Italia-Uzbekistan, the 10 joint scientific projects co-funded by Mur presented at the Rectors' Forum

Italia and Uzbekistan are strengthening academic and scientific cooperation with ten new joint research projects, presented today in Rome during the second Italian-Uzbek Higher Education Forum and co-funded by the two countries with one million euro each. From the sustainable management of water resources in Central Asian cities to quantum technologies for cryptography, from biomaterials for bone regeneration to digital solutions for agrifood traceability: the selected projects cover strategic areas for sustainable development, technological innovation and the strengthening of skills in the two university systems, with a focus on applied research and technology transfer.

The initiatives were selected in a joint call promoted by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Selected from over 160 proposals, they were presented today during the second Italian-Uzbekistan Higher Education Forum, organised by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) in cooperation with the MUR, the University of Roma Tre and the Uzbek Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. "The strengthening of cooperation between Italia and Uzbekistan," explained Minister Bernini, "also passes through university and research. Academic cooperation not only networks skills and enhances them in joint projects, but also creates stable relations between universities, researchers and territories. This means strengthening the internationalisation of our universities, training new professionals and generating innovation capable of producing concrete development for both countries'.

The event falls within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between Italia and Uzbekistan, signed in Rome on 8 June 2023 by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and implements the Memorandum of Understanding signed in the same year to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation, fostering the internationalisation of universities and the creation of joint educational paths.On the sidelines of the Forum, the Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, Kongratbay Sharipov, to define the next lines of cooperation between the two university systems.