International Roundtable of CIS Nuclear Energy Veterans Held in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The XI International Conference “Contemporary Issues of Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Technologies” took place in Tashkent.

A key event was the roundtable of the Interregional Union of Veterans of Nuclear Energy and Industry (MSVANEP), which brought together representatives from the CIS and European countries. Participants discussed the development of nuclear infrastructure, workforce training, public outreach, safe management of radioactive waste, and remediation of accumulated environmental damage.

The conference coincided with the 80th anniversary of the birth of prominent Uzbek scientist, academician Behzod Yuldashev, a pioneer of nuclear science in Uzbekistan. Yuldashev was not only a renowned physicist but also a mentor, having established a school of young researchers, many of whom now represent Uzbekistan internationally.

As part of the conference, a monument to Yuldashev was unveiled at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences (INP), and a book titled “The Man Who Conquered Particles” was presented, chronicling his life and scientific legacy. “The book compiles memories from friends, colleagues, and students of Academician Yuldashev. His dozens of monographs and hundreds of articles continue to inspire new generations of researchers,” noted INP Director Ilham Sadikov.

Vitaly Lebedenko, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of MSVANEP, welcomed the attending nuclear scientists and emphasized the significance of the event in light of several anniversaries. “It is symbolic that our conference coincides with both the anniversary of Academician Yuldashev and the development of the nuclear industry to which he contributed. This year also marks 15 years of our Union, which now unites over 30 veteran organizations from 17 countries and continues to grow internationally,” he said.

Speakers highlighted the nuclear sector’s role in economic growth, energy security, space exploration, Arctic development, medicine, and global science. They stressed that countries investing in nuclear technology secure long-term energy independence, whereas opting out often leads to economic challenges and reliance on external energy suppliers. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have already begun constructing modern nuclear power plants, opening new regional prospects.

Roundtable discussions emphasized that advancement in nuclear technologies depends on workforce development and public education. Uzbekistan presented initiatives at the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI and outreach programs at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, including student lectures, tours, and educational activities.

Experts from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia covered a wide range of topics, from modern approaches to radioactive waste management to the role of nuclear technologies in medicine and environmental protection.

Veterans were honored with commemorative medals marking “80 Years of the Russian Nuclear Industry” and “15 Years of MSVANEP,” awarded to INP Director Ilham Sadikov, Professor Manop Tashmetov, Professor Sapar Baytelesov, and Professor Bakhtiyar Kurbanov.

The conference demonstrated Uzbekistan’s growing role as a regional hub for dialogue on safe nuclear energy use and training world-class specialists. The XI International Conference runs from October 13 to 16, featuring plenary sessions, visits to the Institute of Nuclear Physics and Tashkent branch of MEPhI, cultural events, and meetings with young scientists, contributing to international scientific collaboration and promotion of safe nuclear technologies in the region.