TIIAME National Research University is the leading specialised institution for water resources, irrigation and hydraulic engineering in Uzbekistan. The university provides a comprehensive ecosystem of formal education, practice-oriented training, lifelong learning and international cooperation in water resources management. These activities target not only undergraduate and postgraduate students, but also farmers, water-management practitioners, young researchers, public officials and international partners, thereby directly supporting the aims of SDG 6.5.1 – water management educational opportunities.

In addition to accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, TIIAME NRU organises national training initiatives such as the School of Water Workers, international summer schools, technical seminars, joint laboratories and field-based courses together with basin organisations, hydrometeorological services, irrigation agencies and global industry leaders. The examples below illustrate the breadth and depth of these educational opportunities in 2024.

1.    Formal higher education in water resources and related fields

TIIAME National Research University offers a range of educational programs and initiatives in water management, catering to both students and local communities. The university provides bachelor's and master's degree programs in fields such as Water Resources Management, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydromelioration, Hydrology and Hydroinformatics, and Environmental Protection. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address contemporary challenges in water management.

Students on these programmes study subjects such as hydrometry, surface-water and groundwater hydrology, engineering geology, irrigation and drainage, hydraulic structures, GIS and remote sensing for water, and water resources economics. In 2024, second-year students of these majors completed their field practice at the university’s Scientific–Educational Centre, where they applied their classroom knowledge to real measurements of flow, water level, groundwater, geological formations and engineering-geological conditions in support of practical water management tasks.

These formal programmes are systematically aligned with the needs of the national water sector and provide the foundation on which the university’s wider outreach and training activities are built.

2.    National outreach and lifelong learning: School of Water Workers

In addition to its formal degree programmes, TIIAME NRU works actively with local communities to strengthen capacity in the water sector. One of the most significant national initiatives in this area is the “Suvchilar maktabi” (“School of Water Workers”), launched on 29 May 2023 in partnership with Agrobank, the Ministry of Water Resources and TIIAME National Research University. The primary aim of this initiative is to upgrade the skills of farmers, water management specialists and young professionals, and to familiarise them with modern irrigation technologies, water-saving practices and digital management solutions. Within the framework of the School of Water Workers, participants are offered classroom-based theoretical courses, field-based practical trainings, expert consultations and access to learning materials via digital platforms, with activities gradually expanding across regions such as Fergana, Namangan, Andijan and others. Since its establishment in 2023, the initiative has already provided training to around 25,600 agricultural workers, 18,000 farmers and 6,400 mirabs (water managers) through mobile training courses delivered with the direct involvement of TIIAME NRU academic staff.

Since 2024, the project has entered its second phase, introducing several practice-oriented training streams across the country, including the “Designer (Loyihachi)” course for design engineers of contracting and construction organisations, as well as specialised programmes on efficient water use for farmers and agro-clusters. In 2024 alone, approximately 30,200 agricultural workers, 19,100 farmers and more than 10,400 mirabs have participated in these outreach and mobile training activities, many of which were taught by professors and lecturers from TIIAME NRU. These courses focus on integrating water-saving approaches into irrigation and amelioration project design, rational use of water resources, field moisture management, application of digital monitoring tools and improvement of land reclamation conditions. To support this large-scale initiative, TIIAME NRU academic staff have also developed more than 20 training manuals and methodological guidelines specifically tailored to the needs of practitioners in the water sector. Under the 2024–2030 concept, it is planned to deliver one-week certification courses each year for thousands of farms, and this systematic training process has already been launched step by step. Academic staff of TIIAME NRU play an active role in planning these courses, developing curricula and delivering both theoretical and practical sessions.

More information: https://suvchimaktabi.uz/

1.    Capacity building for academic staff in water management

In addition to student-focused programmes, TIIAME NRU also invests in strengthening the qualifications of academic staff in the field of water management. At the Sectoral Centre for Retraining and Advanced Training of Pedagogical Personnel under TIIAME National Research University, a total of 40 teachers in the “Water Management and Land Reclamation” specialisation upgraded their qualifications in 2025, with a target of 50 teachers in 2026. Since 2025, the centre has also invited 10 international lecturers from partner institutions in the United Kingdom, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, China and Turkmenistan to contribute to training courses. Modern teaching facilities support this work: three training rooms are equipped with interactive electronic boards, large-screen monitors, projectors, 24 internet-connected computers and demonstration units such as pump operation schemes and manipulators. These investments ensure that water-related education at TIIAME NRU is delivered with up-to-date methods and infrastructure, ultimately improving the capacity of future water professionals.

