TIIAME National Research University supports water resources management well beyond its main campus. Academic staff work directly with ministries, regional water authorities, international partners, and local communities to improve the skills of water professionals, strengthen decision-making, and promote sustainable use of water resources in practice. This work includes short training courses, national campaigns, regional workshops and joint projects with utilities and development partners.

1. Capacity-building for public water authorities

Training course for water workers in Karakalpakstan (advanced qualification)

A large-scale training course titled “Improving the qualifications of water workers in Karakalpakstan” was launched following a high-level video conference on 29 November 2023. The course was organized for about 350 employees of the Ministry of Water Management of the Republic of Karakalpakstan at the Karakalpak Institute of Agriculture and Agricultural Technologies.

A lecturer from TIIAME NRU, A. Suvanov, together with other invited experts, delivered classes on the rational use of water resources and reduction of water losses in agriculture. The three-day course concluded with final certification based on the knowledge gained, and active participants received certificates. Through this programme, TIIAME NRU directly contributed to strengthening the professional capacity of regional water management staff.

Mapathon on drinking water and sanitation access in Yangiyol district

On 24–26 November 2023, TIIAME NRU students took part in a national Mapathon devoted to water supply challenges. The event was organized jointly with the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozsuvtaminot JSC, and INHA University.

Around 120 student volunteers participated as a pilot group to collect up-to-date data on access to drinking water and sanitation in Yangiyol district. A team from TIIAME NRU (students of the Land Resources and Cadastre, Hydromelioration, and Ecology and Law faculties) contributed to mapping households and documenting service coverage. The resulting dataset supports utilities and local authorities in planning water supply improvements for the population.

2. National training for water managers through the School of Water Workers

Lectures on digital water metering and distribution (School of Water Workers)

In the context of climate change and growing water demand in agriculture, TIIAME NRU actively supports the School of Water Workers under the Ministry of Water Resources. On 31 July 2024, academic staff from the Department of Hydrology and Hydrogeology — Associate Professor D. Nazaraliev, Professor A. Fatkhulloev and Assistant J. Khamrokulov — delivered lectures for practitioners on:

“Improving the use of water metering and distribution devices in irrigation networks based on the use of information technology.”

During the training, participants received practical guidance on using digital technologies and mobile applications to control flow rates, monitor water distribution devices, and ensure reliable and timely water delivery to water users. The lecturers also provided recommendations on organizing water supply so that established volumes reach farmers without interruption, while measurement accuracy and speed are improved.

Through such sessions, TIIAME NRU helps water authorities and irrigation system operators modernise their practices and adopt data-driven water distribution.

3. Technology transfer via training and demonstration centres

Training and Research Center for Modern Water-Saving Technologies

In 2024, TIIAME NRU, together with the Xinjiang Tianye enterprise (People’s Republic of China), opened a Training and Research Center for Modern Water-Saving Technologies. The centre was established on the basis of the Hydraulics and Hydroinformatics Department.

Laboratory equipment for various water-saving technologies was installed, and technologies for designing and operating drip irrigation systems were put into operation. Training activities are implemented both in classrooms and on the Educational and Practical Experimental Zone, where field training and experimental plots covering 5 hectares are being developed under the auspices of Tianye.

These facilities serve as a practical platform where future engineers, practicing agronomists, and water specialists can see modern water-saving irrigation technologies in operation and learn how to design, manage, and maintain such systems in real field conditions.

Smart irrigation technology on the educational and experimental farm

Smart irrigation technology has been introduced on the fields of the TIIAME NRU educational and experimental farm. On these plots, cotton crops (including varieties treated with plasma) are irrigated under controlled conditions to test water-saving regimes and evaluate the effect of innovative treatments on plant growth.

Although located on university land, these plots function as a demonstration site for external visitors — including farmers, water specialists and partners — who can observe low-pressure drip systems, automated control, and other elements of efficient irrigation technology that are applicable on their own fields.

4. Regional knowledge exchange and professional development

Regional training on “Safety of Hydraulic Structures” (USAID Regional Water and Environment Project)
From 4 to 6 December 2024, Professor M. Bakiyev, Head of the Hydraulic Structures and Engineering Constructions Department, and Associate Professor D. Adjimuratov, PhD, participated in a regional training on “Safety of Hydraulic Structures” in Almaty, Kazakhstan, organised by the USAID Regional Water and Environment Project.

The training brought together participants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, including staff of higher education institutions, research institutes and reservoir operators. Experts from Turkmenistan joined online via Zoom. Over 11 modules, participants exchanged experience on dam safety assessment, monitoring and risk reduction.

During the same visit, TIIAME representatives held a round-table discussion at the TIIAME NRU branch in Almaty and donated more than ten textbooks and study guides from the Hydraulic Structures and Engineering Constructions Department to support the educational process. This activity strengthened regional cooperation and disseminated TIIAME’s educational materials to practitioners and students working with hydraulic structures and reservoirs across Central Asia.

Through targeted training courses, national campaigns, digital-technology workshops, demonstration centres, and regional professional development activities, TIIAME National Research University provides concrete off-campus support for water resources management. These initiatives directly assist water agencies, utilities, farmers, and reservoir managers in adopting modern, efficient and safe water management practices, and position the university as a key knowledge partner for sustainable water governance in Uzbekistan and the wider region.