LATEST NEWS

SECOND PROJECT MEETING HELD AT THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA

The second project meeting took place at UPV on 4–5 July 2017. The working sessions were attended by 38 participants from various educational institutions. Professor José Capilla gave a welcome speech. The official address was delivered by Professor Félix Francés, Director of the Research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering. On behalf of all participants, project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Maria Zheleva thanked the hosts for their efforts in organizing the two-day event.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the first key results of the project and ensure the smooth implementation of ACADEMICA by distributing the main tasks and responsibilities among the partners. The first working day focused on the national final reports of the member organizations from Central Asia. In addition, the main results of both the first evaluation report and the website evaluation report were presented. The expected results related to WP1 “Analysis, research and creation of a common body of knowledge” and the preparatory activities for WP2 “Development of the ACADEMICA educational pathway” were discussed on the second working day. Each participant received a certificate.

MONITORING OF ACADEMICA PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN TURKMENISTAN

On 25 May 2016, ACADEMICA project monitoring was held at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture. It was attended by Piia Heinämäki, representative of EACEA, and Aina Choreklieva, National Erasmus+ Coordinator in Turkmenistan. The project was presented by the project working group of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture — Ogulsona Gojayeva, Andrey Blinov, Juhanmurad Charyev, Kerimberdy Niyazmuhammedov and Ruslan Charyev — and by the project working group of the Turkmen State Institute of Finance — Shokhrat Byashimov, Guchgeldy Gutlyev and Gulshat Khudaiberdyeva. The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, an associate partner of the project, was represented by Maya Orazova and Ruslan Jumayev.

Participants reported on the work done since the start of the project. During the monitoring, views were exchanged on the relevance and necessity of such projects.

All participants noted that technological progress has affected all sectors of the economy. Modern ICT-based approaches and tools are used in industry, agriculture, the social sector and education.

MONITORING OF ACADEMICA PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AT SAMARKAND AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE, UZBEKISTAN

Monitoring of all ERASMUS+ projects at Samarkand Agricultural Institute (SAI) took place on 5 May 2016. The meeting was attended by Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan; Mr Kudraton Bakhodirov, expert of the National Office; Shavkat Gasanov, Head of the International Relations Department of SAI; Farkhod Akhrorov, National Coordinator of ERASMUS+ projects; Shukhrat Mardonov, ACADEMICA project manager; Professor Olim Murtazaev, IQAT project coordinator; Ibrokhim Ganiev, MIND project coordinator; and all members of the project working groups.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Shavkat Gasanov, Head of the International Relations Department. Then Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova spoke about achievements in the development of higher education and the implementation of Erasmus+ projects in Uzbekistan.

National Coordinator Farkhod Akhrorov gave a presentation on the overall management of Erasmus+/Tempus projects.

During the event, ACADEMICA project manager Shukhrat Mardonov presented more details on the project's goals, objectives and expected results, as well as the planned activities.

After the presentations, the project participants discussed how to ensure successful project results and summed up the monitoring.

MONITORING OF ACADEMICA PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AT TASHKENT UNIVERSITY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, UZBEKISTAN

Monitoring of the ACADEMICA project at Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) took place on 2 May 2016.

Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan, together with Mr Kudraton Bakhodirov, expert of the National Office, visited TUIT to discuss the progress of activities with project coordinator Mr Sabirjan Yusupov, other project participants and university students.

The official session began with a meeting with the Rector of TUIT, Mr Utkir Khamdamov, who stressed the importance of the EU-funded project for the overall modernization of the education system and development in Uzbekistan. Issues related to the activities and results of EU projects reflecting the real needs of the education system were discussed (updating and developing educational programmes, technical infrastructure, course content, etc.).

The goals and objectives of the monitoring were briefly presented by Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova. Then project coordinator Mr Sabirjan Yusupov, associate professor of the Information Security Department of TUIT, gave an overview of the ACADEMICA project's goals and objectives and reported on the work done and plans for the future.

All participants were invited to a round table to discuss the relevance of the project and current processes at the institutional level, activities carried out during the monitoring period, changes made to achieve better and more effective project results, management terms, etc. In conclusion, the results were summarized and comments were made.

KICK-OFF MEETING AT BURGAS FREE UNIVERSITY, BULGARIA

The kick-off meeting of the project “Accessibility and Harmonization of Higher Education in Central Asia through Curricula Modernization and Development” / ACADEMICA / No. 561553-EPP-1-2015-1-BG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP was held at Burgas Free University, Bulgaria, on 23–24 February 2016.

