Uzbekistan to Reform System of Scientific Training

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed a presentation of proposals aimed at improving the system of training scientific personnel and increasing the effectiveness of scientific activity.

The presentation noted that in recent years the country has been implementing large-scale reforms aimed at supporting science and enhancing its international competitiveness. As a result, scientific activity has increased, the number of publications in international journals has grown, and the share of research published in high-ranking journals has expanded.

At the same time, the need was emphasized to further improve the quality of scientific personnel training, strengthen the practical relevance of research, reinforce academic integrity principles, and enhance the management system of the scientific sector.

During the discussion, proposals were presented to introduce a new support system for researchers in priority areas, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, food security, medicine, water resources, new materials, and seismology.

In particular, it is proposed to increase doctoral scholarships in priority areas by 1.7 times and to allocate additional annual funding for the purchase of equipment and research reagents.

Special attention was given to strengthening the responsibility of academic supervisors. A system of incentives is proposed for successfully defended dissertations, taking into account the international scientific activity indicators of supervisors.

Among the key initiatives is also the reform of the Higher Attestation Commission and its integration into the system of the Academy of Sciences. It is planned to strengthen the responsibility of scientific councils and introduce a rating system for evaluating their performance.

The proposals include full digitalization of the process of awarding academic degrees. It is expected that, due to digitalization, the duration of certain stages of dissertation defense procedures will be reduced by 50%.

It is also proposed to abolish a number of excessive requirements related to the preparation of large volumes of printed documents, abstracts, and repeated dissertation discussions. According to the developers of the initiatives, this will reduce time and financial costs for researchers.

To strengthen the link between science and the real sector of the economy, it is proposed to introduce programs “Scientific Degree within a Project” and “Practical Doctorate.” These will allow obtaining a PhD degree within applied research projects implemented jointly with enterprises.

In addition, proposals were discussed to improve the system of financing and selection of scientific projects.

It is planned to involve international experts, introduce digital mechanisms for project evaluation, and increase transparency in the allocation of funds.

The presentation also raised issues of strengthening control over the quality of scientific research and compliance with academic ethics principles. It is proposed to create a unified digital monitoring system for scientists’ research activities and improve internal scientific control mechanisms. 

Following the presentation, the head of state emphasized the need for thorough refinement of the proposed initiatives and further improvement of the system for training scientific personnel and the scientific sphere in line with modern requirements. Relevant officials were given instructions.

Separately, the expansion of cooperation with Uzbek scientists working abroad was discussed. In particular, it was proposed to create a Scientific Advisory Council to develop recommendations for the advancement of science based on international experience and modern methodological standards.