Uzbekistan Expands Scientific Cooperation with the European Union under the Horizon Europe Program

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12–13 February 2026, a two-day conference on the Horizon Europe program was held in Tashkent, serving as a key platform to strengthen Uzbekistan’s strategic cooperation with the European Union in the fields of science and innovation.

The event was organized at the initiative of the national coordinator of the Horizon Europe program, with support from the European Commission’s Global Service Facility and the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan.

Hosted at Tashkent State Technical University, the conference brought together over 100 participants from across the country, including scientists and researchers, university representatives, industrial specialists, and government officials.

The first session focused on Horizon Europe’s 2026–2027 work programs, priority funding areas, thematic clusters, and international collaboration mechanisms. Participants emphasized that program participation provides not only financial opportunities but also represents a strategic step toward integration into the European research landscape.

Representatives of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan, specialists from the national Erasmus+ office, and industry-specific national coordinators also took part in the conference. European colleagues highlighted the principles of inclusive international cooperation and noted that researchers from Uzbekistan and Central Asia have the opportunity to participate in Horizon Europe projects and access funding.

The conference showcased successful international projects and highlighted the growing engagement of Uzbek research institutions in international consortia. The two-day event demonstrated the shared strategy of Uzbekistan and the EU, based on innovation-driven growth, mutual trust, and alignment of interests, aimed at long-term scientific collaboration.

Participation in Horizon Europe is intended to enhance the country’s scientific capacity, expand international research networks, facilitate technology transfer and commercialization of research results, support the development of young scientists, and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation will continue to support researchers, universities, and companies in effectively leveraging international funding opportunities and broadening global scientific collaboration.

Active participation of over 100 scientists and researchers from across Uzbekistan underscores the country’s firm commitment to international scientific platforms and its aspiration to make a meaningful contribution to global scientific progress.