ACADEMICA is one of two projects coordinated by a Bulgarian institution that were selected for funding under Erasmus+ Key Action 2 “Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices” — “Capacity Building in Higher Education” — 2015.

The two-day meeting was attended by more than 40 delegates representing the institutions and organizations of the project consortium. Members of the governing body of Burgas Free University were invited to the official opening of the session. Project partners from 7 European countries (Bulgaria, Austria, Italy and Spain) and Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) presented their institutions and project teams.

At the very start of the working session, project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Maria Zheleva presented the programme, goals and objectives of the project and her work plan. Next, the main project coordinators (Mr José Capilla of UPV, Spain; Ms Michela Tramonti of UNIMARCONI, Italy; Mr René Wenzel of UPN, Austria; and Mr Anuarbek Kakabayev of KSU, Kazakhstan) reviewed the current state of the work packages, planned activities and tasks. Participants also discussed the state of higher education in engineering at each partner university. Another topic was the continued implementation of the Bologna Process and higher education reforms. The partnership agreement was reviewed along with financial and management matters. During the final session, the project working groups were brought together and a detailed to-do list was drawn up. The date of the next plenary project meeting was also set. Mr René Wenzel and Ms Maria Neycheva handed out a questionnaire to evaluate the results of the meeting. At the end of the meeting, each delegate received a certificate of attendance.

Project coordinator Ms Zheleva thanked the host organization for its excellent work and the participants for their active involvement.

EVENTS

SECOND ACADEMICA PROJECT MEETING

The second working group meeting will take place on 4–5 July at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. The focus will be on interim results, such as the results of the national reports of the Central Asian partner countries and preparation for Dev. 1.1, Dev. 1.2 and Dev. 1.3. The current state of all work packages, the work process itself and ways to improve it, as well as administrative, financial and management matters will be discussed. All partner institutions have confirmed their participation.

MEETING OF THE ACADEMICA PROJECT TEAM AT SAMARKAND AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL ERASMUS+ OFFICE, UZBEKISTAN

On 5 May 2016, monitoring of all ERASMUS+ projects was carried out at Samarkand Agricultural Institute (SAI).

During the meeting, the ACADEMICA project team of SAI, Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan, and Mr Kudraton Bakhodirov, expert of the National Office, discussed the accessibility of the project, the organization of work packages, difficulties in project management and the work process. National Coordinator Farkhod Akhrorov and SAI's ACADEMICA project manager Shukhrat Mardonov gave a detailed presentation on the main goals, objectives and expected results of the project.

MEETING OF THE ERASMUS+ OFFICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN WITH THE ACADEMICA PROJECT TEAM OF TASHKENT UNIVERSITY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

On 2 May 2016, Ms Aziza Abdurakhmanova, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan, together with Mr Kudraton Bakhodirov, expert of the National Office, visited Tashkent University of Information Technologies as part of the monitoring. During the visit, the Erasmus+ Office representatives discussed the progress of ACADEMICA project activities with project coordinator Mr Sabirjan Yusupov, other project participants and university students.

All participants took part in a round table discussing the relevance of the project at the institutional level, the activities carried out during the monitoring period, changes made to achieve better and more effective project results, and management conditions.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE ACADEMICA PROJECT

The first meeting of the international project “Accessibility and Harmonization of Higher Education in Central Asia through Curricula Modernization and Development” /ACADEMICA/ No. 561553-EPP-1-2015-1-BG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP was held on 23–24 February 2016 at Burgas Free University, Burgas, Bulgaria.

The project consortium consists of 7 European partner countries (Bulgaria, Austria, Italy and Spain) and Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). More than 40 delegates representing their institutions and organizations took part in the two-day meeting. Participants discussed the main goals of the project, financial and management matters, the distribution of tasks, and long-term and short-term objectives and expected results.

PROJECT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

“Accessibility and Harmonization of Higher Education in Central Asia through Curricula Modernization and Development” / ACADEMICA / is a three-year project funded by the European Commission under the ERASMUS+ programme, Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices. The project is implemented within the centralized action “Capacity Building in Higher Education” / CBHE / — 2015.

The project consortium brings together 15 organizations from seven European and Central Asian countries: Bulgaria, Austria, Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The motivation of the project is to bring together European higher education institutions with advanced developments, innovative teaching methods and rich international experience and higher education institutions from the Central Asian partner countries of Region 7 (in particular Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) that need the same developments, practices and experience.

