Dr. Ali Khalilov is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in the Chemistry Department at WashU, where he is part of Prof. Birman’s research group. His current project focuses on designing new self-complementary hydrogen-bonded arrays, exploring their potential as self-healing smart materials. While this research is still at an early stage, Dr. Khalilov’s collaboration with Prof. Birman dates back to 2014, when he made his first attempt to apply for a Fulbright Visiting Scholarship.
During the 2014–2015 academic year, Dr. Khalilov conducted postdoctoral research in the Sustainable Organic Chemistry group of Prof. Alberto Marinas at the University of Córdoba, Spain, supported by the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus Program. He later joined the Birman group in 2017–2018 for his first Fulbright research stay, working on a molecular muscle project based on phenazine-based redox-responsive molecular switches. The initial outcomes of that project, to which Dr. Khalilov contributed, were published in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society. Following his departure from the research group, the project was further developed by other members, leading to additional publications in other high-impact journals and laying the foundation for ongoing research on hydrogen-bonded arrays.
Dr. Khalilov believes that science has no homeland and belongs to all of humanity. He emphasizes that knowledge grows through sharing and collaboration, which not only advances research but also strengthens understanding and friendships across cultures. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, many of which were produced through international collaborations, he views programs like Fulbright as essential for fostering global academic exchange.
This year, as the Fulbright Program celebrates its 80th anniversary, Dr. Khalilov reflects on the immeasurable impact it has had on the world. He is especially honored to be among the researchers who have been awarded this highly competitive program twice. Most recently, he participated in the Fall 2025 Colorado Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Seminar, hosted by Colorado State University, where he engaged with scholars from over 60 countries, exchanging ideas, building professional networks, and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.
In addition to his research, Dr. Khalilov is an educator. Since 2022, he has served as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), and prior to that, he spent more than 20 years contributing to research and teaching at his alma mater, Baku State University. He is also a Managing Editor for the UNEC Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, an international journal that has just begun making its mark by achieving Scopus indexing in the Q2 quartile. He strives to inspire young scientists, encouraging their participation in international programs and supporting their academic growth. As a member of the U.S.-Educated Azerbaijani Alumni Association (AAA), he shares his experiences with new applicants and takes pride in mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Dr. Khalilov considers his time at WashU invaluable, believing it will strengthen UNEC’s scientific environment, support its goal of joining the world’s top universities, and allow him to transfer knowledge and experience to future scientists. He feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to conduct research at one of the world’s leading universities through Fulbright—an honor, distinction, and privilege that any researcher could aspire to achieve!