Russia and Uzbekistan Discuss Opening a Branch of the Kurchatov Institute

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Russia and Uzbekistan are expanding their strategic cooperation in the scientific sphere and are discussing the opening of a branch of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” in Uzbekistan. This was announced on 10 November by the president of the NRC, Mikhail Kovalchuk.

According to him, collaboration with the Uzbek side is developing dynamically and is based on strong historical ties. “Our contacts with Uzbekistan are very fruitful; we share common roots, which is highly significant. Everything that was done in the Soviet Union to establish science in Uzbekistan is highly valued by Uzbek scientists and the country’s leadership. We see that local authorities place great importance on developing scientific infrastructure and supporting researchers. This creates a strong potential for joint growth,” Kovalchuk noted, as reported by the Telegram channel Sputnik Uzbekistan.

He emphasized that Russian and Uzbek scientists are already actively cooperating in the field of genetics—particularly in viticulture, winemaking, and cotton cultivation. In addition, he stated, the parties have taken “all the main steps” to develop projects in the field of nuclear energy.

Kovalchuk recalled that the presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan, Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, recently signed a series of agreements, one of which aims to deepen cooperation with the Kurchatov Institute.

“This agreement lays the foundation for our collaboration. The Republic of Uzbekistan has joined our association based on megaproject facilities, granting Uzbek scientists access to this unique infrastructure. We are discussing the opening of our scientific branch, which will serve as a new tool for expanding joint activities, training personnel, and conducting collaborative research, thereby strengthening the global scientific standing of our countries,” the institute’s head stated.