ACADEMICA aims to promote the sharing of EU experience in science and technology. Its innovative character is expressed in:

1. The innovative ACADEMICA teaching methodology includes modern pedagogical approaches and content aimed at helping teachers acquire the key competences and skills needed for their active integration into the global digital teaching and learning space.
2. ICT-based educational opportunities: the project provides more flexible access to learning opportunities through ICT-based approaches;
3. Modernized university curricula in engineering integrating modern technology-based approaches and content.
4. Establishing a transnational system of cooperation between universities and business organizations to build the capacity of higher education institutions in the partner countries of Region 7 and achieve excellence by bringing together education, innovation and business.

The project is expected to deliver short-term and long-term benefits for higher education, business and society through:

• adoption of European educational standards beyond the EU's borders;
• promotion of the “education–business–society” concept;
• strengthening intercultural dialogue between the participating countries;
• provision of accessible and free educational resources;
• adoption of a common framework encouraging the exchange of experience and best practices gained through the joint work of experts in various fields from the EU and Central Asia.

The systematic approach of ACADEMICA is implemented through 5 interrelated work packages (WP):

• WP1 Analysis, research and creation of a common body of knowledge: this work package is aimed at a comparative analysis of higher education in engineering. It seeks to identify needs, gaps and areas for improving competences and skills in order to build the capacity of faculty in the partner countries in line with the requirements of the digital education era, educational standards and EU policy.
• WP2 Improving the quality of teaching under ACADEMICA: this work package is aimed at creating a modern technological learning environment and a methodology based on advanced approaches and content to improve the quality of university teaching.
• WP3 Quality assurance and evaluation: this WP covers internal evaluation of the project management process and its findings. Its main tasks are improving quality indicators, developing evaluation tools and monitoring procedures, and analysing and taking corrective action where necessary.
• WP4 Dissemination and exploitation: this work package is aimed at promoting the project through its results. It also seeks to maximize the impact of target group activities. In addition, WP4 is designed to ensure the sustainability of the project and the application of the accumulated experience and best practices.
• WP5 Project management: this work package ensures efficient and effective management of all planned activities within the estimated time frame to achieve the expected results in line with the available financial resources and rules.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

ACADEMICA seeks to contribute to the modernization and improvement of higher education in engineering in a number of Central Asian countries (Region 7), in particular Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, through alignment with European educational standards and experience in higher education.

ACADEMICA seeks to contribute to the modernization and improvement of higher education in science and technology in a number of Central Asian countries (Region 7), in particular Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, through:

• Alignment with European educational standards;
• EU achievements and experience in developing a modern learning environment;
• EU best practices and innovative teaching and learning methods based on modern ICT and open educational resources (OER).

The main objectives of the project are:

• Providing flexible access to higher education by creating modern learning environments at the participating higher education institutions;
• Improving the competence of university teachers in engineering through their active participation in the global digital educational space;
• Modernizing curricula in engineering by integrating innovative ICT- and OER-based teaching approaches.
• Developing a system of transnational cooperation between universities and business organizations from the EU and Central Asia (Region 7: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) to exchange experience and best practices.

Goals of the project are as follows:

1. To modernize higher education in engineering in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, it is necessary to:

integrate modern ICT-based approaches and tools in line with EU educational standards and policy and the national priorities of Central Asian countries;

create new approaches and ways to improve the university's capacity to serve the economy and society;

motivate the academic community through feedback from both the business world and learners.

1. To build human capital capacity through the acquisition of key e-skills and competences for the era of digital higher education, contributing to the recognition of online learning in business, of key e-skills and competences in digital higher education and of the effectiveness of e-learning in business and higher education, and by involving business to gather information on the need to improve curricula.
2. Promoting international and cross-sectoral knowledge and the exchange of experience by:

• organizing meetings of specialists in higher education, engineering and related fields from the EU and Central Asia (Region 7);
• sharing knowledge and accumulated experience and providing educational methods and innovative approaches based on open educational resources (OER).

TARGET GROUPS

In line with the project goals and expected results, the target groups include all direct and indirect users of the project results.

• Direct users: faculty in engineering and bachelor's or master's students in engineering programmes.
• Indirect users: local, regional and national authorities responsible for education policy; universities and higher education institutions of the partner countries; businesses, employers' associations, etc.

USERS

Creating a joint, accessible and successful system of transnational cooperation between universities and organizations at the international and cross-sectoral level will help disseminate the project results among target groups in the EU and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) at all levels.