4.    Practice-oriented training and dual education with water-sector organisations

TIIAME NRU emphasises close integration between education, research and production through targeted visits, mobile lessons and joint training with sector organisations.

4.1 Practice-Oriented Training

In addition, under a cooperation agreement between the university and Uzbekgidroenergo JSC, theoretical and practical classes are organized for students of the Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering Construction at the company’s facilities.

In 2024, students of the Hydraulic Engineering Construction programme took part in special classes and field-based training at the design institutes of Uzbekgidroenergo JSC (Gidroproyekt, Ozsuvloyiha) and at major construction sites, including the Pskem and Lower Chatkal reservoirs and the Borijar canal.

4.2  Excursions and field practice at reservoirs and monitoring institutions

On 20 January 2024, an educational excursion titled “Amaliy safarning nazariy zafari” was organised to the Tashkent Reservoir for students specialising in water management. During the visit, Ellips company staff demonstrated the operation of the “Apache-3” acoustic flow-measurement device, while specialists from the Agency for Space Research and Technology explained how reservoir morphometric parameters are calculated using modern equipment and satellite data, achieving 90–95% accuracy based on surveys at 23 reservoirs. The aim was to develop students’ practical skills in using ultrasonic instruments and remote sensing data for reservoir surveys and water-resources management.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5381

On 16 April 2024, third-year students of Hydrology of Rivers and Reservoirs visited the Center of Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet). They learned about national systems for collecting, analysing and disseminating hydrometeorological and climate data, as well as the relevance of the course “Global climate and water supply” to practical forecasting and risk assessment.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6107

On November 7, 2024, a practical session on the course "Use of Hydropower Installations" was held at Akkavak Hydroelectric Power Station as part of the 5+1 program for fourth-year students majoring in "Hydropower Facilities in Irrigation Systems." During the practical session at the Ak-Kavak HPP, the students learned about the process of electricity generation at the hydroelectric power station. The equipment and devices at the HPP are highly complex, and it is crucial for specialists to possess deep knowledge and experience to ensure their reliable operation.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=7336

In March 2024, academic staff and international partners visited the Salar wastewater treatment plant, where they observed treatment processes and laboratory control of cleaning efficiency. The visit strengthened understanding of urban water and sanitation infrastructure and its role in environmental protection.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6008

4.1 Cooperation with Smart Solutions System and Gidroproyekt

On 14 February 2024, academic staff, doctoral students and young researchers from the Hydraulics and Hydroinformatics Department visited Smart Solutions System. The visit focused on automation and digital monitoring of water structures, pumping stations, hydraulic nodes and reservoirs, in line with national strategies (PF-6024 and PF-158) to modernise and digitalise water infrastructure. Participants discussed innovative automatic control and measurement solutions for water levels and discharge, and agreed on closer integration of university research and industrial applications.
 https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5679

On 2 May 2024, students of Geodesy and Geoinformatics attended a mobile lesson on Hydraulic Structures at the laboratory of JSC Gidroproyekt. They observed physical models used to assess the stability of planned dams and other structures and compared their classroom theoretical training with real research and testing facilities.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6294

Through such collaborations, students are systematically exposed to real-world infrastructure and modern monitoring and modelling approaches, bridging the gap between theory and practice in water management.

5.    Events and trainings on efficient water use and irrigation technologies

5.1 World Water Day and wetlands events

Fevruary-March 2024, TIIAME NRU organised several high-profile educational events:

A round-table dedicated to World Wetlands Day on 2 February discussed the Ramsar Convention, the role of wetlands, water-saving technologies in Uzbekistan and the classification of saline inland water bodies, involving university students, staff and national environmental institutions.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5500

A major World Water Day round-table was held with the Committee for the Development of the Aral Sea Region and Ecology of the Senate, the Youth Parliament, the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan and LLC Ecosuv. Discussions focused on increasing irrigation water utilisation efficiency to 90–95%, expanding drip and other water-saving technologies, improving groundwater assessment, and promoting the use of alternative water sources. A subsurface drip irrigation system and its experimental results were presented, and a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed, including a dedicated scholarship from Ecosuv for Ecology and Law students.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5793

An additional World Water Day event under the slogan “Water for Peace” on 15 March involved both chambers of the Oliy Majlis and the Ministry of Water Resources, highlighting global and national water challenges, climate change and the need to conserve water for future generations.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5871

On 13 March, a quiz on “Water for Peace” engaged Land Resources and Cadastre students in interactive learning about water scarcity, conflicts and cooperation.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5932

