VEGERA project: "The improvement of energy efficiency in the building sector through the use of renewable raw materials from agroforestry systems"

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3552

The international project titled "Improvement of Energy Efficiency in the Building Sector through the Use of Renewable Raw Materials from Agroforestry Systems," in collaboration with Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, commenced its activities on August 1, 2021.

The total value of this grant, which spans from 2021 to 2024, is €620,000. The principal organization leading the project is the German Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), in partnership with the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers National Research University. Additionally, the Technical University of Berlin, the German Institute of Architecture - Natural Building Laboratory, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and several international organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), are actively contributing their expertise to the project. The coordinator of the VEGERA project in Uzbekistan is the rector of our university, Professor B.S. Mirzayev, who is effectively overseeing the implementation of project tasks in collaboration with the team.

Professor Martin Welp, an esteemed specialist with extensive experience in social and environmental changes in Central Asia, serves as an expert on international grants and projects. He is the coordinator of the VEGERA international grant and the Head of the International Master’s Program in Global Change Management at the "Socio-Economics and Communications" Department of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). On January 8, 2023, he visited the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers" National Research University.

During the event, the initial designs for the laboratory were presented by the team, which left our partner highly satisfied. Specialists from the Technical University of Berlin were also involved in this laboratory construction project. The purpose of establishing this laboratory is to create new educational pathways and develop innovative educational programs by leveraging the international experience of German higher education institutions within the Faculty of Hydrotechnical Construction.

Furthermore, during the meeting, Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development and "TIIAME" National Research University engaged in in-depth negotiations regarding the further development of cooperation in educational and scientific research, as well as the implementation of activities within the project framework.

We are optimistic that this international project will facilitate the exchange of expertise with German scientists related to a grant at the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers" National Research University, ultimately enhancing the quality of education for professors, educators, and the younger generation.

International collaboration on applied econometric analysis

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3594

From January 30 to February 3, 2023, a training course on practical econometric analysis was organized in collaboration with the International Scientific Center for Agricultural Development (ISCAD) under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Water Research Institute (IWMI), and Westminster International University (TWIU) in Tashkent.

To participate in this training, numerous applicants from various organizations throughout the Republic submitted applications, from which deserving candidates were selected. Among these candidates are three doctoral students from our University specializing in Agricultural Economics: Tosheva Maftuna Rustamovna, Yestekov Aktilek Uralkhanovich, and Shakhnoza Hamroeva (08.00.04), as well as one doctoral student specializing in Hydraulics and Engineering Hydrology: Davronjon Allayarov (05.09.07).

The objective of the training course is to enhance the existing capabilities of young scientists and economists/researchers in Uzbekistan in conducting quantitative research and analyzing economic and political processes, particularly through econometric analysis of socio-economic phenomena in the context of the agri-food sector's development. Currently, the university is working to strengthen the capacity of researchers to conduct reliable and transparent policy research and impact assessments within the agri-food sector and related areas. The training incorporates advanced statistical software, including STATA and R, and emphasizes practical and empirical analysis. The working languages for the training course are English and Uzbek.

International Collaboration on Renewable Energy

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3679

Bioenergy can significantly contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, while promoting climate objectives, food security, improved land use, and sustainable energy access for all. In alignment with these goals, Professor Tursunov Obid Bobokulovich from the Department of Power Supply and Renewable Energy Sources is currently at ITMO National Research University in St. Petersburg, Russia, to enhance international collaboration in the fields of agriculture, biotechnology, and bioenergy.

As part of this trip, the professor from the department will deliver lectures and practical classes in English on the course "Prospects for the Development of Bioenergy" for students, doctoral candidates, and researchers at the Megafaculty of Biotechnology and Cryogenic Systems, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Technologies, ITMO National Research University. Furthermore, there are plans to publish the results of the research conducted in collaboration with ITMO researchers in Q1-Q2 journals.

Professor O. Tursunov emphasized in his lectures that bioenergy is a significant component of the bioeconomy. He advocated for a shift in the approach to biomass production for food, bioenergy, and other purposes, from a singular end-use model to integrated production systems. The university professor's tour at ITMO National Research University is ongoing.

International cooperation on ‘‘Internal Quality Assurance’’
https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3776

It is important to note that, following the implementation of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 22, 2017, titled “On Measures to Implement the Project 'Strengthening the Material and Technical Base of Higher Educational Institutions,'” a project entitled “The Modernization of Higher Education in Uzbekistan” was launched in collaboration with the International Development Association and the World Bank, as well as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. This initiative involved the participation of six higher education institutions (HEIs). Within the framework of this project, several activities focused on ensuring quality in higher education have been carried out in cooperation with foreign experts from Shbeeman Consulting, specifically on the topic of "Internal and External Quality Assurance." As a result, positive outcomes have been achieved to date.

In the final phase of the project, a forum titled "Improving the Quality Assurance System in Higher Education" is scheduled to be held on March 31, 2023, at Tashkent State University of Economics. To participate in this forum, international consultant Professor Bastian Baumann, representing the World Bank project, traveled from Germany to Uzbekistan. He visited our university on March 28, 2023. It is an honor that NRU “TIIAME” is one of the selected higher educational institutions that successfully completed the piloting accreditation process as part of the project.

Our university's vice-rectors, Abdukhakim Salakhiddinov and Bakhtiyor Khudayorov, along with project participants Guzal Eshchanova and Farrukh Kattakulov, as well as representatives from other higher educational institutions, participated in a seminar-training led by Professor Bastian Baumann on "Improving Quality and International Accreditation in Higher Education."

 Joint International Conference on "Energy and resource-saving technologies: experiences and prospects"

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3898  

On April 14, 2023, the Faculty of "Electricity, Technosphere Safety and Ecology" at Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata, in collaboration with the Faculty of "Power Supply and Renewable Energy Sources" at our university, organized the V International Scientific and Practical Conference titled "Energy and Resource-Saving Technologies: Experiences and Prospects" via the Zoom platform. The conference featured researchers from our university and the host institutions, alongside leading scientists from various fields representing Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal, and approximately 15 other countries. Professor Obid Tursunov from the Faculty of "Power Supply and Renewable Energy Sources" at our university served as a keynote speaker, presenting on the topic "Biofuel Production from Biomass by Thermochemical Method."

A visit from a delegation of company leaders, experts, and scientists from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) to our university.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=4876

A delegation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), led by Nataliya Hermann, visited our university. The delegation included representatives from the German Association for Water Cooperation, Markus Vollmer, Head of the Sales Department at BIOWORKS Verfahrenstechnik GmbH, Marco Rosenthal, Head of the Supply Department at NIVUS GmbH, Anatoly Glyzhin, Technical Director of Megger Germany GmbH, and Lutz Jesco. Also present were the Heads of the German Water Partnership and ANK GIC, Janet Hendler, General Director of Ingenieurbüro für Maschinenbau, Maxim Potapov, Regional Manager at GmbH, Alimdzhanov Atabek, General Director of German Industry, along with project managers Alena Zaltsman, Diyora Madumarova, and Gulnara Halimbetova.

During the meeting, the company executives exchanged information regarding the equipment and technologies they develop. Notably, discussions focused on water purification technology, water chlorination technology, electricity, and the durability of water structures. An agreement was reached to establish a joint German-Uzbek center, which will facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation and showcase German equipment and technologies. The university management committed to creating the necessary conditions for the center.