Students will benefit directly from the system of transnational cooperation involving universities and organizations from the EU and Central Asia. As a result, students will be able to integrate successfully into a dynamic society and become sought-after on the labour market.

As for university teachers, ACADEMICA addresses the challenge of bridging the gap between “old” ways of accessing educational content (primarily printed books or photocopies) and more “flexible and up-to-date” teaching strategies (continuously updated content, open access, joint creation and sharing of resources between universities). Exchange programmes and curricula will contribute to the modernization and harmonization of university engineering curricula through mutually beneficial cooperation in curriculum reform, research cooperation and knowledge transfer, in line with the Bologna Process, the Lisbon Strategy and the Europe 2020 initiative — the Digital Agenda for Europe.

The expected impact of ACADEMICA on indirect users responsible for institutional development, the adoption of new learning strategies and support for university teachers and researchers lies in establishing international cooperation between universities of the EU and Central Asia for mutual benefit: improving educational outcomes, establishing long-term ties, and promoting dialogue and mutual understanding, which are essential for supporting a common EU–Central Asia educational space.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• The ACADEMICA development methodology is designed to help teachers master key competences and skills for their active involvement in the global digital educational space;
• A technological and educational environment provides flexible access to learning opportunities;
• Modernized engineering curricula promote the integration of modern ICT-based approaches and content;
• Establishing a transnational system of cooperation between universities and business organizations for research cooperation and knowledge transfer.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The ACADEMICA project is expected to bring great benefits. It is planned to develop a transnational system of cooperation between universities and organizations from EU member states and EU neighbouring countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) in terms of:

• curriculum reform;
• research cooperation;
• knowledge sharing;
• exchange of best practices.

All this will contribute to the accumulation of materials through various projects, research and innovation.

The impact and benefits of ACADEMICA will become more evident through sustainable results. The project is expected to increase access to higher education in Central Asia (in particular Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and to improve the quality of teaching and learning by integrating modern ICT-based pedagogical approaches and tools into university programmes.

This will help build academic capacity for the development of lifelong learning and the acquisition of key competences in line with the recommendations of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET2020) and the “New Skills for New Jobs” initiative.

PARTNERS

EU PARTNERS

Burgas Free University

Burgas Free University (BFU) is one of the first private universities in Bulgaria. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes in the humanities, law, social sciences and economics, as well as engineering and computer science. The university is certified under the international quality standard ISO 9001:2008. BFU is a modern and innovative institution with recognized capacity and experience in coordinating and implementing many research and educational projects at both national and international level. It has internationally recognized status and significant achievements in research.

One of BFU's priorities is improving the quality of training systems by developing innovative methods and procedures that take into account the demands of the labour market and business organizations.

The university's mission is to be a flexible, entrepreneurial and socially responsible higher education institution that trains specialists with the skills needed for successful professional careers and rapid growth in today's dynamic global environment.

Contact person: Maria Zheleva, mariaj@bfu.bg

Guglielmo Marconi University

Guglielmo Marconi University (UNIMARCONI) is the first Italian institution based on the “Open University” model. It was established in 2004 by the Ministry of University and Research as Italy's first open university, with the aim of disseminating knowledge through access to learning resources in Italy and worldwide.

UNIMARCONI uses innovative forms of learning and develops strategies to adopt the most advanced technological solutions, integrating communication tools such as e-learning, chats, forums, videoconferences and seminars. The Open University model is a driving force of the information society, with strategic functions in professional training, knowledge acquisition and the dissemination of digital culture.

Contact person: Michela Tramonti, m.tramonti@unimarconi.it

Polytechnic University of Valencia

UPV is a public higher education institution actively involved in international cooperation and mobility projects. It has more than 36,000 students and over 5,000 staff (faculty, researchers, administrative and support staff). According to international rankings (such as the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities), it is the leading technological university in Spain, offering 33 bachelor's, 73 master's and 28 doctoral programmes. Although UPV focuses mainly on engineering, it also has a Faculty of Fine Arts and a Faculty of Business Administration and Management. Every year UPV hosts up to 1,900 exchange students and sends about 1,600 students abroad under various academic mobility programmes. UPV is among the top 5 European universities for Erasmus student exchange. UPV has experience in managing European projects and participates in various programmes (FP7, Tempus, Alfa, Erasmus Mundus, US-Atlantis, LLP networks and multilateral projects such as Creative Europe, Erasmus+, etc.), as well as in international networks such as ANUIES, Magalhaes, Santander Group, CONAHEC, Carpe and SEFI.