5.2 Seminars on water-saving irrigation and automation

On 12 March 2024, specialists from Netafim Ltd. (Tashkent) delivered a seminar titled “Time for Water” for staff and students of the Hydromelioration Faculty. They presented modern water-saving irrigation technologies and greenhouse solutions adapted to Uzbek conditions, discussed practical challenges in implementing these technologies under climate change and water scarcity, and agreed on further cooperation for student internships and joint projects.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5848

On 23 April 2024, a hybrid (online/offline) lecture on “Automatic system for determining and controlling soil moisture” was delivered by a lecturer from Tashkent State Technical University. Participants learned how automated soil moisture monitoring and irrigation control can reduce water and energy use in agriculture under water-scarce conditions and discussed testing such systems at the university’s courtyard and Educational and Experimental Farm.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6190

6.    Training and research centres and joint laboratories

6.1          Training and Research Center for Modern Water-Saving Technologies

TIIAME NRU has established a Training and Research Center for Modern Water-Saving Technologies in cooperation with Xinjiang Tianye (China). The centre, based in the Hydraulics and Hydroinformatics Department, is equipped with laboratory units for different water-saving systems and tools for designing drip irrigation. Under Tianye’s sponsorship, a 5-hectare educational and experimental field is being developed at the university’s Educational and Practical Farm, where students will conduct field training and experiments with modern irrigation technologies.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6000

6.2          China–Uzbekistan joint laboratory on climate change

In partnership with Lanzhou University, TIIAME NRU has launched a China–Uzbekistan Joint Laboratory for Climate Change Studies. The laboratory is equipped with a lidar, sun photometer, fine particulate matter sensors and a mini meteorological station, enabling advanced monitoring of atmospheric processes, dust storms and climate impacts on water resources. It supports high-quality education and research on climate and water, providing topics and data for theses, dissertations and joint scientific publications, and will soon be complemented by a branch in the Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6097

7.    International projects, summer schools and UNESCO Chair activities

TIIAME NRU actively engages in international projects and networks that include strong educational components in water management:

• Within the Horizon 2020 Hydro4U project, the university participates in the adaptation of eco-friendly small hydropower technologies to Central Asia. In 2024, the first ecologically sustainable small hydropower plant with fish-pass and nature-based fish protection was completed on the Koksu River (Shakhimardan). The demolition of a 3.5 m artificial waterfall that blocked fish migration, and the new hydropower plant, now serve as a live case study for teaching sustainable hydropower and river restoration.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6441

• In March 2024, an online international lecture on “Climate change and the importance of climate change mitigation” was organised within the VEGERA project in cooperation with Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (Germany) and the University of Fribourg. Students and staff learned about climate change in Central Asia, the human factor in emissions and the role of economics in mitigation, using interactive methods and questionnaires.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5931

• On 10 May 2024, the XXIII Scientific and Practical Conference of Young Scientists, Bachelor, Master and Gifted Students on “Modern problems of agriculture and water resources” included a dedicated section on improving reclamation of irrigated lands and introducing modern technologies for efficient water use. Students presented and defended their research in front of academic staff.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6395

• The UNESCO Chair on “Water Diplomacy, Water Resources Management and Environmental Protection” serves as a platform for advanced education and high-level dialogue. On 11 October 2024, the Chair hosted a meeting with Dr Mohamed A. Shehata Vahba, Honorary Vice President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and Mr Yateng Wu from Dayu Irrigation Group (China). The meeting introduced ICID’s educational activities, discussed challenges related to salinity and water quality in Uzbekistan and explored opportunities for joint pilot projects in water diplomacy and water-saving irrigation technologies.
• https://tiiame.uz/news?id=7024

Through such initiatives, TIIAME NRU positions itself as a regional hub for water diplomacy, climate adaptation and sustainable water management education.

8.    Student innovation, start-ups and international cooperation

TIIAME NRU also encourages student-led innovation in green and water-related technologies:

• The student team “Hydroleaders” participated in the “Green Start” programme within GIZ’s “Green Industrialisation in Uzbekistan” project. Out of 258 applications, two of their projects (“Smart panel” and “Air quality”) were selected as winners and received financial support, demonstrating strong student engagement in resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions, including better water and energy management.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5983

• A pre-competition promotional event for the “Smart Agriculture / Smart Irrigation” innovation competition, organised by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, UNDP and the Islamic Development Bank, was held at TIIAME NRU on 28 March 2024. It encouraged students, masters and young scientists to develop projects on smart agriculture and smart irrigation for improved water resources management.

https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5993