly changing global environment.