Contact person: José Capilla, jcapilla@upv.es

FH JOANNEUM — University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria

FH JOANNEUM is one of Austria's leading universities of applied sciences, with three campuses in the province of Styria.

University departments:

• Applied Computer Sciences
• Engineering
• Health Studies
• Building, Energy and Society
• Media and Design
• Management

The university has already taken an active part in a large number of EU projects as coordinator and partner, and can therefore rely on many years of experience and highly qualified staff when it comes to EU projects.

Contact person: René Wenzel, Rene.Wenzel@fh-joanneum.at

KAZAKHSTAN PARTNERS

Shokan Ualikhanov Kokshetau State University

Shokan Ualikhanov Kokshetau State University is one of the leading regional universities in Northern Kazakhstan.

The university currently has 6 faculties and more than 500 faculty members. Students study in 54 programmes at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. The learning process follows the principles of the Bologna Process based on ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and university–industry relations. Faculty and students participate in international educational programmes such as DAAD, IREX, LOGO, TEMPUS, Erasmus Mundus, Bolashak, Erasmus+ KA1 and Erasmus+ KA2.

Since 2010, Shokan Ualikhanov KSU has been a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum (Bologna, Italy). According to the rating of the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Shokan Ualikhanov Kokshetau State University ranks twelfth among the country's multidisciplinary universities.

Contact person: Anuarbek Kakabayev, anuarka@mail.ru

International Information Technology University

The International Information Technology University (IITU) is a scientific and technological centre that gives the young generation professional knowledge and skills to build successful careers in national and international organizations and benefit the country. It offers 9 bachelor's, 4 master's and 2 doctoral programmes. The university also offers a double degree programme in the core professional fields of ICT, mathematical and computer modeling, radio engineering, electronics and telecommunications, business and finance, and digital journalism.

In 2013, IITU ranked 8th among the country's technical universities.

IITU has partnerships with 63 educational and non-governmental institutions worldwide.

As a modern, young, dynamic and creative university, IITU makes every effort and uses its strengths to become a leading university in information technology, communication research and applied development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Contact person: Gulnara Zakirova, gulzak@mail.ru

Abai Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University

Abai Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University has been providing education since 2000 using the credit system and distance learning, as well as full-time and part-time study, in 43 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across law, humanities and technology. Teaching is in Kazakh and Russian. The university cooperates internationally with European organizations in teaching and research. Its highly qualified faculty includes holders of master's and doctoral degrees.

The university has a modern learning environment: academic buildings, specialized laboratories and computer rooms, a modern computerized library, an upgraded corporate fibre-optic network and Wi-Fi across the campus. All students are provided with work placements, resulting in a fairly high graduate employment rate.

Contact person: Assel Kozakhmetova, bp_am@kuam.kz

Kostanay State Pedagogical Institute

The institute holds a state licence issued by the Committee for Control in Education and Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 5 October 2012 (with no expiry date) for 23 bachelor's programmes. All of the institute's programmes passed state attestation in 2015 and were certified by order of the Committee for Control in Education and Science.

In June 2014, Kostanay State Pedagogical Institute successfully passed the review of compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on education and the qualification requirements for licensing educational activities. The institute has 7 faculties: Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Physical Education, Tourism and Sport; Pedagogy and Psychology; Kazakh and Russian Philology; Foreign Languages; History and Arts; and Distance Learning. Teaching is organized across 13 departments. The credit system of teaching and learning is being actively implemented at all faculties.

Contact person: Mikhail Sukhov, sukhov-m@mail.ru

Kazakhstan Association for Engineering Education

The Kazakhstan Association for Engineering Education KAZSEE (the “Association”) is a non-profit association of legal entities. It is a form of business organization involving groups of private enterprises and non-profit organizations at the national level, aimed at coordinating cooperation in the development of engineering education in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Kazakhstan Association for Engineering Education KAZSEE carries out joint monitoring with the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE)and is a member of the European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI), the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Contact person: Aizhan Assylbekova, aizhan.assylbekova@mail.ru

Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the state body responsible for education, science, children's rights and youth policy.

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan operates in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, acts of the President and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other regulations. Its mission is to develop the nation's intellectual potential, to shape and implement state policy in education and science, and to ensure competitiveness and sustainable socio-economic growth.

Goals:

1. shaping a unified state policy in education and scientific and technical activities;
2. shaping a unified state youth policy;
3. creating the necessary conditions for obtaining education;
4. improving the organization of research and increasing its competitiveness;
5. Protecting rights and legitimate interests.

Contact person: Banu Narbekova, narbek17@mail.ru

PARTNERS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Samarkand Agricultural Institute (SAI)

Samarkand Agricultural Institute was founded in 1929 and is now one of the largest agricultural higher education institutions in Central Asia. It currently has 5 faculties — Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine, Zooengineering, Agricultural Management and Agricultural Engineering — covering 16 programmes.

The institute has trained many highly qualified specialists for various branches of agriculture in Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries.

Contact person: Farkhod Akhrorov, fahrorov@yahoo.com

Tashkent University of Information Technologies

Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) is the largest higher education institution in Central Asia in telecommunications and information systems. Founded in 1955, the university teaches through 6 faculties: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Telecommunication Technologies, Television Technologies, Economics and Management, and Vocational Education. TUIT has five regional branches in Samarkand, Fergana, Urgench, Karshi and Nukus.

Contact person: Sabirjan Yusupov, s.yusupov@tuit.uz

Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education

The Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established by Presidential Decree of 7 January 1990. The Regulations on the Ministry were approved by Resolution No. 341 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the active modernization of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan” of 20 July 2004.

Contact person: Maksudjon Khamraev, moliya@edu.uz

TURKMEN PARTNERS

Turkmen State Institute of Culture

The Turkmen State Institute of Culture was founded on 9 January 1992 by Decree of the President of Turkmenistan. It currently employs 160 teachers who teach general education, specialized and creative subjects. They include highly qualified specialists with PhD and doctoral degrees, associate professors, and People's Artists and writers of Turkmenistan. The institute has 3 faculties (Theatre Arts, Cultural Heritage, and Library and Museum Management), and 11 departments carry out teaching and educational work. The Turkmen State Institute of Culture has a special mission to build the cultural potential of the nation and its spiritual revival. Teaching is based on information technology and the study and preservation of the national cultural heritage. The institute is currently creating an electronic library to be included in the university inter-library network. It is equipped with multimedia equipment that motivates students to acquire quality knowledge.

Contact person: Ogulsona Gojayeva, ogulsonagodzhaeva@mail.ru

Turkmen State Institute of Finance

The Turkmen State Institute of Finance is one of the youngest higher education institutions of independent Turkmenistan. It was established by Decree of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on 8 July 2011 to provide high-quality training of specialists in finance in order to improve financial and economic management and to develop and implement the financial and economic strategy of a strong and prosperous state. The establishment of the institute is one of the notable examples of the reforms carried out in science and education. The institute's faculty face important tasks, including strengthening the country's economic power and, in particular, training specialists capable of strengthening the national banking and financial system. In accordance with the Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, the institute comprises 4 faculties (Finance, Accounting and Audit, Taxes and Taxation, and Banking) and 10 departments. The institute has a modern learning environment.

Contact person: Shokhrat Byashimov, byashimov.1985@mail.ru

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan was established on 20 March 2008. Its campus includes the main building, a second academic building, a dormitory and a sports complex. The institute trains specialists in international relations, international law, international economic relations and international journalism.

The institute teaches a range of disciplines such as the foundations of Turkmenistan's neutral policy, theory of international relations, foundations of diplomatic service, diplomatic protocol, diplomatic negotiations, international organizations, international law, etc.

Contact person: Maya Orazova, orazova.maya@bk.ru

Akmola Regional Branch of the Zhas Otan Youth Wing, Republic of Kazakhstan

The Zhas Otan Youth Wing is the leading youth organization of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The main goal of the Zhas Otan Youth Wing is to protect the interests of every young Kazakhstani aged 16 to 29 and to build a strong and authoritative organization capable of mobilizing young people. The organization was created on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and offers opportunities not available to other youth organizations. It promotes the development of human capital, better education, professional development and a healthy lifestyle as the basis for the success of every young Kazakhstani. The Zhas Otan branch in Akmola Region is represented by a regional chair and 19 leaders in 17 districts and 2 cities, which allows it to work not only in Kokshetau but in all districts of the region.

Contact person: Zhanargul Zhunusova, zhunusova09@mail.ru

CONTACTS

Burgas Free University

Address:

62 San Stefano St.

8001 Burgas, Bulgaria

Project coordinator:

Assoc. Prof. Maria Monova-Zheleva

email: mariaj@bfu.bg

phone: +359 56 900 404